With every crisis that hits Lebanon, it is the community and the NGOs that mobilize their efforts nationwide, to support those affected. The spirit of giving back to the community and supporting individuals and families in need across Lebanon, has always been there… but even more prevalent following the economic crisis, Beirut blast and now, the ongoing war.
One initiative, Laba3ed, a platform for direct humanitarian aid, emerged after the escalation of conflict and destruction across Lebanon, led by Lebanon’s tech community. We spoke with Abbas Borji (AB), Co-Founder & CEO at Zaker, who are powering this initiative, to learn more about Laba3ed and how the Lebanese community can support one another.
BDD: How did the idea for Laba3ed come about? How long has it been active for?
AB: The idea for Laba3ed emerged from a strong desire to help those most affected by the ongoing war in Lebanon. Adam Abou Zeid, a computer science student at LAU, witnessed the humanitarian crisis unfold and felt compelled to take action. On October 1, 2024, Laba3ed was launched as a platform to connect those in need with those who care, providing food, shelter, clothing, medicine, and more.
What started as a response to the war is now envisioned as a long-term solution to continue supporting people in need, even after the crisis ends. Within a week, the team at Zaker, along with Adam, Dr. Wissam Fawaz, and Lara Wehbe, joined forces to scale the initiative, leveraging technology to expand its impact. Today, just 17 days after launch, Laba3ed is actively helping displaced individuals connect with donors willing to offer support.
BDD: What is the role of the Lebanese tech community in bringing this initiative to life? How are you collaborating?
AB: The Lebanese tech community has played an instrumental role in bringing Laba3ed to life. After Zaker, Dr. Wissam Fawaz, and Lara Wehbe teamed up with Adam, more members of the tech community rallied behind the initiative. A recent collaboration with Wakilni, a fast and reliable courier service, will enable Laba3ed to offer efficient delivery of donations to those in need. The open-source nature of the project invites developers from all corners of the Lebanese tech scene to contribute and scale the platform, creating a collective effort to support Lebanon.
BDD: How do you verify the requests coming in from individuals in need of support?
AB: Currently, Laba3ed relies on a team of human moderators to manually verify requests from individuals in need. While this process ensures each request is genuine, we understand the importance of scaling our efforts. That’s why we are working on automating the moderation process, aiming to make it both more efficient and capable of handling the growing number of requests.
BDD: What are the most common types of requests received?
AB: The requests we receive are varied but reflect the urgent needs of those affected by the crisis. Many ask for life-saving medicine, food to sustain their families, and essentials like clothing or shelter. Each request is a reminder of how crucial it is for us to continue connecting those in need with those who can help.
BDD: How has the community been responding to the requests? Have you been able to help a wide margin of people from across Lebanon?
AB: The community response has been heartening. Since raising awareness about Laba3ed, displaced individuals are increasingly posting their needs, and donors are stepping forward to offer assistance. We are now focusing on mobilizing resources from donors and NGOs to ensure that those posting on the platform receive the support they desperately need. Our next step is to train volunteers to expand outreach efforts, bringing even more aid to people across Lebanon.
BDD: How can community members/individuals help?
AB: There are several ways to contribute to Laba3ed:
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- Donors and NGOs: Donate food, medicine, clothing, or provide shelter directly to those in need.
- Developers: Join us in scaling Laba3ed by contributing to our open-source platform.
- People in need: Post requests for any urgent necessities on the platform, and we will help connect you with donors.
BDD: What message do you have for the Lebanese community, both in Lebanon and abroad?
AB: To the Lebanese community, both near and far: Together, we can make a difference. By supporting Laba3ed, we show solidarity with Lebanon during this difficult time. Whether through donations, technical support, or spreading the word, every bit helps. Lebanon will rise again, and with your help, we can ensure that no one is left behind.
To contribute to the initiative or help spread awareness, visit Laba3ed. Every single action can help.
