Information on resources and crisis intake forms for U.S. citizens in Lebanon can be found here.
Some 55,000 people living in Texas are of Lebanese descent. Indeed, an unknown number of Texans make their way back to Lebanon each year to reconnect with family and friends – and for business, too.
But as fighting between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah has intensified – with civilian casualties mounting, especially in Beirut and southern Lebanon – teams with the U.S. State Department are trying to get out a message to U.S. citizens there that help is available.
Angela Kerwin, the deputy assistant secretary for Overseas Citizen Services, joined Texas Standard to discuss how listeners can get the word out and what help is being offered.
What assistance is available for U.S. citizens to leave Lebanon?
Kerwin says the U.S. State Department is offering U.S. citizens assistance in three ways:
• Connecting with commercially available flights running through Middle East Airlines, the primary carrier out of Lebanon.
• Putting on some extra flights to ensure greater seating capacity for U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who’d like to depart.
• Offering short-term emergency loans for those who want to stay in the country but move to a safer area.
“Our whole goal here throughout the entire event is to get American citizens from a place of danger to a place of safety,” Kerwin said.
What about those who want to travel to Lebanon?
Kerwin says the U.S. State Department is advising U.S. citizens not to travel to Lebanon, and those who are in the country are advised to leave to the extent that they can.
She also emphasizes that even those with strong ties to Lebanon – who may have good contacts or know the local culture – still heed the warnings.
“We like to emphasize at this time, it doesn’t matter if you speak the language, if you’re very comfortable in Lebanon. It is a dangerous time,” Kerwin said. “And we really would prefer that you not go there. And that’s why we are at level four – highest level. Do not travel: that’s our recommendation.”
Is the U.S. State Department working with the Lebanese government in these efforts?
Despite articles that suggest the government of Lebanon is missing amid rocket exchanges in Beirut, Kerwin says the U.S. embassy remains open for business and that the U.S. ambassador is in touch with the Lebanese government on a daily basis.
That includes working closely with Middle East Airlines, which is backed by the Lebanese government.
“Our goal here is to assist U.S. citizens, give them options and help them effectuate those options. And we’ll be working every day, and we’ll be open on the weekends,” Kerwin said. “And here in Washington, we’re supporting this effort 24/7, and we have been for over over a week now.”
What about those who may be hesitant to leave family or loved ones?
U.S. citizens with family or loved ones in Lebanon may be hesitant to leave, and Kerwin says the decision on what’s best for them and their family is ultimately their choice.
Still, the U.S. State Department has options, such as the emergency loans, for those who wish to move to safer locations.
“We want to encourage those U.S. citizens to be in as safe location as they can be,” Kerwin said.
