The destructive explosion ripped off the map a huge part of the city, killing at least 200 people, injuring more than 5,000 and resulting in 300,000 displaced families and more than 100 people missing.
“The situation is catastrophic for the Lebanese people already suffering from a collapsing economy. We ask you to pray for Lebanon, and we shall keep our hope that Lebanon will rise again,” says François Saade, the President of the Lebanese Judo Federation.
The Federation itself was also affected. Among many others, executive board member and head of the technical committee, Antoine Asbo and his brother, Abdo Asbo, a continental referee, were wounded and lost their homes and belongings. Other judoka living in and around Beirut were affected by damage to their property. Some judo clubs were destroyed and will need a lot of work to reopen.
Immediately after the blast, the president and the general secretary of the federation, along with a group of around 50 volunteers visited the most affected areas, armed with shovels and brooms. They laboured to clear away the shattered glass of the broken windows, securing metal frames, moving broken furniture, and relocating what was still usable.
"Our judoka were so determined to help. Some of them, even young children, insisted on doing the heavy lifting. Our team of volunteers showed that the judo values are so important, demonstrating their courage, friendship, modesty and courtesy. They delivered a strong Judo for Peace message, standing side by side with their affected brothers and sisters from Beirut,” said President Saade.
The boys and girls had only one question on the way home, “What else can we do to help?"