Dear friends and family. I am reaching out to you for support for my good friend Fadi , fondly referred to as "911". Fadi was an indispensable colleague throughout my work managing a bomb disposal project in South Lebanon between 2010 and 2012 for Fondation Suisse de Deminage (FSD). Although his official role was logistics, Fadi went far beyond, providing round-the-clock assistance, solving problems no matter the hour, and earning the nickname "911 my 4th emergency service".

He ensured my safety and security, arranged travel and accommodation, guided me on cultural and political matters, supplied me with cigarettes and even attempted to teach me French. During the tumultuous Arab Spring of 2011, Fadi's resourcefulness was crucial. I was tasked with setting up a project in Libya and Fadi organized our journey into the country from Egypt, securing permission from the embassy in Cairo (amidst mass demonstrations in Tahrir Square). He arranged our transportation, got us through security checkpoints, and through the crowds of refugees once inside Libya. On that first trip, Fadi and I located a site for a clearance project in Tobruk - at a partly destroyed ammunition depot - and established the vital contacts needed to enable us to return and ultimately set up local Battle Area Clearance teams.

Without Fadi’s unwavering support none of this would have been possible.

Over a decade later, Fadi and his family find themselves at the heart of Lebanon's latest conflict. Fadi’s village suffered severe damage in late 2024 and has been under constant attack since, most recently forcing him and his elderly parents to seek refuge in Beirut. Fortunately, Fadi’s wife and son, are safe in Morocco, but he remains in Lebanon caring for his parents. Without ties to a political party and with no source of income, Fadi depends on the assistance of local NGOs and charities. Over the years my wife and I have provided financial support to Fadi for his medical needs via Western Union which remains operational for sending remittances to Lebanon.

All the funds raised via this appeal will be sent directly to Fadi with any surplus funds used to aid others in his family and local community, ensuring that help reaches those most in need during this ongoing crisis. Thank you in advance for your kind support Zak.