Tha'Irat Women's Self-Help
Barelias, Lebanon

In the Bekaa Valley, there are Syrian and Palestinian refugees, Lebanese people, and members of Bedouin tribes. Refugees and Bedouins, in particular, suffer from poverty, stigma, and increasing food insecurity. Cuisine sans frontières works to bring these different communities together and promotes dialogue and mutual exchange.

In the town of Bar Elias, near the Syrian border, Cuisine sans frontières supports the community kitchen of the organization Great Oven. Every day, 300 meals are distributed to the most vulnerable members of the community. A weekly women’s lunch table provides a safe space where women from different groups come together to cook, eat, and discuss topics like nutrition and emotional well-being. This fosters community building and strengthens the women.

"Tha’irat" – a community kitchen in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon – is a project of Cuisine sans frontières that prepares 300 meals daily for people in need. Since the outbreak of the war, the project has been reoriented towards emergency aid to support the communities most affected.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Nour and Rawda, the project has been expanded: in addition to the daily meals, 200 mattresses, blankets, and winter clothing were distributed to needy families during the war months.

However, even after the war, the people continue to suffer from the ongoing economic crisis and growing food insecurity.

• The situation remains tense for the people in Bar Elias. Many cannot return to their hometowns because over 37 villages have been completely destroyed and lack basic infrastructure. The Bekaa Valley has become a refuge for those fleeing from the devastated regions in the south. Currently, it is also a transit point for people wanting to visit their families in Syria. 

• Tensions and conflicts often arise between the communities. Refugees and Bedouins – especially women – suffer the most from the high food prices. Cuisine sans frontières brings the different communities together, provides daily meals, and creates a space for women from various backgrounds.

• Once a week, a women’s lunch table is organized. Women from different communities cook and eat together, complemented by a weekly theme such as domestic violence, nutrition, or mental health. In this safe space, tabooed topics are openly discussed.

Together against suffering – Your help is needed

The ongoing crises in Lebanon require swift and targeted support. Cuisine sans frontières stands with its partners by the people of Lebanon and provides assistance where it is most needed. The teams on the ground, especially the women around Nour, and Rawda, work tirelessly every day to ensure that people in crisis areas are provided for.

We stand by our project partners in this challenging situation and thank everyone who contributes with their donations and support to ensure that this vital work can continue.