Nourishing Beirut’s Children: Aphelion’s Food for Children Day

The streets of Beirut carry stories of resilience of communities rebuilding, of families finding strength and of children holding onto hope. But for many, daily survival remains a challenge, especially for orphans, children with special needs, and those impacted by hardship.

A Meeting Born from Tragedy

It was in this broken yet resilient Beirut that Leo, chairman of Stichting Aphelion, first met Bilal Fawzi Zibara in 2024. Introduced through the Syndicate of Personal Artists of Lebanon, Leo found himself face-to-face with someone who had turned loss into purpose.

Bilal, a respected media producer, had shifted his focus entirely toward supporting children affected by war, economic collapse, and the explosion of bombs. His mission? To provide food, care, and stability to those who had lost everything, particularly orphans and children with special needs for many of whom were already struggling long before the blast.

What began as an introduction quickly turned into a partnership built on shared purpose. Both Leo and Bilal believed that true giving knows no boundaries and that healing a city starts with nourishing its children.

A Lenten Offering: Feeding 600 Children in Beirut

Now, in March 2025, that first meeting has transformed into action. As part of Aphelion Food for Children Day, Stichting Aphelion, in collaboration with Bilal Fawzi Zibara, provided 600 Christian and Muslim children including orphans and children with special needs with warm, nourishing meals in Beirut.

Lent alongside Ramadan is a season of self-reflection, and renewal. For many of these children, in a war torn city, it is a time that is still marked by uncertainty and struggle. Through this initiative, we turned adversity into strength, ensuring that these children received not only food but also a moment of care, dignity, and reassurance, a reminder that they are seen, they are valued, and they are not alone.

Beyond a Meal: A Lifeline of Support

For children with disabilities, the need for consistent care and resources is even more critical. Many of these children require specialized nutrition and medical attention, but in a country facing severe economic hardship, resources are scarce. Through our partnership with Bilal, we ensured that these meals reached the children who needed them most, offering them both sustenance and the comfort of knowing they are supported.

This initiative was about more than food and was about standing with the people of Beirut, about recognizing their struggle, and about reaffirming that even in the darkest times, generosity can light the way forward.

A Legacy of Giving That Continues

What started as a meeting in 2021, in the aftermath of devastation, has led to something much bigger, a commitment to service, a promise to stand with the vulnerable, and a belief that no child should be forgotten.

At Stichting Aphelion, we do not believe in one-time acts of kindness but we believe in sustained impact. And while this day of giving has come to an end, our work is far from over.

Be Part of This Journey

Together, we can continue to provide for the children who need us most. 🌍💙 Donate now: www.stichting-aphelion.org