Like the branches of the cedar tree for which the country is famous, the Lebanese diaspora has spread far and wide. An estimated 15-20 million Lebanese live outside the country, dwarfing Lebanon’s population of 4.3 million. Many of the diaspora have met with great success, and have also given back to society through various philanthropic initiatives.
Famous Columbian-Lebanese musician Shakira fulfilled a youthful promise to help underprivileged children in her home country by starting the Piez Descalzos Fundación in 1997, which provides education and meals to over 4000 students. She has also supported various social causes around the world through various charity concerts.
The world’s richest man, Mexican-Lebanese Carlos Slim, is also one of the world’s biggest givers. In 2011, he contributed $4 billion to his foundation, Fundación Carlos Slim Helú. The foundation’s programs address a range of education, health, and economic development issues.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the number one children’s hospital in the U.S., was founded by two Lebanese Americans: television producer Danny Thomas and car salesman Anthony Abraham. Although both are now deceased, their work lives on through the life-saving work of St. Jude.
These examples represent members of the Lebanese diaspora that have decided to give back through strategic charitable initiatives. We look forward to discovering the ways the far-flung Arab diaspora community will continue to affect social change.
Related articles
- The Lebanese diaspora: A tale of two traders (The Economist)
- The Global Impact of the Lebanese Diaspora Philanthopy (Hand Foundation)
- Remembering Anthony Abraham (Archdiocese of Miami)
- Lebanese-American gives back, interview with Zeina Saab (International Diaspora Engagement Alliance)
Image courtesy ecstaticist