Press Release: FFWPU Communities In Europe Raises Over €45,000 In Critical Aid Initiative For Lebanon As Middle East Tensions Rise
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As violence continues to escalate in the Middle East, the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification across Europe and in the UK is taking decisive action to support families in Lebanon who are facing increasing hardship. The organisation is focusing on relief efforts aimed at helping displaced families and supporting local initiatives to provide essential aid. So far communities within the organisation from across Europe have banded together and have raised over €45,000 so far.
It is a worldwide effort to provide help and support as thousands of families have been uprooted, with many schools in Beirut now serving as temporary shelters for those who have lost their homes. The FFWPU centre in Beirut has already opened its doors to accommodate families fleeing the turmoil, and anticipates an influx of more individuals seeking refuge.
Despite the fear and uncertainty, young volunteers from FFWPU in Lebanon are stepping forward to assist in these challenging times. In addition to this they are distributing crucial supplies such as food, clothing, and other necessities to those in need. However, with resources stretched thin, there is an urgent call for further international support to sustain these efforts.
Inspiring acts of compassion are emerging throughout FFWPU-UK and in a heartwarming show of solidarity, young children have organised a bake sale to gather funds for Lebanon, demonstrating that every contribution, no matter how small, is vital. Furthermore, members of Youth and Students for Peace UK (YSP), a sister organisation of FFWPU, have arranged a sponsored walk to generate funds for essential items such as baby formula, wipes, blankets, and food. Sophia N., who volunteered in Beirut last year, leads the initiative, aiming to symbolically "embrace" Lebanon through a collective 56km walk.
Dr Michael Balcomb, Director of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (UK)
“As violence intensifies in the Middle East, our hearts go out to the families in Lebanon facing growing hardship. At FFWPU-UK, we are committed to stepping up and providing relief by focusing on helping displaced families and supporting local efforts to offer essential aid and much needed funds. We appeal to communities across Europe and the globe to contribute to these relief initiatives. We've witnessed the incredible spirit of giving before-following the Beirut explosion and the earthquake in Turkey in 2023. Now, we're asking for that same generosity to shine once more. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most."
Rev. Jongin and Yola P, the National Leaders of Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (Lebanon)
""In these challenging times, we are witnessing an extraordinary outpouring of compassion and solidarity,"" said Rev. Jongin. ""The resilience and determination of young volunteers in Lebanon is truly inspiring. They are stepping up to provide essential support to families displaced by conflict, despite the daunting circumstances. As they distribute food, clothing, and supplies, their actions serve as a beacon of hope for us all.""
Yola P. added, ""The spirit of community is indeed powerful. We are deeply touched by the efforts of those who are raising money across Europe and the rest of the world within FFWPU, and it's particularly heartwarming to see young children organising bake sales to contribute to our cause. Their generosity underscores that every act of kindness, no matter how small, can make a significant difference. We urge the international community to join us in this crucial mission to support those who have lost so much. Together, we can offer solace and aid to those in need."
Media Contact
For more information on how people can support the organisation or to book an interview please contact Emma Rushton at Roseleigh Media on roseleighmedia@gmail.com and copy in pr@ffwpu.org.uk
Notes for Editor
• The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, previously known as the Unification Church was founded by Sun Myung Moon in Korea in 1954.
• It became known as The Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU) in 1997 and aimed to be a new broader based evolution of the Unification Community as an alliance of people who generally share the vision of building God-centred families as the basis for healthy communities, stable societies and a peaceful world.
• When Sun Myung Moon, the founder, was just 15, Jesus Christ revealed to him that the end of the age was fast approaching. Moon took the revelation to churches in Korea but they were dismissive. He gained a small group of followers and preaching in the Communist-held northern part of Korea resulted in his being thrown into a harsh labour camp. On his eventual release, he fled as a refugee to South Korea, where he met his wife, Hak Ja Han Moon (or Mother Moon.) The couple were married in 1960 and continued their public ministry together.
• The church's mass weddings began in the 1960's with just a few dozen couples getting married, but this has grown over the following years to the ceremony it is today."