TEAR Fund Press Release

For Immediate Release: 21/07/06

TEAR Fund launches emergency appeal for Lebanon's refugees

Aid and relief organisation TEAR Fund New Zealand has launched an emergency appeal to assist victims of the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

Since hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah started, as many as 500,000 Lebanese civilians have fled their homes, creating an immense refugee disaster.

Working through the local church and regional partners, TEAR Fund is providing refugees with emergency shelter and essential support.

TEAR Fund has grave concerns about the escalation of violence in the Middle East and is calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to the collective punishment of Lebanese civilians.

"The total destruction inflicted on neighborhoods and the terror experienced by ordinary families, particularly children, is obscene and goes far beyond any measured sense of reprisal. We condemn both Hezbollah and Israel,” says TEAR Fund Executive Director Stephen Tollestrup.

“Our relief effort will focus on providing comfort, security and essential support for internally displaced Lebanese. With something this catastrophic, the rebuilding could take years."

You can give to TEAR Fund’s emergency appeal by calling 0800 800 777 or to make an instant $20 donation call 0900 90 777 or visit their website www.tearfund.org.nz

ENDS

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