Solidarity that makes noise, that seeks the spotlight and feeds on ideological proclamations, is ego. The one that works in silence, builds real bridges and delivers aid exactly where it’s needed, without shortcuts or provocations, is an example. The promoters don’t want it to be called “anti-Flotilla,” but in fact it is, because while partisan narratives occupy the political debate, yesterday in Beirut, the tangible response of Italian humanitarianism materialized.
Read more No Tav, Meloni’s attack: «This is not dissent, this is organized violence» | Libero Quotidiano.it
The tailgate of the Military Air Force’s 767 opened onto the tarmac of the Lebanese capital’s airport, and from the belly of the plane, approximately 20 tons of essential goods were unloaded; 45 pallets of humanitarian aid, collected in just two and a half months across Italy by young right-wing militants. It is the operational heart of the “Together We Are Stronger” plan, a project coordinated by Modavi – Civil Protection and Fratelli d’Italia.
Accompanying the cargo was an FdI delegation from Rome, flanked by diplomatic and military leaders: Italian Ambassador Fabrizio Marcelli, General Stefano Abagnara on behalf of Unifil, and Colonel Cortone. Alongside them, the living fabric of local assistance: representatives of Lebanese Caritas, the Latin Patriarchate of Antioch, the Sheild Association, and COSMO. A widespread coordination that represents the first truly major international humanitarian project operational since the introduction of the recent ceasefire with Israel signed in Washington.
The numbers tell a dramatic reality: in the South of the country, at least 75 villages have been completely razed to the ground and over a million displaced people are in need of everything. For this reason, if 300 packages were delivered in this first phase, the operation does not stop. Given the ongoing flow of donations, a second delivery mission is already planned for September.
The Italian intervention follows a path traced by decades of friendship between the two peoples, as FdI deputy Massimo Milani recalls: «There is great satisfaction for this first delivery trip into the hands of important associations with whom to establish a lasting relationship. Italy’s relationship with Lebanon is deep, as evidenced by Unifil, which has almost always been Italian-led since 1978. The virtuous example of a multi-confessional nation must be defended: the Lebanese State has been trying to live this model since the 1940s, often challenged by external interference. But the Lebanese people have shown extraordinary resilience and continue to defend this coexistence».
A concept reiterated by FdI MEP Carlo Fidanza, who emphasizes the political and diplomatic value of the operation: «It is the concrete demonstration of solidarity that adds to the historical Italian presence in the Unifil mission and the intense diplomatic work that the government is carrying out for the stabilization of the area and the contribution to peace».
Emanuele Buffolano of Modavi, moved, said: «We have kept the commitment made three months ago. We have demonstrated that there are institutional channels capable of ensuring that donations reach those who truly need them in the ravaged territories».
Among the pallets there is also a cargo of strong symbolic and cultural value: the necessary equipment for setting up a study room in Southern Lebanon. The space, managed by the Greek-Melkite Patriarchate, will become a gathering point for young people and will be named after Almerigo Grilz, the war reporter from Trieste who fell in Mozambique in 1987, and who signed his first reportage in Lebanese territory in 1982.
A bridge between generations and cultures that gives deep meaning to the initiative. «We decided not to look the other way,» declares Andrea Piepoli, national leader of Gioventù Nazionale. «It is proof that the world of associations and youth movements produces initiatives of concrete value.» Francesco Todde, president of GN Rome, echoes him: «An emotional moment, the conclusion of a long journey. Given the success and the many companies contacting us, we will be ready for the second delivery in September».
It is not a sailing cruise, but a real commitment that reaffirms Italy’s centrality in the humanitarian field: with the strength of institutions, the logistical apparatus of defense, and the heart of the best youth.
