Help for Evacuees from Lebanon at Birmingham Airport

Pictured above: A heartfelt reunion between two brothers at Birmingham International Airport. Credit: Olivia Everett Oct 2024.

Birmingham International Airport became a vital hub of hope and relief for evacuees escaping the turmoil in Lebanon, earlier in October. Amidst the uncertainty, REACT teams were on hand, working alongside local authorities and fellow humanitarian organisations to support those in need. The response, known as 'Operation Parkway', brought comfort, care, and practical help to evacuees.

The situation in Lebanon is deteriorating rapidly, with bombings and unrest threatening lives in cities and villages across the country. For many, leaving behind their homes, families, and everything they know is the only option. Volunteers supported four flights arriving at Birmingham International Airport, with more than 600 evacuees finding refuge in the UK. REACT volunteers supported some of these evacuees—each stepping off the plane with their own unique story of loss, survival, and hope.

Throughout the operation, REACT worked hand-in-hand with a broad network of partners, including the British Red Cross, St John’s Ambulance, local authorities, and police teams. This collaboration ensured that evacuees were not just greeted with empathy but also with a well-organised system of care. From providing medical assistance and emotional support to helping with practical matters like travel and accommodation, volunteers were a lifeline.

A Story of Humanity: Two Brothers Reunited

Among the hundreds of evacuees, the story of two teenage brothers, Jalal* and Ali*, stands out. Forced to flee their home in the Beqaa Valley, Lebanon, without their mother, they arrived in the UK alone, scared, and uncertain of their future. Hours after landing, they still didn’t know where they would sleep that night.

Thanks to the intervention of REACT, in partnership with Solihull City Council Social Services, a solution was found. Instead of spending the night in foster care, REACT Responder Olivia and social worker Clive drove the brothers to their grandmother’s home in London. The drive was quiet. Both boys were exhausted and withdrawn. But as they neared their grandmother's flat, they smiled and laughed for the first time since arriving. A small but significant moment of relief and joy after days of fear and upheaval.

Helping Evacuees Navigate New Challenges

For evacuees like Desiree*, a young woman in her 20s, the journey from Lebanon to the UK wasn’t just about escaping immediate danger—it was about finding a way to rebuild her life from scratch. With her home destroyed and no luggage to bring, Desiree arrived in Birmingham with little more than hope. She needed to make her way to London, but unfamiliar with the British train system, she didn’t know how to get there.

A REACT Responder quickly stepped in, purchasing her train tickets and carefully explaining the route she needed to take. More than that, they ensured Desiree would be supported throughout her journey by coordinating with train staff, making sure she had a helping hand at every stage. This personalised care allowed her to reach her brother safely and start the process of recovering from her ordeal.

A Lasting Impact

The operation concluded on October 6th and REACT volunteers were stood down, but their readiness to respond again remains unwavering. `It is expected that as tensions in Lebanon continue, further flights will arrive at UK airports, full of people seeking help and assistance.

If you would like to support future responses like this one, please consider making a donation today. 

*Name changed for privacy reasons.