On October 29 and 30, 2012, the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik organized a solidarity campaign to support the victims of the Ashrafieh explosion, which had caused the fall of many martyred and injured people, as well as making numerous families homeless. This campaign, that accentuates the humanitarian and pedagogic mission of the University, lasted for two days and included activities by students of the Faculty of Music and the University Pastoral.

Along with the fund raising activities organized for this occasion, members of the Lebanese Red Cross accepted blood donations from the students, some of whom volunteered to go to Ashrafieh on November 7 to assist the “Joy of Giving Association” in its relief activities.

The campaign was launched in the presence of the President of the University, Reverend Father Hady Mahfouz, the Vice-President for Research, Rev. Fr. Jean Akiki, and the Secretary General, Rev. Fr. Michel Abou Tacca, in addition to Deans, professors, employees and students.

Following the Lebanese National Anthem, media figure, Maguy Aoun took the floor and stated: “We are here today under the slogan “Human Unity and Fraternity” and we have to prove it in deeds not in words. Our solidarity with our people in Ashrafieh has brought us here to extend our help and draw a little smile back onto their faces.”

Afterwards, the Head of Northern Mount Lebanon District at the Lebanese Red Cross and member of the Disaster Management, Alexi Nehme, gave his testimony about the rescue and relief operations conducted by Red Cross members following the explosion. He urged the students to volunteer with the Red Cross and thanked the University for allowing the establishment of a volunteer club on its campus.

At the beginning of his speech, Rev. Fr. Jean Akiki observed a minute of silence and stated that “… along with the material and blood donations, this event is also about a bigger, moral and spiritual, donation”. He concluded his speech saying: “Do not forget that we are at the Holy Spirit University and may the Holy Spirit be with you all in this campaign for us to witness true love and true life.”

Finally, Abir Nehme and her brother Georges performed patriotic songs calling for peace and love.