Lebanese‑American figures, associations, and organizations responded to the invitation of Shields Of United Lebanon (SOUL) to attend a conference held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington over three days, from June 23 to 25, under the title SOUL For Lebanon. Participants discussed the various developments unfolding in Lebanon—political, security‑related, financial, and social—and explored ways in which the Lebanese diaspora, particularly in the United States, can support Lebanon and its people amid the painful and unprecedented circumstances the country is enduring. These crises—financial, economic, political, health‑related, and social—are among the harshest Lebanon has faced in its modern history.

The repercussions and causes of the Beirut Port explosion of August 4 occupied a significant portion of the discussions, especially since investigations have yet to reach conclusions that would deliver justice.

It is worth noting that the conference—accompanied by a parallel gathering held at the Padova Hotel in Sin el‑Fil during the same days, with direct communication between participants in Washington and Beirut—was organized in response to numerous appeals from Lebanese citizens urging us, the organizers, to mobilize the Lebanese‑American community in support of the people of Lebanon, who have reached a state of complete despair and see no solution without international intervention.

Thus, and in parallel with the protest movements and ongoing uprising in Lebanon for nearly two years against a deeply corrupt ruling system, the diaspora had to act—both in support and in search of sustainable solutions for a country collapsing before the eyes of its suffering people and its officials, who show no willingness to save it, clinging instead to their interests, positions, and privileges.

Conference Objective

The primary goal of the conference was to unify the voice of the diaspora with that of residents in Lebanon in pursuit of the country’s salvation and to amplify the Lebanese people’s voice in global decision‑making capitals—especially Washington. The aim is to mobilize the diaspora’s capabilities, each within their respective cities and countries and at the United Nations, and to build a Lebanese lobby capable of making Lebanon’s plight heard worldwide and helping the country on its path toward recovery from the nightmare under which its people live.

Discussions and Workshops

Through workshops and dialogue sessions involving various figures and representatives of organizations, associations, and revolutionary groups, the conference in Washington and Beirut addressed:

• The Beirut Port explosion, its causes, and repercussions
• The general security situation
• The upcoming parliamentary elections and diaspora participation
• Strengthening the role of women
• The financial and economic crisis, corruption, and required reforms
• Judicial independence and activation
• Hezbollah’s weapons and the implementation of international resolutions
• Smuggling, border demarcation, and Lebanon’s relationship with its surroundings
• Neutrality and Bkerke’s call for an international conference for Lebanon

Conference Achievements

SOUL announces that detailed recommendations will be published in the coming days and shared with the media. However, it highlights three key achievements realized in both Washington and Beirut:

1. Broad participation from Lebanese‑American and diaspora organizations, including the World Lebanese Cultural Union, In Defense of Christians, the Lebanese Information Center (LIC), Our New Lebanon, and the Committee for Hostages and Missing Persons Worldwide, among others to be listed in a later statement.
2. Diverse attendance in both Washington and Beirut, including intellectuals, journalists, artists, politicians, former MPs, representatives of revolutionary groups, civil society organizations, and activists from various regions and sects. Notable diaspora participants included Professor Philip Salem, WLCU President Steven Stanton, former Lebanese‑American hostage in Iran Nizar Zakka, and businessman Carlos Ghosn, who presented proposals addressing economic and social issues.
3. Consensus among participating American organizations to work hand‑in‑hand for Lebanon, with further details to be announced in the upcoming recommendations.

SOUL extends its gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this conference and pledges to every Lebanese rising up against the failed and criminal ruling authority—and those behind it—that it will work with full dedication, alongside all honorable Lebanese, to help rescue the country and place it on the path to salvation. The organization also thanks all media outlets that covered the conference, with special appreciation to Thawra TV for broadcasting the proceedings live from Washington and Beirut.