COMPASSIONE

Nei giorni della passata guerra israelo-libanese mi ero imbattuto in un sito che mi aveva colpito per la grande civilità che esprimeva: si trattava di una associazione libanese che anche sotto le bombe e nelle enormi difficoltà di uno stato di guerra si prodigava per dare conforto ed aiuto ai deboli tra i deboli, ovvero gli animali da compagnia i quali vivendo integrati nella nostra società ne subiscono anche le innaturali aberrazioni come la guerra.Moltissimi cani e gatti furono abbandonati dagli stranieri evacuati.Altri dai libanesei in fuga dalle città, moltissimi scapparono per il terrore delle bombe.Certo, verrebbe da dire che in tempi difficili pare quasi "superfluo" occuparsi degli animali.Ma io -e non solo io :) - ritengo che invece siano proprio queste le azioni, le volontà che possono cambiare questo mondo osceno: l'attenzione rivolta sempre al più debole tra i deboli, la volontà ferrea di non rinunciare mai alla compassione amorevole.Altrimenti la Storia continuerà sempre a ripetersi: periodi di pace prospera e "civile" e periodi di guerra e "barbarie", ecc ecc...I volontari della associazioni si sono rifatti vivi, si sono riorganizzati ma continuano ade avere problemi (qui sotto il testo della loro ultima mail, ilo loro sito è questo
http://beta.beirut.com ).
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The war separated us from the outside world but not from the animals.The war separated us from you, the people who cared enough to readabout us and our rescues. Excuse us for letting you down, we let youdown by not staying in touch but we did not let you down by caringfor the animals. Our mailing system crashed but our hard work inanimal rescues did not. Our efforts were all directed to relieve thesuffering of those beings in Lebanon who have no voice to make theirpain and suffering heard. Just now after seven months were we able toget back on our feet to establish a new mailing system and we promiseyou this time we will keep you constantly updated. We would like to brief you on what has happened in the last sevenmonths. Starting with the good news: As many of you know, we have moved 300 of our cats and dogs to theBestfriends sanctuary in the United States. Ninety percent of theanimals have gone to loving homes and became precious new members offamilies. The remaining 10% are equally lucky  they are having agreat time at Bestfriends' heavenly sanctuary while waiting forsomeone special to adopt them. (website: http://www.bestfriends.org )
Another piece of good news: the move of our rescued primates from warzones. They are now all safe and sound, happily living in Wales,thanks to the generosity of Graham and Jan Garen who welcomed them intheir sanctuary. At long last, these primates moved from a bombed outprison, to free space and serenity.(web site: http://www.cefn-yr-erw.co.uk/<http://www.cefn-yr-erw.co.uk> )

Now back to Beirut, even though the war is over, the politicalsituation is still unstable. BETA is back to struggle, only this timethings are harder, everybody is concerned in his/her own survival,scared of what will happen the next day, and defending the animal'scause seem insignificants to most people. However, and as usual,BETA's unlimited compassion was a key element in continuing ourmission in these hard times. Rescues never stopped, more and moreanimals in need, and now we have 200 dogs and 130 cats in our care,to feed and to shelter with a very limited income. Again, ourshelters are full and we need your help.One of BETA's principal problems is the urgent need for evacuation ofour dog shelter. Our neighbors are not very fond of dogs and haveissued us a month's notice.Thankfully, we were able to locate apiece of land and are now in the process of building a shelteraccording to European and American standards, which would provide theanimals with a cozy and comfortable stay until they are adopted. Asalways, however, funds are scarce, and we are working hard andscraping the bottom of the barrel to hold onto it and complete theconstruction of the shelter.Please check out the plea for help andpictures of the construction of our new shelter at the followinglink:
http://beta.beirut.com/viewNew.php?ID=226
Due to the critical political situation, we are unable to raise fundson the ground  you are our only solace.

Our mission can be successfulonly with the help of compassionate people like you, so please donateonline at http://beta.beirut.com/donate.phpWe will certainly keep in touch and keep you up-to-date with all ofour news.Thank you for caring, thank you for being there, and thank you forstaying in touch.

BETA team.Web: http://beta.beirut.com

Email: animals@beirut.com