Families from across the city who lost loved ones share how the blast changed their families forever, as well as inspirational messages of resurrection and hope for all in Beirut one year on from the devastating explosion.

For five years and six months, Samira* shares, she was separated from her two young children with no recourse to see them or fight for custody. A recent episode of SAT-7 ARABIC’s You are Not Alone tells Samira’s story and highlights the lack of legal protections that can leave Middle Eastern women, and their children, very vulnerable.

It is ten years since the beginning of the violence in Syria, which started when major conflict broke out on 15 March 2011, following protests which were part of the wider “Arab Spring”. A recent episode of SAT-7’s program You are Not Alone has reminded viewers that the violence and displacement being experienced by Syrians remains grave and that the most vulnerable continue to suffer the most.

“If I had continued living the way I was, I would not be alive today.” Pastor Khalil Halaseh was a victim of bullying who went on to bully others – until he met Jesus. On the very first UN International Day against Violence and Bullying at School, SAT-7 ARABIC shares his story of transformation to help viewers find healing, and also offers parents support.

As the dust settles from the explosion that ravaged Beirut, stories of resilience, heroism, and faith flow from the city. On the SAT-7 ARABIC program You Are Not Alone, part of the channel’s #ForBeirut campaign, viewers heard from “piano lady” Mai Melki who played on amid the chaos, a life-saving nurse, and a grieving man who clings to faith.

With Lebanon’s economy and currency in freefall, families who have lost everything are bartering all they own to try to feed their children. On the SAT-7 ARABIC program You Are Not Alone, images of empty fridges and the story of a desperate, yet dignified father build to one cry: please unite in prayer for Lebanon.

“We fear for our children and we fear society” says Fadia*, who spoke on the SAT-7 ARABIC program You Are Not Alone about the abuse she faces and the stigma that keeps her trapped. Fadia’s call, which shows millions in the Middle East the egregious harm of domestic violence, comes as reports of abuse have surged during COVID-19.