It is a murmur of hope, a support from the other side of the Mediterranean.
Arrived yesterday from France, chef Eric Pansu, from the Paul Bocuse foundation, is cooking this June 15 with Father Hani Tawk in Beirut for the needy.
Endemic in Lebanon, poverty has increased since the explosion of August 4, 2020. In this “
Marie's kitchen
”, 600 meals have been served per day for several months.
A cuisine that today will have a taste of France.
“
We are happy that a Michelin-starred chef cooks for people who cannot afford it.
There will be a large table in this canteen for the poor
”, rejoices Vincent Gélo, project manager of the Oriental work who financed the work.
This canteen was born after the explosion.
That day, 2,750 tons of ammonium caused the death of 207 people, including a Frenchman.
It awakens within the Lebanese population a dull anger, which does not decrease in intensity, illustrating the carelessness of the State.
To read also: Fouad Abou Nader: "In Lebanon, reform or chaos"
“
We are 150 m from the port explosion. Welcoming a great chef like that is a miracle,
”smiles Father Hani Tawk. Everyone here knows him. After the explosion, the priest and his family cooked in the street for the refugees. He then found this room which he transformed into a kitchen open to all. “
It's also a place to talk and get out of this trauma. It is a vocation in the vocation of the priesthood. Not just to cook, but to make it a parish, a bond of meeting. I feel like I am in my church. There are Muslims, Christians, atheists. This new experience touches me and cures me of confessionalism and sectarianism. With this openness, we are more open to other communities and toall of humanity
», He confides.
In his search for funding, Father Hani turned to the association mon Liban d'azur, founded by the Franco-Lebanese Geraldine Ghostine.
The Paul Bocuse foundation responded to his call and dispatched chef Eric Pansu, best worker in France 1996. “
We are going to try to boost our spirits and bring our contribution to the building.
Coming here represents French knowledge, transmitted to Lebanon, and given to help Lebanese suffering in the country,
”says Eric Pansu.
"
People don't ask if the worst is yet to come, but when and how
"
Suffering, the country has been for a long time.
“
It has become repetitive to say that Lebanon is in crisis, but today I am really worried,
” says Vincent Gélot.
Living in the country for five years, he works for the Work of the East, a French association helping Christians in the East.
“
Before the explosion, we had the impression that Lebanon was going down the stairs one by one, now we see that it goes down four by four.
Here, people don't ask themselves if the worst is yet to come, but when and how
”.
In three years, the GDP has contracted by 40%, the pound is regularly devalued, inflation reaches 157% and peaks at 400% for food products.
Read also: These young people who are preparing the Lebanon of tomorrow
For the time being, the district of Karantina where Marie's kitchen is located is filling up. As a nod to the health situation, the name of the district of Spanish flu patients quarantined. "
We will have a meal in honor of Eric Pansu, he cooks for the poor, we will introduce him to Lebanese dishes,
" says Father Hani.
