I just spent 25 minutes on "hold" trying to call the "emergency" number at the State Department, which CNN has been publicizing on their broadcasts and website. Believe it or not, there is no other number for those of us trapped here in Lebanon.
The U.S. Lebanese embassy here has two phone numbers, which have been busy since Wednesday. I am so appalled at the lack of contingency planning by our State Department that I don't know what to do.
I am asking concerned Freepers to call their Congress Critters and ask them to press for an evacuation of U.S. citizens stranded in Beirut. And that they ask the State Dept. to use their database to contact stranded citizens who have registered to let us know what is going on. I have not heard anything from them in 24 hours, when they informed me that I would have to "sign a promissory note" for payment of my evacuation. I am happy to pay for my passage, but let's get our priorities straight. The bombs are now falling in Central Beirut. It is only a matter of time before there are casualties among U.S. or European citizens.
bttt
Just curious...is IMF still paying your hotel?
Any group of Americans is going to be a target, I can't imagine a safe way of getting you all out without a carrier group.
But better minds than mine are working on it! So hang in there, and good luck!
BTTT
---I am so mad I could spit.
I just spent 25 minutes on "hold" trying to call the "emergency" number at the State Department, which CNN has been publicizing on their broadcasts and website. Believe it or not, there is no other number for those of us trapped here in Lebanon.---
Then there were 7-year-old Omer Pesahov from Nahariya and his grandmother, 58-year-old Yehudit Itzkovich. They won't be needing evacuation. They were murdered by one of Hizbullah's missiles, falling randomly on the civilian population in Israel.
I don't know what to tell you. I've experienced being on the receiving end of a sustained howitzer barrage during war-game excercises in the field while serving in Reagan's military. Its unnerving to say the least (especially when solid ground noticably heaves).
I'll be praying that the Holy Spirit ministers to you, providing guidance concerning what to do, and comfort and assurance of safety, and that doors will be opened to you with respect to your plight. Pray to the Lord, in Jesus name, that he opens your eyes to His leading as to what you should do. This goes two ways: you ask to receive, I'll ask that its provided.
We'll do all we can do from this side, FRiend. Including saying all the prayers we've been saying for you!
Hubby said he wouldn't be surprised to see Hezbollah begin taking hostages - if they can locate groups of Americans. Please keep your head down. I hope you're a "swarthy looking" man! Can you tell trusted friends or family members to call for you from the U.S. - along with your location? I would think 15-20 calls from our country could help you.
Another point: Don't you think the U.S. has been in contact with and warned Israel to bomb VERY carefully? I won't get any more specific. Of course when all the chaos is going on outside your window, that's of little comfort to you I'm sure...
Praying for your safe return home
If they put the evac in the hands of the military I think things might move quicker..
We will call as requested and I am disheartened to hear of the promissary note request as though you were in Somalia.
I guess the other thing I would ask is what the IMF is doing for you as someone there on their behalf?
Did you try these numbers?
Beirut Embassy Phone: 01 (961-4) 542-600 or 01 (961-4) 543-600
Beirut Embassy Fax: 01 (961-4) 544-209
CNN - A "team" has just arrived at the U.S. embassy to assist in the evacuation of citizens in Lebanon. (8:15 AM, CST)
Go to the embassy.
"I am so mad I could spit."
I'm with you on that! I could spit just watching the news and I'm not in the middle of the war zone!
Everyone stuck in Beriut who's been interviewed on the news has said the exact same thing. They are unable to get through on the contact numbers given. Oh but, big deal being made by embassy reps about the 20 people they did rescue, and nothing but repetitive reporting about how they are still trying to figure out how to get you all out. Meantime, the situation gets worse. I find it difficult to believe that earlier on there was no coordination between Israel and U.S. on this matter so that it should have been done days ago. Both to blame, imo. I certainly hope that there doesn't come a point in the escalation, that they can't or that Americans stuck become target? Because already there was a warning during our night last night for Americans NOT to go north to Syria, as they are planning massive Anti-American rallies for, I believe, today. Not surprising, it was only a matter of time before the world decides it's America's fault.
I will contact my congressmen this morning and hopefully it won't be much longer, a day or two at most. Fill the tub just in case and stay safe!