great site guys, incredible work. I have ideas for people to get active in Australia - maybe you can note these in the list you're doing up ?

1. get those "i love beirut" stickers up EVERYWHERE. I know at least 50 people personally who would love to do a bit of stickering all over the country, and will be sending them each a supply

2. write to the foreign minister, prime minister and your local member, urging them to press for an immediate ceasefire and generous reconstruction aid to Lebanon (assuming Israel won't pay for the wanton damage they are once again causing in Lebanon)

3. make a donation to the Lebanese red cross, or another charity active in Lebanon. Make sure that the funds to be spent 100% in lebanon and not also in North Israel. Nothing against Israeli civilians, but their infrastructure is a-ok and frankly they have enough donors to their cause already.

4. talk to your friends and colleagues about why how you feel, and why. I'm not obviously of Lebanese heritage and you'd be surprised the impact "coming out" has on those around me - all of a sudden they realise Lebanese are just like them and not what others might want them to believe.

5. After the dust settles, donate again, buy Lebanese goods and holiday in lebanon if you can. I'm planning to take my kids to see where their Teta was born.

6. Dispose of John Howard at the next election. N'shullah !

6. Arab Australians to organise themselves politically so that our perspectives and our desires are reflected appropriately in Australia's foreign policy, just as our Jewish countrymen and others have done. Lets see a return to the balance and fairness that used to characterise Australia's actions internationally, and maybe we won't feel so ashamed and abandoned if there ever is a "next time" ....

Lots of love and long distance support from Australia - my 4 year old daughter and I pray every night for the children in Lebanon and we won't stop until its over.

Sarah xx