Lebanese help each other as economic crisis crushes lives

Lebanese help each other as economic crisis crushes lives

經濟危機壓垮民生 黎巴嫩人對彼此伸出援手

【摘要2020.7.23.自由】◎孫宇青

Panic set in on a WhatsApp group used to organize Lebanese protests when one member said he intended to kill himself because he can’t provide for his kids.

在黎巴嫩一個號召示威的WhatsApp群組裡，一名成員說無力養育孩子，打算一死百了，引起一陣驚慌。

Not long ago, the suicide of a father of two had stunned the public and raised alarm over how dire Lebanon’s economic conditions have become. So Mohamed Shkeir, one of members in the group, sprang into action.

不久前，社會大眾才因為一名撫養2名小孩的父親自殺而震驚不已，也警覺到黎巴嫩經濟已如此糟糕。因此，上述群組的成員之一穆罕默德．謝凱爾立刻採取行動。

The 23-year-old architect student along with friends launched a campaign appealing for donations. They posted an ad on social media and, to show transparency, created a spreadsheet to track the money.

這名23歲的建築系學生和朋友發起募集物資計畫。他們在社群媒體刊登廣告，並創建追蹤金流的試算表，以示過程透明。

Over recent years Lebanon’s economy worsened, layoffs are increasing, salary cuts are the norm. With the political class failing to find a way out, Lebanese are resorting to what they’ve done in previous wars and crises： they rely on each other, not the state.（AP）

黎巴嫩經濟近年每況愈下，被解僱者增加，減薪成為常態。由於政界無法找出解方，黎人開始尋求以前戰爭或危機時採取的方法：依靠彼此，而非國家。（美聯社）

新聞辭典

dire：形容詞，糟透的。例句：His latest music album was dire.（他的最新專輯糟透了！）

spring into action：慣用片語，立刻行動。例句：A security guard has to spring into action in an emergency.（保全必須在緊急情況下立刻行動。）

layoff：名詞，解僱。例句：The economic recession has led to massive layoffs.（經濟衰退導致大規模裁員。）

Cancer

呵護所愛、渴求穩定的巨蟹座

【摘要2020.7.23.蘋果】

Cancerians are very protective of those they love and do not feel happy without a safe place to call home. Because of this, they are often homebodies, even though the idea of big challenges and grand adventures will excite them. It is often said that, like the crab, they do not recognize their own limitations or strength. So they will fearlessly accept challenges that may be beyond their abilities. This month will offer Cancerians opportunities to build new relationships or begin new pursuits.

巨蟹座的人對自己所愛的人呵護備至，而且有家這樣的安全堡壘，他們才會心滿意足。雖說一想到巨大的挑戰和精彩的冒險會讓他們興奮莫名，但出於上述天性之故，他們通常還是喜歡待在家裡。就如人們常說像螃蟹一般，巨蟹座的人不清楚自己的極限或優點。因此，他們會無所畏懼地接受可能超出其能力範圍的各種挑戰。巨蟹座的人在本月將有機會建立新關係或追求新目標。

生活必備字詞

★be protective of /towards... 對…關切保護的
Most parents tend to be protective towards their children.
★limitation n. 限制，局限
★pursuit n. 追求，尋找