A year has passed since Jomana Siddiqui’s visit to her father’s birthplace and resting place in Lebanon, a trip she had planned to repeat with her teenage daughters. However, Siddiqui, residing in California, now grapples with concerns for her relatives amidst the violence and escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. She reminisces about the warmth and generosity experienced during her previous visit, thinking about the uncertainty of when she might be able to visit her father’s grave again, her voice quivering with emotion.
Siddiqui’s experience is reflective of the Lebanese people’s universal tale of leaving their homeland without knowing when they can return. Across the globe, members of Lebanon’s extensive diaspora, from the United States to South Africa, Cyprus, and Brazil, are deeply affected by the repercussions of the ongoing violence, mourning losses, fearing for loved ones, and seeking ways to assist.
Approximately 1,400 Lebanese individuals, including civilians and Hezbollah fighters, have lost their lives, with around 1.2 million displaced following Israel’s intensified strikes since late September, aimed at pushing Hezbollah away from the shared border. The turmoil in Lebanon evokes memories of past turbulent periods for Lina Kayat in South Africa, who shares regular calls with her anxious family still residing in Lebanon, expressing concerns about the escalating dangers.
The Lebanese diaspora has grappled for generations with the decision to seek refuge elsewhere for better prospects or endure the country’s constant turmoil, which includes a lengthy civil war, military incursions, bombings, and political unrest. Despite Lebanon’s hardships, its appeal endures, particularly for its emigrant communities comprising successful individuals of Lebanese descent.
The ongoing military tension in Lebanon raises fears of broader regional conflict, occurring as the nearing one-year mark of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza adds to the apprehension. The escalating crisis in Lebanon compounds the struggles of a nation already reeling from economic collapse, the aftermath of a massive port explosion in 2020, and political instability.
Amidst this somber atmosphere, concerns linger about the welfare of the displaced population and the strain on health services and resources in a country teetering on the brink of collapse. James Zogby, deeply troubled by the U.S. response to the crises in Gaza and Lebanon, expresses a sense of powerlessness and despair over the escalating situations.
Akram Khater, monitoring the situation from North Carolina State University, shares his emotional turmoil witnessing the events unfold in his birthplace, emphasizing the community’s role in supporting one another during these trying times. Recent displays of solidarity include rallies in Dearborn, Michigan, and a somber reunion of Lebanese brothers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, mourning the loss of loved ones in Lebanon.
In Cyprus, Rosaline Ghoukassian, who relocated after the Beirut port explosion, criticizes Lebanon’s governance and Hezbollah’s influence, expressing concern over the root causes of the conflict. The difficult decision to stay reflects a desire for safety and happiness over financial gain. As the violence continues, Siddiqui in California finds solace in connecting with others who share her sentiments, highlighting the emotional toll of the ongoing crises on the Lebanese diaspora worldwide.
Contributions from AP journalists across South Africa, Brazil, and Cyprus shed light on the varied experiences and perspectives within the Lebanese diaspora grappling with the impact of the escalating conflict in Lebanon.
