Fear and Anger: The Lebanese Diaspora’s Experience Amidst the Violence in Lebanon
The Lebanese diaspora in West Africa is grappling with intense fear, sadness, and anger due to the ongoing violence in Lebanon. Individuals like Zoheir Zeidan, Zara Mirza-Branger, and George Chaanine illustrate the emotional toll and efforts to provide support for their families affected by the conflict. Their accounts reveal a profound sense of solidarity and a struggle against helplessness as they witness the devastation from afar.
In response to the ongoing violence in Lebanon, the Lebanese diaspora across West Africa has expressed profound feelings of fear, anger, and sadness. Among them are Zoheir Zeidan of Dakar, Zara Mirza-Branger from Abidjan, and George Chaanine in Lagos, each articulating their emotional turmoil and solidarity for their homeland amidst the devastation. Zoheir Zeidan, a Shiite Muslim and director of a telecommunications company, shared his foreboding regarding Israeli air strikes in Lebanon, indicating that the targeting of Lebanese territory was anticipated as a follow-up escalation after the Gaza conflict began. He recounted the tragedy of losing childhood friends and relatives who perished in the attacks. His account revealed a growing sense of anxiety over the safety of his family, as escalation seems inevitable. Furthermore, he noted the community’s efforts in providing material support to those affected through a network of aid organized across several West African cities and Lebanon. Zeidan poignantly expressed the emotional toll of the situation, stating, “Sad because we find ourselves in a situation where we can lose a country overnight and find ourselves the new Palestinians of the land. And anger because of the powerlessness we have today in seeing what is happening and the indifference of the West to this situation, which appals us.” Similarly, Zara Mirza-Branger, a sales assistant in Abidjan, reflected on the devastation impacting her family that had recently relocated back to Lebanon. She described the constant anxiety her family faces and the collective efforts of the Lebanese community in Abidjan to provide aid, highlighting their determination to assist with essential supplies such as food and medicine. Mirza-Branger shared, “The situation is really catastrophic, and what we want is for all this to stop.” In Lagos, George Chaanine, a business owner and member of the Maronite Christian community, voiced his concerns over the widespread impact of the ongoing conflict across Lebanon. He described the collaborative efforts in leveraging technology to support family members back home through donations. Chaanine emphasized the difficulties in procuring goods and materials due to the conflict, reflecting on the economic impact the war has had on Lebanese manufacturers and families. Together, these individuals encapsulate the complex emotions and dire circumstances faced by the Lebanese diaspora as they navigate the reality of their homeland’s upheaval from afar, fostering a sense of community and support across borders while dealing with an overwhelming sense of helplessness in the face of violence.
The ongoing conflict in Lebanon, particularly the recent intensification of Israeli air strikes, has caused significant distress among the Lebanese diaspora in West Africa. This community, which flourished across countries like Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria, is characterized by deep emotional ties to their homeland. Many in this community are grappling with the anguish of witnessing violent warfare from a distance and the implications it has on their families and friends who remain in Lebanon. The experiences of Zoheir Zeidan, Zara Mirza-Branger, and George Chaanine exemplify how the diaspora is actively engaged in supporting their loved ones through aid efforts while facing their own emotional turmoil.
The Lebanese diaspora in West Africa is experiencing profound emotional distress due to the escalating violence in Lebanon, as evidenced by the personal testimonies of three individuals from Dakar, Abidjan, and Lagos. Their narratives reflect a combination of sadness, anxiety, and an urgent need to mobilize support for those affected back in Lebanon. The conflict has not only devastated the lives of individuals within Lebanon but has also created a ripple effect impacting the diaspora, underscoring the universal repercussions of war. These experiences highlight the resilient spirit of the Lebanese community as they strive to connect and provide aid, despite the overwhelming sense of helplessness.
Original Source: www.channelstv.com
