Lebanese Returning Home, Israelis Are Not
One of the main aims of Israel's aggression against Lebanon, especially its most recent massive bombings, was to occupy a portion of southern Lebanon and ensure that Israelis living in northern Israel could return to their homes. In this regard, their aggression failed. The Israelis are not returning and that is not expected to change.
On the other hand, now with the
ceasefire, thousands of
Lebanese are
returning to their homes. This includes those who were displaced
to
Syria over the course of the year-long battles with Israel. Many
families had endured over a year of displacement. There was both
joy in
returning, and anger
and sorrow at the deaths of so many and the massive destruction
and
lost harvests.
Many thousands of Lebanese wasted no time in setting out to return to their homes in southern Lebanon, with cars honking in celebration. Many headed home just hours after the ceasefire went into effect. Many waved the yellow and green flag of Hezbollah, others carried posters with images of the martyred leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed along with 200 civilians, in a massive Israeli bombing strike two months ago.
Families were proud and joyful and confident about returning, despite knowing the devastation that awaited them.
For many this is a time of celebration. Referring to the ceasefire, a person returning with his family said, "What happened is very good. This is a victory for the resistance." Expressing the sentiments of many, he said "The resistance is a source of honour and pride for us. Without its existence, there would be no homeland, no south, nothing." He is returning to the village of Houla, right next to the border.
In the southeast village of Kfarhamam, for example, where most returnees lost their homes due to Israeli bombings, people were unfazed and organized to return home. "Displacement is unjust, humiliating, and deeply disturbing," said one. Showing their determination, he said, "We'd rather live in tents on the ruins of our homes than remain in school halls, crammed alongside five to eight other families. So, we returned, carrying mattresses and blankets on the roofs of our cars."
Those returning know there will be difficulties for rebuilding homes, replanting lands, and restoring life to the many villages impacted. But reflecting the resilience of the Lebanese, many thousands are returning and building with the support of the Resistance and Lebanese government.
This article was published in
Volume 54 Number 47 - November 30 2024
Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/Tmlm2024/Articles/TS54473.HTM
Website: www.cpcml.ca Email: editor@cpcml.ca