As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah took a violent turn last September, Abed Al Kadiri found himself helplessly watching the destruction unfold on his television screen in Kuwait. The images of shattered buildings and suffering families in Beirut—the city of his childhood—triggered nights filled with anxiety and a deep sense of loss. The anguish for his family members and friends living through the turmoil prompted him to take action.
“The situation in Lebanon was becoming apocalyptic,” reflected Al Kadiri, who decided that returning home to assist was the most viable option for him. Almost three times larger than Lebanon’s 5.7 million population, the Lebanese diaspora—a community with deep roots and connections—has started to trickle back, motivated by the desire to provide both financial aid and physical support.
This trend of return is emblematic of a broader phenomenon as many Lebanese expatriates feel the call to come back and contribute toward rebuilding efforts. The Lebanese Diaspora Village in Batroun serves as a cultural hub, welcoming them and providing a space to stay connected with their homeland. The collective hope is that through cooperation and resilience, Lebanon can recover from one of the worst conflicts in its history, reinvigorating the spirit of a nation weary from persistent strife.
“The situation in Lebanon was becoming apocalyptic,” reflected Al Kadiri, who decided that returning home to assist was the most viable option for him. Almost three times larger than Lebanon’s 5.7 million population, the Lebanese diaspora—a community with deep roots and connections—has started to trickle back, motivated by the desire to provide both financial aid and physical support.
This trend of return is emblematic of a broader phenomenon as many Lebanese expatriates feel the call to come back and contribute toward rebuilding efforts. The Lebanese Diaspora Village in Batroun serves as a cultural hub, welcoming them and providing a space to stay connected with their homeland. The collective hope is that through cooperation and resilience, Lebanon can recover from one of the worst conflicts in its history, reinvigorating the spirit of a nation weary from persistent strife.
