Liberation Day In Lebanon

Liberation and Resilience

There was always something that drew me to Lebanon since the first time I set foot on its soil in 1992. I was drawn to the resilience of the Lebanese. Their commitment to seek liberation from occupiers and terrorism on its soil was astounding.

So many Lebanese, no matter their religious affiliation, wanted a Lebanon free of foreign occupation.

There was a magnificence in their dedication to resistance and injustice. It was remarkable to witness.

A day to remember

May 25, 2000 marks the day of Liberation in south Lebanon. Eid Al Tahrir (Holiday of Liberation) is when Israel, who had been occupying the south of Lebanon, withdrew their forces.

They had been occupying the southern region since 1985, after their full scale invasion into Lebanese territory began in 1982.

Resistance Forces

Hezbollah (Party of God), Lebanon’s Islamic resistance forces, led the effort to dispel Israel from Lebanon. They worked hand in hand with Shia group, Amal. Standing united with allies, hailing from other religious groups in Lebanon, they continued the fight for emancipation.

Deploying soldiers throughout the region, fighters pushed back at Israel’s every action and act of aggression within Lebanon’s borders.

Determined to free themselves from their occupation, resistance forces never gave up and continued to press on.

The new normal

I was 13 during my first visit to Lebanon in 1992. With vivid memories, I recall the Israeli tanks perched on Lebanese mountains, barrels and artillery pointed at our villages.

For those close to the Palestine border, they were a stone’s throw from doorsteps. The sounds of bombs dropping, causing chaos and civilian casualties, became the new normal for many in the region.

Don’t point or look

I remember walking through our village of Ayta Al-Jabal and being told to not point in the direction of the IDF. We were not to look at them or engage.

They were always watching. If they weren’t, their paid Lebanese spies were.

United Nations forces from Ireland were stationed in our village, along the road into Tibnin, a neighboring town. As children, we used to sit and talk with them, as they were the only people in the area who spoke English.

Israeli IDF forces intimidated and harassed Lebanese, daily. They tormented the nation and its people, as they continue to do to Palestinians, today.

Their terrorism knew no bounds and their espionage program was rampant within Lebanese borders.

A time of Reflection

Being here to celebrate this auspicious occasion this year was moving for me. Lebanon has endured so much over the years and being able to witness the anniversary of its liberation was heartwarming.

A national holiday in Lebanon, it is a time of reflection and rejoicing. I have heard many stories of loss, love, pain, hardship, and suffering. Their eyes show emotions I cannot put into words.

They’re with God

As I speak to families of shuhada (martyrs), I am overwhelmed by their faith and courage.

Knowing their child, sibling, or spouse was killed in such a tragic manner, they speak with comfort, knowing their loved one is with our Creator.

Their words are poignant and rich with love for God and the resistance.

(image taken from article on Qana Massacre in 1996.)

Moving forward

The Lebanon I love has grown and developed, despite the consistent threats by Israel. They continue to flourish, engaging global partners in opportunities for business and development.

International conglomerates and food chains open across the country, making Lebanon a prime location in the region.

From Starbucks, Krispy Kreme, KFC, McDonald’s, Hardees, Burger King, and Dunkin Donuts, the country is teeming with opportunity for business.

For the love of life

Aside from loving their nation, the Lebanese love food and their social life. Even when tensions rise, as they did over the last several years with the rise of ISIS and the continued Syrian war, they still find ways to enjoy life and forget the threats external factors may pose.

The people of Lebanon are stronger than one may think. Living through a perpetual state of war, they remained focused on living their lives and fulfilling their dreams.

It is a stark contrast to the continuous state of fear other nations keep their constituents in. (Can you guess who I am talking about?)

Life is too short to dwell on the past

Listening to the emotional stories of friends who endured war and destruction, I am reminded that life is short and we must embrace the moments we are given.

One friend, who lost her brother during the occupation, shared a quote with me that she has framed at her bedside. As she shared her story, it made me realize how important these words were.