Wed Oct 02 17:21:46 UTC 2024: ## Lebanese Nova Scotians Fear for Family’s Safety Amidst Devastating Conflict in Lebanon
Halifax, Nova Scotia – Lebanese Nova Scotians are grappling with fear and helplessness as they witness the escalating conflict in their homeland unfold from afar. Many are deeply worried about their loved ones’ safety, with the Israeli ground invasion targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon intensifying the situation.
Sara, a Lebanese woman living in Halifax for nearly a decade, fears for the safety of her family in southern Lebanon. While they are currently safe, the uncertainty of the situation leaves her feeling hopeless and powerless. “It’s the unknown of what tomorrow, or even the next half hour, will hold,” she said, expressing the shared anxiety of many in her community.
Nancy Hoyeck, another Lebanese Nova Scotian resident, is constantly worried for her family in northern Lebanon, even though they are currently far from the fighting. She feels angry at the lack of international recognition of the plight of Lebanese people and the suffering they are enduring. “As long as you are from a certain part of the world… our bodies and our death is worthless,” she said, highlighting the sense of marginalization she feels.
Karla Maatouk, a first-generation Lebanese Canadian, shares the sentiment of helplessness. While her family in northern Lebanon is safe, the uncertainty of the future and the inability to visit their homeland weigh heavily on her.
Sara, echoing the sentiments of her community, calls for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the human cost of the conflict. “We measure our age on the number of wars that we’ve witnessed… To say that ‘This is the fate of the Middle East,’ or ‘This is normal in the Middle East,’ is baseless,” she said. “All we want is our homes and our lands, and to be at peace.”
The situation in Lebanon continues to worsen, with thousands displaced and over 1,000 killed in recent weeks. As the conflict intensifies, the Lebanese community in Nova Scotia remains gripped by fear and uncertainty, yearning for peace and a safe return for their families.
First Piper 