As you might have seen, tensions in Lebanon are escalating dramatically. This comes on the heels of an Israeli airstrike in Dahieh, a suburb of Beirut thought to have a deep Hezbollah presence. By September 2024, the Arab regime’s war on the dissidents flared catastrophically with unyielding airstrikes and tank assaults. This increase in violence has resurfaced worries from community members and education leaders about a repeat of the chaos that overwhelmed the region earlier this year.
On April 1, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) struck a refugee camp. This was their first raid on Dahieh since a ceasefire was implemented last November. This ceasefire finally brings over 13 months of brutal conflict to an end. The conflict Hezbollah opened up with Israel in September 2022 attacking Israeli military positions came only a day after Hamas started their own onslaughts on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. In fact, in a recent strike, Israeli forces specifically targeted a building that they said belonged to Hezbollah and that it was used to store drones. The airstrike, the first of its kind since 2006, apparently killed a senior Hezbollah commander and three others. The number of casualties was confirmed by the Lebanese health ministry.
In response to the escalating situation, the IDF issued an “urgent warning to those in the southern suburb of Beirut,” urging civilians to evacuate the area. Schools in Dahieh have seen extensive interruptions and concerns of violent retribution hang heavy over students and educators.
It was absolute mayhem,” recalled Ahmad Alama, principal of St Georges School, looking back at the panic that followed the attack. He added, “We thought the war had ended with the ceasefire.” The confusion regarding safety has created even more stress for students, driving school officials to strengthen psychological support services.
“Pupils shouldn’t pay the price for something they aren’t responsible for,” Alama emphasized. “We’ve actually ended up increasing these activities – these kids need to release some of the pressure on them.”
Israel’s current military campaign makes clear that it is still intent on stopping Hezbollah from rearming. This is a promise we take seriously, even in light of a declared ceasefire. Israeli officials maintain that the near-daily strikes are intended to kill or damage assets related to Hezbollah. At the same time, Hezbollah has repeatedly denied taking any military action since the ceasefire.
Local infrastructure has been subject to massive bombardment from these attacks, including indiscriminate airstrikes. Municipal authorities estimated that Israeli airstrikes leveled some 346 buildings in Dahieh. They reported that a further 145 buildings were partially damaged. While the Lebanese government has announced plans to establish an independent, the World Bank estimates the national costs could exceed $11 billion.
Sawsan Hariri, headteacher of Burj High School, said she was horrified at the damage. “The destruction is terrifying. I see the destroyed buildings and I cry,” she lamented. Hariri further described the atmosphere in the community as “depressing,” stating, “Walking on the street, driving your car – it’s all just depressing.”
Hezbollah, often labeled a terrorist organization, is unabashedly at the forefront of supporting war-affected families. They’re offering $12,000 to cover a year’s rent and funding the cost of repairing damaged apartments. Despite this assistance, many residents in Dahieh have continued to experience increased anxiety, a symptom of the broader trauma wrought by the war.
As tensions remain high and fears of renewed conflict loom large, local schools are grappling with how to best support their students amid an environment fraught with uncertainty. Both authorities and educators have been calling for stability and peace in hopes of dispelling tensions and preventing further escalation.
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