Recent Israeli air strikes shook the streets of a southern suburb of Beirut. The reality of local schools and communities today is one of fear and uncertainty. Even with a declared ceasefire, the bombings have resumed. They razed 346 buildings and partially impacted another 145 in a six block area. As tensions rise, schools like St Georges, which serves approximately 1,000 children, are caught in the crossfire of ongoing military actions that many hoped had ended with the ceasefire agreement.
The ongoing conflict, particularly after the Israeli military’s massive air campaign across Lebanon starting in earnest September 2004. On their end, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) defended their attacks as seeking the destruction of Hezbollah facilities and weapons caches. Despite this, the on-going near-daily strikes have robbed residents of a sense of security and safety, making them fearful of what comes next.
Ahmad Alama, director of St Georges School, described his first-hand experience of the chaos caused by the bombings.
“It was total chaos,” – Ahmad Alama, director of St Georges School.
The stark reality for students is palpable, as the school community attempts to cope with the psychological toll of ongoing violence. As Alama continued to stress the urgency of approaching the unique mental health needs of children who, overnight, live under unending threat.
“Pupils shouldn’t pay the price for something they aren’t responsible for. We’ve actually ended up increasing these activities – these kids need to release some of the pressure on them,” – Ahmad Alama, director of St Georges School.
The scenes of devastation caused by the air strikes describe a tragedy that speaks volumes. Hezbollah flags fly high over the mounds of rubble. At the same time, big and small portraits of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah line the roads. Hezbollah’s blatant manifestations only serve to raise the stakes in the area. Residents find it hard to go about their day-to-day routines with the rubble in the way.
Sawsan Hariri, headteacher of Burj High School, expressed the shock and sadness that has engulfed the community.
“The destruction is terrifying. I see the destroyed buildings and I cry,” – Sawsan Hariri, headteacher of Burj High School.
She continued to explain how just traversing one’s own neighborhood has turned into a painful experience for people living in the district.
“It’s depressing. Walking on the street, driving your car – it’s all just depressing,” – Sawsan Hariri, headteacher of Burj High School.
The Lebanese government and civil society are moving quickly to respond to the destruction. They’ve promised to establish an international reconstruction fund to address the massive, widespread damage done by the Israeli bombardments. The World Bank recently estimated rebuilding efforts will cost around $11 billion across the nation. The need for rebuilding couldn’t be more urgent as families are being displaced while their fate, and that of their communities, remains uncertain.
Now Hezbollah has reportedly moved in to offer medical aid to victims of the air strikes. The community has since raised $12,000 to pay displaced families a year’s rent. They have agreed to pay the repair costs for apartments that were left in disrepair. This funding is the latest support they provided as they have pledged to help all residents during coronavirus.
Even with these initiatives in place to help families in need, disaster just seems like one unexpected detour away. The IDF has sent a particularly chilling terrorist-style urgent warning to residents in southern suburbs of Beirut that military operations will continue.
“Urgent warning to those in the southern suburb of Beirut,” – IDF spokesperson.
The issue is that the conflict’s twisted dynamics have trapped countless civilians. Instead, they are left to feel stuck in the middle of an angry sandwich. Alama noted how the return of this cycle of violence has affected aspirations for peace.
“We thought the war had ended with the ceasefire,” – Ahmad Alama, director of St Georges School.
As communities begin to reckon with the aftermath of destruction and seek paths toward recovery, schools like St Georges play an essential role in providing stability and support for children. With ongoing air strikes and uncertainty surrounding future military actions, both educators and families must navigate a landscape fraught with challenges.
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