Bahaa Sahel: A Voice of Resilience Amidst the Ruins of War

In the heart of Tyre, Lebanon, Bahaa Sahel stands amidst the remnants of her once-thriving shop, a poignant symbol of resilience in the face of relentless conflict. As she picks through the debris, collecting clothes, footwear, and accessories, her heavy yellow plastic bag serves as a metaphor for the burdens she carries—not just of physical items, but of memories, losses, and hopes for a peaceful future.

The Impact of Conflict on Tyre

Tyre, Lebanon’s fourth-largest city, has recently become a battleground, enduring a barrage of Israeli airstrikes as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a ground operation in the southern region. The devastation is palpable; buildings lie in ruins, and the air is thick with the echoes of destruction. Bahaa recounts the harrowing moments leading up to the chaos: “We fled the town two hours earlier. If I had stayed, I would have been here,” she reflects, pointing to the heaps of crumbled cement that were once homes and businesses.

The violence has claimed lives, with at least five people reported dead when missiles leveled three adjacent buildings. Bahaa’s neighbor, Hassan, who owns a café nearby, describes the moment the first missile struck, sending debris flying and shattering the fragile peace that had lingered in the community. “It happened 10 days ago, but I am still shaken and traumatized,” he admits, illustrating the psychological toll that such violence inflicts on those who survive.

A Community in Mourning

The aftermath of the airstrikes has left Bahaa and her community grappling with profound loss. She returned to her shop only recently, driven by the urgency to salvage what she could before the impending rain. “I’ve owned and run this shop for 35 years. These were my neighbors, my friends. I knew the mother, the father, and their children,” she mourns, her voice heavy with grief. The destruction of her shop is not just a financial blow; it represents the erasure of a shared history and the bonds that have been forged over decades.

As Bahaa navigates the rubble, she reflects on the many tragedies that have marked her life. This is not her first experience with war; she recalls the Israeli invasion of 1982, when a three-story building collapsed around her, claiming the life of her cousin while sparing her and her sister. “So many tragedies,” she laments. “I don’t know how many more wars we would live through. But history repeats itself.”

The Weight of History

Bahaa’s story is emblematic of the broader narrative of Lebanon, a country that has endured a series of conflicts that have left deep scars on its people and landscape. Each war has brought with it a cycle of destruction and resilience, yet the hope for peace remains elusive. “Maybe this war would be the last one. Maybe God would have mercy on us. We can’t take it anymore,” she says, her words a desperate plea for an end to the violence that has become a constant in her life.

As she walks with her sister through the debris-strewn streets towards her apartment, the sounds of Israeli airstrikes in the distance serve as a haunting reminder of the precariousness of their existence. Despite the fear that grips her every night, Bahaa plans to leave for the mountains near Beirut the following morning, seeking refuge from the chaos that has engulfed her home.

A Prayer for Peace

Bahaa Sahel’s story is one of resilience, but it is also a stark reminder of the human cost of war. Her prayers for peace resonate not only within her community but also across the broader landscape of Lebanon, where countless individuals share her longing for stability and security. As she continues to sift through the remnants of her life, her hope remains steadfast: that this will be her last war, and that the future holds the promise of healing and renewal.

In a world often overshadowed by conflict, Bahaa’s voice stands out—a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring hope for a brighter tomorrow. As she navigates the rubble of her past, she carries with her the dreams of a peaceful future, one that she fervently prays will soon come to fruition.