Volunteers Risk Lives to Rescue Pets from Bombed-Out South Beirut
In the midst of chaos and destruction, a heartwarming yet harrowing story unfolds in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. As Israeli bombardments intensify, displacing thousands of residents, many are left grappling with the painful decision of leaving their homes—and their beloved pets—behind. Amidst the rubble and fear, a group of dedicated volunteers has emerged, risking their lives to rescue these animals from bombed-out neighborhoods.
The Urgent Need for Rescue
The ongoing conflict has forced many Lebanese families to evacuate their homes in haste, often leaving behind their pets. Maggie Shaarawi, vice president of the charity Animals Lebanon, has been at the forefront of these rescue efforts. "A lot of people had to evacuate their homes in a hurry. In most cases, cats stressed by bombing hide," she explains, highlighting the challenges faced by rescuers. The urgency of the situation is palpable; the goal is simple yet profound: "Our goal is to just enter, rescue, and leave."
On a recent Thursday, Shaarawi and her team embarked on a mission to help a resident retrieve her eight traumatized cats from her home in the southern suburbs. Through a video call, the worried owner guided the rescuers to the living room, where she had managed to corral her feline companions—Fifi, Leo, Blacky, Teddy, Tanda, Ziki, Kitty, and Masha—before fleeing.
Triumph Amidst Tragedy
With determination and care, the volunteers coaxed the frightened cats out from under a green velvet sofa, gently lifting each one into a holding crate. "We were able to find them all," Shaarawi said triumphantly, a rare moment of joy amidst the devastation. However, the danger was ever-present. Just as they were preparing to move to another location, a strike hit the suburbs nearby. "It’s the first time we had a hit very close to us. We’re lucky to have left alive," Shaarawi reflected, underscoring the perilous nature of their work.
The situation in Lebanon is dire. Since September 23, Israeli airstrikes targeting the militant group Hezbollah have resulted in over 1,000 deaths and forced more than a million people to flee their homes, according to Lebanese figures. Many of the displaced have taken their pets with them, while others have made the heart-wrenching choice to stay behind. Shaarawi noted that some individuals have even ignored evacuation warnings to remain with their animals, illustrating the deep bond between humans and their pets.
A Growing Rescue Effort
Despite the risks, Shaarawi and her team have made significant strides in their rescue efforts. "So far, we’ve retrieved from the Beirut suburbs around 120 animals, and from the south another 60," she reported. Each successful rescue is a testament to the resilience of both the volunteers and the animals they seek to save.
The psychological toll of war extends beyond humans; animals, too, are deeply affected. "The war is traumatizing for both animals and people. They’re being bombed every day, and they don’t know what’s happening," Shaarawi explained. Many pets are left waiting for their owners to return, unaware of the devastation that has unfolded.
The Heartbreaking Reality
However, not every mission ends in success. On one occasion, while attempting to retrieve three cats, the team discovered one of them dead, its body stiff and covered in dust. The other two were nowhere to be found, and Shaarawi expressed her sorrow, stating, "The house was totally destroyed." Such moments serve as a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by both animals and humans in conflict zones.
Continuing the Fight
Despite the dangers, Shaarawi and her team remain committed to their cause. The following day, they returned to the southern suburbs, determined to rescue more pets. "Cats turn into tigers when they’re scared," she noted, emphasizing the challenges of capturing frightened animals in such a chaotic environment. Parking their car on the outskirts of the heavily bombarded area, the volunteers swiftly navigated the streets on mopeds, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead.
The work of these volunteers is not just about saving animals; it is a testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and humanity in the face of adversity. As the conflict continues to unfold, the stories of these brave rescuers and the pets they save remind us of the profound connections that exist between humans and animals, even in the darkest of times.