Anger, resignation, and a sense of unease grip the Lebanese community in Nova Scotia as they witness the unfolding crisis in their homeland. The invasion of Lebanon by Israel has brought a familiar yet deeply unsettling reality to the forefront for this close-knit community. As the conflict rages on, the Lebanese in Nova Scotia find themselves grappling with emotions that resonate with the broader Lebanese diaspora.
The invasion, sparked by Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel, has led to a complex web of reactions. Wadih Fares, the honorary consul of Lebanon in Halifax, emphasizes the deep connection between the Lebanese community in Nova Scotia and their homeland. "Lebanon is not distant to us," he says, "we have families, our home, and it's part of our identity."
The impact of the war is felt both directly and indirectly. Fares' extended family in Beirut is living in fear, despite being relatively safe. The community in Halifax is actively reaching out to support those affected, offering a glimmer of solidarity in a time of crisis. The south of Lebanon, where much of the fighting takes place, has seen sweeping evacuation orders, displacing over 1.1 million people, or about a fifth of the population.
Jad Ghiz, who moved to Canada from Lebanon at 16, shares a similar sentiment. War, he says, is a familiar companion for Lebanese people. "Life goes on as usual," he remarks, "but the anger remains. We've been dealing with this for 60 years."
Ghiz expresses anger towards Israel's actions, questioning the justification for occupying Lebanon's south. "They have been doing this for decades," he says, "and Hezbollah is just the latest excuse."
The historical context of Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon from 1982 to 2000 adds a layer of complexity. Those who live in the region are now being told not to return, creating a sense of displacement and uncertainty. The scale of the conflict is immense, with the occupied area resembling half of Nova Scotia and the entire population of the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) potentially being booted out.
Canada's response to the crisis is a topic of debate. Fares suggests that while diplomacy is essential, the situation may be beyond the reach of Canadian de-escalation efforts. Ghiz, however, calls for more direct action, comparing Israel's actions to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He urges Canada to join the sanction list and support countries sanctioning Israel, a stark contrast to Prime Minister Mark Carney's condemnation of the invasion and calls for a ceasefire.
The Lebanese community in Nova Scotia finds itself in a delicate balance, caught between the complexities of international relations and the personal connections to a homeland in turmoil. As the conflict continues, their voices echo the broader concerns of the Lebanese diaspora, demanding attention and action from the international community.
