Melbourne, Australia – Israel's latest military offensive against Lebanon has sent shockwaves across the globe, reaching the heart of Australia's Lebanese community in Sydney and Melbourne. The devastating bombings have stirred painful memories of the Lebanese Civil War, leaving many in anguish as they watch the news unfold. “I think 99 percent of the Lebanese in Australia still have family in Lebanon,” stated Michael Kheirallah, chairman of the Victorian Lebanese Community Council. The emotional toll is palpable, with reports of sleepless nights and trauma resurfacing as images of destruction flood social media.
For the Lebanese community, this isn't just a distant conflict; it’s a haunting reminder of their past. Many fled Lebanon during the civil war from 1975 to 1990, escaping violence that claimed around 150,000 lives. The scars of history are deep, especially with Israel's previous invasions and the catastrophic events of 2006 still fresh in the minds of those who lived through them. Kheirallah emphasized the community's unity in the face of adversity, recalling a recent gathering in Melbourne where they lit candles for Lebanon, standing together as their homeland faces yet another onslaught.
Evacuations and Rising Tensions
The Australian government has responded to the escalating crisis by evacuating over 3,400 citizens and permanent residents from Lebanon. Ahmed, a 23-year-old Australian citizen, shared his harrowing experience of fleeing Beirut after the bombings began. “We packed ourselves up as quickly as possible,” he recalled, highlighting the chaos and urgency of their departure. Ahmed had been volunteering to assist those displaced by the conflict, witnessing firsthand the devastation that unfolded around him.
As the violence escalates, so does the fear of rising Islamophobia within Australia. Reports indicate a tenfold increase in Islamophobic incidents since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The diverse Lebanese community, comprising both Muslims and Christians, faces growing tensions as the Australian government grapples with its pro-Israel stance. Despite the challenges, community leaders like Kheirallah remain hopeful, emphasizing resilience and solidarity among Lebanese Australians as they navigate these turbulent times.
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