The Scars of Haret Hreik: Life Amidst the Rubble in Beirut’s Southern Suburbs
A week after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the southern suburbs of Beirut, often referred to as "Hezbollahland," bear the deep scars of two months of relentless attacks. The final day before the truce witnessed the most intense bombardment, leaving a landscape of shattered glass, severed power lines, and a pervasive sense of loss. Residents like Mazen Tlais, who lived in his apartment for 22 years, now sift through the rubble of what was once his home, searching for remnants of his memories and important documents. The destruction is so complete that he struggles to find anything belonging to him, only encountering possessions of his upstairs neighbor. The scene is replicated across the suburb, a stark reminder of the conflict’s devastating impact.
Despite the visible devastation and personal losses, the spirit of resilience pervades the community. Rather than succumbing to despair, residents express anger and a determination to rebuild, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many in the area. This defiance, a hallmark of the Lebanese people, surfaces in their resolve to move forward, refusing to be broken by the relentless cycle of destruction. Samiha Hellani, whose apartment, though still standing, resembles a shaken box, embodies this spirit. She leads visitors through her damaged home, pointing out the destruction while recounting how she and her family were fortunate to be away during the attack. Despite the shattered windows, the dust-covered toys in her granddaughter’s room, and the toppled furniture, her focus remains on rebuilding and moving forward.
Hezbollah’s presence in Haret Hreik is palpable, extending beyond its military role to encompass social services. The group’s control over the area is evident in the requirement for journalists to obtain permission for access, their movements closely monitored by assigned "guides." This omnipresence allows Hezbollah to control the narrative, ensuring that residents’ testimonies are heard within a specific context. The focus remains on Israeli aggression and the promised support for reconstruction, while the reasons behind the conflict, specifically Hezbollah’s initial attack in October 2023 in solidarity with Hamas, remain largely unaddressed. This dual role as both a militia and a provider of essential services solidifies Hezbollah’s influence within the community, fostering a sense of dependency and loyalty.
The narratives of residents consistently highlight the disproportionate nature of the attacks. While acknowledging the possibility of targeted objectives, they question the justification for leveling entire buildings, causing widespread destruction and displacement. Abu Hassan, whose home was reduced to rubble, embodies this sentiment, emphasizing the impact on civilians and questioning the morality of such tactics. He underscores the distinction between the "sionists" he blames and the Jewish people, for whom he expresses respect. The prevailing discourse avoids implicating Hezbollah, attributing the conflict solely to Israeli aggression and reinforcing the narrative of victimhood. This selective framing reinforces Hezbollah’s position as a protector within the community, further strengthening its hold.
The control exerted by Hezbollah extends to managing the information flow. Journalists are accompanied by "guides" who monitor their interactions and restrict their access, ensuring that the narrative remains aligned with the group’s agenda. Abed, a university student tasked with this role, initially maintains a facade of helpfulness before his true purpose becomes apparent. His English proficiency, revealed when assisting with translation, hints at a more sophisticated understanding of media manipulation. The “OK” sticker on his walkie-talkie, a stark contrast to the recent spate of sabotage targeting Hezbollah’s communication devices, suggests a carefully curated image projected to the outside world. This tight control over information reinforces the dominant narrative and limits exposure to alternative perspectives.
Amidst the devastation, life in Haret Hreik continues, underscored by a sense of normalcy interwoven with the remnants of war. Ibrahim Jabali, who salvaged his five-year-old’s easel from the wreckage of his apartment building, exemplifies this resilience, finding humor in the face of adversity. His gallows humor about the potential for further destruction reflects a coping mechanism for dealing with the uncertainty and fear. Similarly, 17-year-old Mahdi Hanoun, who sells flags near the entrance to the suburb, captures the prevailing sentiment. The popularity of Hezbollah flags demonstrates the enduring support for the group, interpreted as a sign of solidarity and celebration of their perceived victory. This public display of allegiance further underscores Hezbollah’s entrenched influence within the community, even amidst the widespread destruction. The juxtaposition of everyday life against the backdrop of war creates a poignant image of a community struggling to rebuild while grappling with the ongoing realities of conflict.
