Tragedy is ingrained in the Lebanese culture. From music to poetry and politics, Lebanese people are accustomed to sharing their stories of loss, conflict and war.
In Sydney, Australia, a small group of community leaders, members of the public, and human rights advocates from the Lebanese-Australian community gathered in Merrylands to remember the lives lost as a result of this conflict.
“It’s absolutely devastating to witness entire families wiped out, children left orphaned, medics targeted, historic towns reduced to rubble, and buildings disappearing in an instant.
Which are scenes we now watch unfold on our phones,” said Sara Skaf, one of the campaign organisers.
David Shoebridge, Australian Greens Senator, stated his commitment to representing the voices of the Lebanese-Australian and Palestinian-Australian communities in the Senate, as he remarked on the loss of life, particularly now in Lebanon, and the destruction of their countries.
“I know that the Lebanese community has seen this (conflict) before. The bombing of villages, the destruction of apartment blocks, the targeting of health infrastructure, and economic infrastructure. They (Lebanese community) have seen this before.
I want to say to the Lebanese-Australian community is that you are so far from alone in this struggle. Millions and millions of Australians are with you,” Shoebridge said.
The influence of the ‘Hands Off Lebanon’ campaign, conceived by the Lebanese diaspora, aims to achieve solidarity amidst the differences and inherent patriotism within the Lebanese democratic system – an ambitious step for the diaspora, whose members span international cities such as Beirut, Paris, New York, and London.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health confirmed that the casualties resulting from the 2023/2024 Israeli War on Lebanon and Gaza exceed 3,700 lives.
“The total toll of martyrs and wounded since the start of the aggression until yesterday reached 3,768 martyrs and 15,699 wounded,[1]” said a spokesperson from Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health.
“The vigil is our way of calling for support for these fundamental rights through a coordinated and peaceful approach, but we are also seeking a long-term solution to the protracted issues in the Middle East that continue to draw Lebanon into their fire and destabilise our country,” said Daizy Gedeon, an award-winning filmmaker, journalist and human rights advocate, who is leading the campaign vigil and its other activities in Australia.
On the day the Hon. Jihad Dib – Member for Bankstown, along with representatives from the federal government, Dr Andrew Charlton MP and Senator David Shoebridge, united in showing their support for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Federal member Andrew Charlton emphasised the importance of the Australian community standing up for Lebanon, Gaza, and other parts of the world, in a show of solidarity for peace and the dignity of human life.
“Australia cannot stand idly by. Lebanon is a nation already scarred by decades of economic hardship and now it is teetering on the brink,” said Dr Andrew Charlton.
The Hon. Jihad Dib, of Lebanese heritage and Member for Bankstown, commented on the similarities between Australia and Lebanon by drawing attention to their diverse communities and cultures, a characteristic that is often overlooked by others, given the focus on its conflict and loss.
“Lebanon through all its confusion, in all its beauty, its differences, in all of its different religions and cultures, its backgrounds and history, is all somehow coming together to make it the most beautiful country, that (allows) every single person to have their say,” Dib said.
The vigil was held at Holroyd Gardens in Merrylands, a suburb in Sydney’s west, and supported by the Cumberland Council, which passed a motion endorsing this community initiative as an important issue for the Lebanese-Australians, who comprise 18% of the population.[2]
The vigil was on the first of several events that kicked off around the world to show a united stance for Lebanon.
On 27 November, people in Lebanon and the Lebanese community around the world await news of a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah.[3]
“Here in this distant land, roaming
Amongst a joyful people who sleep
Upon soft beds, and smile at the days
While the days smile upon them.
My people died a painful and shameful
Death, and here am I living in plenty
And in peace…This is deep tragedy
Ever-enacted upon the stage of my
Heart; few would care to witness this
Drama, for my people are as birds with
Broken wings, left behind the flock”
- Khalil Gibran, Dead are my people
Comments and perspectives on the conflict in Lebanon and the campaign are welcomed.
[1] Ministry of Public Health, Lebanon. (2024, 24 November). 3,768 Martyrs and 15,699 Wounded since the Start of the Aggression, and Yesterday’s Toll was 14 Martyrs and 73 Wounded. Ministry of Public Health, Lebanon, News. https://www.moph.gov.lb/en/Pages/127/37069/-a-statement-issued-by-the-ministry-of-public-health#/en/Pages/127/77161/3-768-martyrs-and-15-699-wounded-since-the-start-of-the-aggression-and-yesterdays-toll-was-14-martyr
[2] Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2024). 3 Merrylands Latest release, 2021 Census All Persons. Australian Bureau of Statistics. https://abs.gov.au/census/find-census-data/quickstats/2021/SAL12599
[3] Linder, E. and Morgan, T. (2024, 27 November). Israel and Hezbollah’s ceasefire deal means an end to fighting in Lebanon — for now. Australian Broadcasting Corporation.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-27/hezbollah-israel-ceasefire-lebanon-us-brokered/104646504
