Table of Contents
- 1 The concern of the Lebanese in France
- 2 Returning home despite the war
- 3 **[Researcher’s Name], despite the ongoing conflict, you feel compelled to return to Lebanon. How do you reconcile the potential dangers with your profound connection to the region, and what are your hopes for the future of Lebanon in the midst of this crisis?**
Published on 24/11/2024 – 18:10 CET•Last updated 25/11/2024 – 7:21 CET
Despite the conflict, many French-Lebanese citizens we spoke to do not want to stay in France
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Hundreds of Lebanese protesters they gathered on Sunday in Paris. Their main request: a immediate ceasefire. Thousands of people have been killed since clashes between Israel and Hezbollah began a year ago.
Franco-Lebanese citizens watching the conflict from afar say they are filled with anger and guilt. They are more than 4,000 kilometers away from Lebanon. But the conflict hits close to home.
In recent weeks, Israeli forces have carried out heavy air strikes against the capital Beirut and southern Lebanon. The toll of the offensive only lengthens the list of victims and makes the impact of the damage increasingly heavier.
The concern of the Lebanese in France
An Israeli attack on a village in the southern Bekaa Valley destroyed the family’s home medical Mayad Sleimanshown in the video, which is no longer habitable. The French-Lebanese doctor says he feels extremely guilty about living in France.
“I feel very guilty for not being in Lebanon, because I could have helped – says the doctor – I live to the rhythm of messages announcing the death of a friend, a cousin, a childhood friend from my village, from another acquaintance in Beirut, from a colleague and so on. And it’s very, very difficult.”
Many say that their daily lives are governed by social media notificationswho sometimes brutally reveal the fate of their loved ones.
“We spend a lot of time glued to the news, even if nothing changes – says Mayad Sleiman – For us it is the best way to ease tension and make sure that our loved ones are not involved in the attacks”.
Returning home despite the war
Despite the conflict, many French-Lebanese citizens we spoke to do not want to stay in France.
“My whole life is there. It’s not easy to leave, even if you are French-Lebanese – says a researcher, who is about to return to Lebanon – My car is there, my job is there, my apartment is there. I will have to find a new job and new housing if I come here. It’s not easy. I wanted to take this business trip to France as planned, saying my prayers and telling myself that I would return to Beirut and everything would be in its place.”
Sunday, theHigh diplomat of the EU, Josep Borrell, called for more pressure on Israel and Hezbollah to reach a ceasefire.
**[Researcher’s Name], despite the ongoing conflict, you feel compelled to return to Lebanon. How do you reconcile the potential dangers with your profound connection to the region, and what are your hopes for the future of Lebanon in the midst of this crisis?**
## World Today News Interview: Lebanese Diaspora Facing the Conflict
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. The ongoing conflict in Lebanon has sent shockwaves across the globe, particularly impacting the Lebanese diaspora. Today, we are joined by two guests to discuss the complex situation and how it affects those living far from home.
**Guests:**
* **Dr. Mayad Sleiman:** A French-Lebanese doctor who is deeply concerned about the safety of his loved ones in Lebanon.
* **[Research Name]:** A French-Lebanese researcher who is planning to return to Lebanon despite the ongoing conflict.
**Section 1: The Human Toll**
* Dr. Sleiman, the article mentions your immense guilt at being unable to directly help those in Lebanon. Could you tell us more about what that feels like for you and other members of the Lebanese diaspora?
* [Researcher’s Name], you mentioned your connection to Lebanon is so strong that you feel compelled to return. Knowing the dangers involved, what drives this decision?
**Section 2: Life Under Siege**
* Dr. Sleiman, the article describes the constant anxiety experienced by those monitoring the situation from afar. How are you and others coping with this constant state of worry and uncertainty?
* Both guests, the article highlights the reliance on social media for news updates. How reliable do you find these sources, and how do they impact your emotional well-being?
**Section 3: The Call for Peace**
* Dr. Sleiman, the EU is urging for a ceasefire. What do you think are the obstacles to achieving this, and what can the international community do to support peace in the region?
* [Researcher’s Name], despite the conflict, you feel drawn back to Lebanon. Do you envision a future where both sides can coexist peacefully, and if so, how can that be achieved?
**Section 4:
Looking Ahead**
* Both guests, what message would you like to share with the world about the situation in Lebanon and the experiences of the Lebanese diaspora?
**Conclusion**
Thank you both for sharing your deeply personal perspectives on this incredibly difficult situation. We hope that this conversation sheds light on the human cost of the conflict and encourages a continued dialogue towards peaceful solutions.
**Note to Editor:**
* This interview format allows for further discussion and elaboration on the provided article.
* Encourage the guests to share their personal stories and opinions.
* It may be helpful to include images or video footage of the conflict or the Lebanese diaspora in France alongside the interview to further engage viewers.
