Sydney’s western suburbs saw a somber gathering on Sunday afternoon as Australia’s Lebanese community held a vigil to honor victims of Israeli attacks and to demand international protection of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
The Hands Off Lebanon event, held in Merrylands, aligned with similar demonstrations worldwide and came just two days after Lebanon marked its 81st Independence Day.
Journalist and organizer Daizy Gedeon expressed deep sorrow over the escalating crisis, calling the situation “heartbreaking.”
“For 14 months, we’ve watched Gaza endure unimaginable destruction, and we feared Lebanon might face the same fate,” she said. “Now, it’s a reality that has spiraled beyond reason.”
Ms. Gedeon, who migrated to Australia as a child, shared harrowing accounts from friends and family in Lebanon. She described the attacks as “indiscriminate,” affecting people of all faiths, leaving communities in fear.
“Enough is enough,” she declared. “If the Australian government upholds international law and the sovereignty of nations, it must stand up for Lebanon’s right to peace and independence.”
Humanitarian Crisis in Lebanon
The Lebanese government estimates that 1.2 million civilians have been displaced by the ongoing violence. According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli attacks have claimed over 3,670 lives and injured more than 15,400 people since October 2023.
For many, the situation reignites long-standing trauma. Postgraduate student Nohra Chalouhi, who moved to Australia last year, said the violence echoes the Lebanese Civil War’s dark legacy.
“It’s a cycle of generational trauma,” Mr. Chalouhi said. “I worry for my parents and friends back home, especially those in affected areas. The unpredictability of these attacks leaves everyone living in fear.”
A Life of Fear and Loss
Assmaa Salabi Eldirani, who grew up in both southern Lebanon and Beirut, shared her anguish over losing two homes to violence.
“This feels like a nightmare I can’t wake up from,” she said. “Every morning, I check the news and the death toll. It’s hard to live a normal life here knowing the suffering back home.”
Ms. Eldirani voiced frustration over the ever-present threat of war in Lebanon.
“You spend your whole life waiting for the next conflict. I dream of going back to Lebanon—it’s where my heart is—but it’s just not safe.”
International Appeal
The vigil also highlighted the broader implications of unchecked aggression.
“We cannot allow what’s happening in Gaza to set a precedent,” Mr. Chalouhi said. “Civilians shouldn’t bear the brunt of these attacks. There must be accountability.”
A United Call for Justice
The event drew notable attendees, including Federal Labor MP Andrew Charlton, NSW Greens Senator David Shoebridge, Minister Jihad Dib, and Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed, emphasizing the widespread concern within Australia’s political and community circles.
As Lebanon continues to grapple with the devastating toll of the conflict, the voices at Sunday’s vigil sent a powerful message: the international community must act to protect the nation’s sovereignty and ensure a future free from violence and fear.
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