When Bassel Eehor, a Lebanese-Canadian living in Toronto, watched the news of Israel’s relentless airstrikes on Palestine, his thoughts turned immediately to his family in Lebanon. Just weeks ago, his elderly parents were forced to flee their home in southern Lebanon as Israeli military operations targeted Hezbollah. “They’re still displaced, staying with relatives, and we live in fear for their safety every day,” Eehor shared.
Like many in the diaspora, Bassel fears that what is happening in Palestine—the mass displacement, airstrikes, and rising civilian death toll—could soon become Lebanon’s grim reality. As tensions escalate between Hezbollah and Israel, and Israeli strikes continue, Lebanese Canadians brace themselves for a humanitarian disaster that mirrors the devastation in Palestine.
For Eehor, the situations in Palestine and Lebanon are deeply interconnected. “They’re a continuation of the same war, the same tactics, and the same criminal behaviour by an occupying force,” he said.
Eehor is deeply concerned that the unconditional support from Western governments, particularly the USA, allows Israel to continue escalating its military actions. This support, he believes, enables the further destruction of civilian infrastructure and the deaths of innocent people in Gaza.
“It’s leading to the killing of more civilians, the destruction of entire villages and towns. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond unacceptable—there’s a genocide happening while the world watches in silence,” Eehor said.
The impact of Israeli attacks on Lebanon since September 27, 2024, has been devastating. Over 2,400 people have been killed, 11,285 injured, and 779,613 displaced. Many have sought refuge in overcrowded shelters, with health crises emerging—such as the first cholera case detected in Akkar District. The ongoing violence has left much of the population in dire straits, with both communities and infrastructure severely damaged.
Eehor’s large family faces devastation in Lebanon, and he receives horrific news daily. He is aware of many civilians who have been killed or seriously injured by airstrikes on their homes and buildings.
“My elderly parents were displaced from their home in southern Lebanon, along with many of my immediate family members. We’ve been in touch with them daily, and we are fortunate to have people who can help them,” he said.
This concern is compounded by Lebanon’s ongoing struggles with economic collapse, political instability, and the aftermath of the 2020 Beirut explosion.
Lebanon has a traumatic history of Israeli invasions, with major incursions occurring in 1978, 1982, and 2006. The 1982 invasion was particularly devastating, resulting in thousands of civilian casualties and the notorious Sabra and Shatila massacres, where between 2,000 and 3,500 people, mostly Palestinian refugees and Lebanese civilians, were killed. This tragedy reshaped Lebanon’s political landscape and left a deep scar on the nation.
Nay Azar, a Lebanese-Canadian living in Vancouver, is deeply worried that the war in the Middle East won’t end anytime soon. Although she’s thousands of miles away from her home country, her thoughts remain fixed on Lebanon—constantly envisioning herself sitting with her family, just comforting one another in the living room.
“What worries me is the lack of reaction on the matter… Day by day, we think we’ve reached the worst possible scenario, only to wake up to something even worse,” she said. “I see a lot of similarities between Gaza and Lebanon, which leaves me feeling hopeless and helpless.”
Azar shares that the attacks have affected her family in many ways, particularly emotionally, as no one in Lebanon feels safe anymore.
“A lot of Lebanese were affected much worse—many lost their families, their loved ones, and their homes. The closest airstrike to my family was just a few days ago, 15 minutes away by car from where they live. Many civilians were harmed and killed,” said Azar.
Azar speaks to her family every day but remains uncertain about their safety. The constant sound of warplanes overhead, and the sight of airstrikes—whether on TV or from the balcony—makes it impossible to feel secure. Watching these humanitarian crimes unfold while the world does nothing only deepens her despair.
Dany H. Assaf, a Lebanese writer and journalist, is devastated by the destruction of his country while the world remains silent. He argues that recent history has proven that another prolonged war will ultimately solve nothing.
“The world needs to make it clear that there is no justification in the modern world for any nation to destroy another nation,” he said. “Lebanon, with its rich history, represents so much beauty, and the Lebanese people are not an enemy of humanity to be eliminated.”
Israel’s attacks on Lebanon are seen as part of its broader strategic agenda. Even before last year’s assaults on Gaza began, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out his vision for the Middle East during a United Nations meeting, notably excluding a Palestinian state. His proposed map, tied to the Abraham Accords, reflects a larger ambition to reshape the region’s dynamics while sidelining Palestinian aspirations.
Canada’s responsibility in the war in Lebanon
In the face of the ongoing turmoil in Lebanon, Azar feels a profound sense of helplessness, struggling to navigate her life as if the world around her remains unaffected. Despite her active support for Lebanese communities and advocacy for their integration into Canadian society, she longs for Canada to take meaningful action. Azar hopes that Canada will assist these communities in reconnecting with their loved ones, just as she strives to do for her own family.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms outlines the fundamental rights essential for a free and democratic society. In light of the Lebanese crisis, Canada has a vital opportunity to uphold these principles by advocating for humanitarian aid and pursuing diplomatic solutions. By doing so, Canada reinforces its commitment to human rights and stability, asserting its role on the global stage.
Eehor passionately calls for Canada to reassess its support for the current government in Lebanon, urging the country to adhere to its values of human rights and justice.
“As a Canadian citizen, I vehemently oppose using my tax money to fund wars by another nation, let alone an occupying force committing genocide,” Eehor said. This sentiment echoes a broader call for Canada to align its foreign policy with its democratic principles.
To address the urgent situation in Lebanon, Assaf proposes several necessary actions: Canada should host an international conference of the friends of Lebanon to forge a strong diplomatic path forward. Additionally, Canada must reaffirm its commitment to protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Increasing support for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon would also help restore Canada’s position as a major player in promoting global security and peace. By leveraging its strengths as a middle power, Canada can not only honour its history but also remain relevant in an increasingly fractured world.
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