In brief
Lebanon’s diaspora, larger than its population, is reuniting to aid in recovery efforts following the devastating war that has left the country in dire need of support.
As the conflict escalated between Israel and Hezbollah last September, expatriate Abed Al Kadiri found himself anxiously watching events unfold from his art studio in Kuwait. The destruction of his childhood city, Beirut, filled him with anguish and concern for the safety of his family — including his mother and young son. Driven by a desire to support his loved ones and contribute to his home country's recovery, Al Kadiri made the decision to return to Lebanon. "Lebanon was going into an apocalyptic phase," the 40-year-old stated during a recent visit near Beirut. "Going back was the only best option." His sentiment reflects a growing trend among the Lebanese diaspora, which is believed to be nearly three times the size of the nation’s own 5.7 million residents. In recent months, many expatriates have gradually returned to Lebanon, hoping to provide both physical and financial support for a nation grappling with one of its bloodiest conflicts in years. Al Kadiri’s experience is just one among many, embodying the collective hope of the diaspora to help heal and rebuild their homeland, scarred by violence and upheaval.
