Amidst the ongoing displacement across Lebanon, we are taking time to listen to Lebanese Americans reflect on their deep, enduring connections to their ancestral homes and villages. These stories remind us of the profound bonds that tie the diaspora to Lebanon.
ATFL Board Member Fayrouz Saad recently shared her beautiful memories of Bint Jbail:
Whenever I visited Bint Jebail, it was like stepping back in time. The 'souk al khamis' (Thursday market) was my favorite part - a place where you could buy a Fairuz CD and groceries for dinner. It was everything. Our home was the gem within the village. My father built it with the dream that it would bring people together - a gazebo for a cup of coffee in the morning and a back deck for tea at night. It was surrounded by olive trees that would be pressed and brought to the US - and I have used it as a way to bring friends together and share a piece of our home. I will miss the taste of that olive oil.
The olive trees, the bustling markets, and the homes built to bring people together—these are the memories that sustain us. At ATFL, we remain committed to advocating for a future where these communities can be secure and thrive once again.