In the wake of the killing of a top Hezbollah commander, Lebanon finds itself deeply divided. While Hezbollah supporters mourned their fallen leader and chanted anti-American and anti-Israeli slogans, thousands of people in Beirut attended a dance show, highlighting the stark contrast in the country’s response to the recent events.
The funeral procession for Fuad Shukr, the slain commander, took place in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold of Hezbollah. Tens of thousands of black-clad men and women in military uniform joined the procession to pay their respects. Meanwhile, on the Beirut waterfront, nearly 8,000 people gathered to watch a dance extravaganza by the Mayyas troupe, winners of the “America’s Got Talent” television contest in 2022.
For Olga Farhat, a 45-year-old human rights activist, resistance is not just about carrying a gun and fighting. She believes that joy, art, and celebrating life can also be forms of resistance. The dance show, titled ‘Qumi’ (meaning “rise up” in Arabic), was an ode to Beirut, a city that has endured decades of conflict, upheaval, and economic crisis. Farhat acknowledges the split in the country between those who want peace and those who feel compelled to fight, but she believes that people are tired of wars and crises and simply want to enjoy life.
The contrast between the funeral procession and the dance show reflects the deep divisions within Lebanon. While Hezbollah supporters expressed their anger and grief by chanting slogans against America and Israel, the dancers paid tribute to the war-battered south of Lebanon, where Hezbollah has been engaged in cross-border fire with the Israeli army since the start of the Gaza war. Some individuals, like Olga Farhat, have shifted their focus from the Palestinian cause to prioritizing Lebanon’s interests.
The recent raid that killed Shukr and an Iranian military adviser also claimed the lives of three women and two young siblings. In a video clip circulating online, the bereaved mother referred to their lives as a sacrifice for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Some individuals, like Hussein Nasreddine, believe that if Israel drags Lebanon into war, it is their duty to die as martyrs. The cross-border violence since October has resulted in the deaths of at least 542 people in Lebanon, including fighters and civilians.
The response to the dance show by independent lawmaker Mark Daou, who posted a photograph of the event with the comment “The strongest response to Israel is the culture of life and beauty,” angered Hezbollah supporters. Daou, who was elected after mass protests against the political leadership responsible for Lebanon’s economic crisis, refuses to reduce Lebanon to a battlefield. Many politicians, particularly from the Christian community, have criticized Hezbollah for risking war with Israel.
Lebanon’s deep divisions are rooted in its history and sectarian quotas that govern power-sharing. The country’s communities are so divided about its past that events following 1943 are missing from official history books. Each party wants the other to conform to their beliefs, creating an environment of opposition and violence. Despite the current tensions, Lebanese expatriates continue to visit the country, considering it the best vacation destination.
The recent events in Lebanon have exposed the country’s deep divisions. While some mourn and chant slogans against their perceived enemies, others seek solace in art and celebration. The contrasting responses reflect the complexity of Lebanon’s political and social landscape, where peace and conflict coexist. As the country navigates through these challenging times, it remains to be seen whether unity and understanding can prevail over division and violence.