In the midst of escalating violence in Lebanon, the plight of U.S. citizens caught in the conflict has come to the forefront. Hana Bechara, a U.S. citizen residing in a suburb of Beirut, epitomizes the struggle many face as they seek safety amid relentless airstrikes. With over 80 bombs, including American-made 2,000-pound munitions, dropped on residential areas, Bechara made the difficult decision to leave her home and seek refuge in Miami, where her sisters reside. However, the path to safety is fraught with challenges, including the need for visas for her family members who are not U.S. citizens and the high cost and limited availability of flights.
The situation has been exacerbated by the U.S. government’s vague and seemingly inadequate response. Bechara reached out to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut for assistance, only to receive generic security alerts and suggestions to contact commercial airlines directly. This lack of concrete support has left many feeling abandoned. “We, and the U.S. citizens in Palestine, are being treated differently than other U.S. citizens who are in way less danger than we are,” Bechara lamented, highlighting a growing frustration among Americans in Lebanon.
As the airstrikes continue, the humanitarian crisis deepens. Reports indicate that over 1,000 people have died, including many women and children, and the United Nations has called for nearly half a billion dollars in humanitarian aid to address the mounting needs of displaced individuals. The Lebanese government estimates that approximately one million people—nearly one-fifth of the population—have been displaced due to the violence. The situation is dire, with health workers also among the casualties, further straining an already fragile healthcare system.
The U.S. State Department’s response has drawn criticism for its inconsistency. While Americans in Israel received prompt evacuation assistance following the October 7 attacks, those in Lebanon have been left to navigate a perilous situation largely on their own. The embassy’s recent communications have suggested that they are unable to assist families like Bechara’s, despite acknowledging the urgent need for evacuation.
The stark contrast in treatment has not gone unnoticed. In 2011, during the Egyptian revolution, the U.S. government successfully evacuated over 1,900 Americans from Cairo within days. Amy Fallas, a U.S. citizen currently in Beirut, recalled her own experience during that evacuation, expressing disappointment at the lack of support this time around. “I have absolutely no faith in that anymore,” she said, highlighting a sense of abandonment felt by many.
The urgency of the situation has prompted calls for action from U.S. lawmakers. Representative Jamaal Bowman emphasized the need for a faster evacuation plan, recognizing that commercial flights out of Lebanon are nearly non-existent. Meanwhile, other countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada, have begun evacuating their citizens, leaving many Americans feeling stranded.
The psychological toll of the ongoing conflict is palpable. Bechara and Fallas both describe the constant anxiety and hyper-vigilance that have become part of their daily lives. The fear of bombings has left them on edge, with even mundane sounds triggering panic. Fallas recounted her experience during a recent bombing, stating, “You’re just kind of perpetually on alert now.”
As the violence escalates, the need for a coordinated evacuation effort becomes increasingly urgent. The U.S. government has the capability to protect its citizens, as evidenced by past operations, yet the current response raises questions about priorities and the treatment of American citizens of Middle Eastern descent. Mai El-Sadany, executive director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, criticized the mixed messages from the State Department, arguing that the U.S. is prioritizing its geopolitical objectives over the safety of its citizens.
In a recent tweet, Rep. Rashida Tlaib expressed her frustration with the State Department, stating, “The @StateDept is leaving Americans behind and failing to protect their own citizens.” This sentiment resonates with many who feel that their lives are being undervalued amid the complexities of international politics.
Despite the challenges, Bechara has managed to secure a flight for her family, albeit not for another two weeks. The uncertainty of the situation weighs heavily on her, as she worries about potential escalations in violence. “A lot can happen in one day,” she noted, reflecting the precariousness of their circumstances.
As the world watches the unfolding crisis in Lebanon, the stories of individuals like Bechara and Fallas serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict. Their experiences underscore the urgent need for a more robust and empathetic response from the U.S. government, one that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all its citizens, regardless of their background. The ongoing violence in Lebanon is not just a geopolitical issue; it is a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention and action.