In brief
Amid the rubble of war-torn cities, Lebanese entrepreneurs are wrestling with significant losses while awaiting assistance from Hezbollah and uncertain governmental support.
In the heart of southern Beirut, the remnants of once-thriving enterprises stand as stark reminders of the destruction wrought by Israeli airstrikes. A toppled sign reading “Spare parts. Jeep Cherokee” is among the few indicators of the busy car parts dealership that once flourished here. Business owner Imad Abdelhak expresses disbelief, "We were so confident we wouldn’t be hit," as he surveys the chaos surrounding his damaged garage.The aftermath of the recent conflict has left many business owners in a precarious position. Ibrahim Mortada, another local dealer, reflects on his losses, stating, “I have lost $20,000 and my only source of income. I have no idea how we can survive.” His building, caught in a barrage of destruction, seems dangerously close to total collapse.Even as a US- and French- brokered ceasefire holds, the struggle for recovery has only just begun. Mortada, like many in the region, is left to ponder the fate of his livelihood while waiting for structured support from Hezbollah, which has promised to assess damage and provide financial aid for rent and essentials.In Nabatieh, the historical market, treasured for its age and character, has faced unparalleled devastation. Local shopkeeper Niran Ali recalls the remnants of her shop, questioning if even a soot-stained pair of tracksuit bottoms might be the last trace of her twenty-year-old business. The climate of uncertainty has left her and others feeling abandoned; they await promises from Hezbollah, with little communication from any governmental agency.Jalal Nasser, who owned a multi-functional complex in Nabatieh, estimates his losses at $250,000 while trying to inspire hope despite the ruins that surrounded him. “We are waiting for Hezbollah,” he insists. With the financial impact of the war estimated to be around $8.5 billion, Lebanon faces an uphill battle for recovery, exacerbating the existing financial crisis that has gripped the nation since 2019.The challenge is daunting, with Lebanese authorities struggling to secure funding for reconstruction, leaving many business owners like Yusuf Mouzzain, who has seen historic family legacies tarnished, uncertain of any future support. “This is the worst war we have seen,” Mouzzain laments, staring at the remains of his shop.As the city begins to comprehend the sheer scale of the devastation, there remains a flicker of hope for solidarity and recovery amidst the rubble, while the call for international support hangs in the balance. The road to recovery is long, but the resilience of Lebanon's business community shines through even in the darkest times.
