Israel’s bombing campaign in Lebanon has left many U.S. citizens like Hana Bechara feeling unsafe and desperate to leave. Bechara, along with her family, faced challenges in trying to secure flights and visas to Miami where her sisters reside. Despite reaching out to the U.S. Embassy for assistance, Bechara found the responses to be vague and unhelpful.
The ongoing Israeli airstrikes have created a dire situation in Lebanon, with over 1,000 casualties and a million people displaced. The U.S. government has yet to implement an evacuation plan for American citizens in Lebanon, contrasting with the swift actions taken for those in Israel following recent attacks.
Many Americans stuck in Lebanon, like Amy Fallas, are feeling abandoned by the lack of support and options provided by the U.S. government. While other countries have begun evacuating their citizens, the U.S. response has fallen short in providing timely assistance to those in need.
Despite facing difficulties in securing flights out of Lebanon, some individuals like Fallas have managed to find a way out on their own. However, the lack of communication and support from the U.S. Embassy has left many feeling stranded and uncertain about their future.
Certainly, that is inadequate. She mentioned feeling constantly on edge now,” she expressed.
During a walk to fetch water, a motorcycle whizzed by, causing Fallas to almost scream due to the loud engine noise.
After the tragic pager attack on September 17, where explosions from thousands of devices rocked Beirut and Lebanon, Fallas started contemplating leaving. Although the primary targets were Hezbollah members, innocent civilians were also affected, leading to numerous casualties.
The memories of that fateful day haunt Fallas, as she recalls the chaos and devastation witnessed while riding in a cab through Beirut. The sound of ambulances, injured people on the streets, and frantic messages from friends created a sense of fear and unease.
Subsequently, Fallas struggles to sleep peacefully, often staying up until the early hours of the morning, fearing the sound of Israeli bombs or awaiting the next attack. During strikes, she seeks solace in talking to friends, scrolling through social media for information, and providing mutual support.
The Lebanese people, who have endured generations of conflict and instability, have been a source of comfort for Fallas, offering assistance and shelter during these turbulent times. In contrast, her own government’s response has been lacking, prompting her to seek refuge in neighboring Jordan with her family.
As someone with a history of displacement and movement, Fallas reflects on the irony of fleeing another U.S.-backed war, emphasizing the need for the government to prioritize the safety of its citizens caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts.
Despite the challenges of immigrating to the U.S., Fallas expects more support and assistance from the government, given the significant military aid provided to countries involved in the ongoing conflicts. She expresses relief at securing a flight out of Lebanon but remains anxious about the escalating violence and the uncertainty of the situation.
“A lot can happen in one day,” Fallas reflects, highlighting the unpredictability of the current crisis and the urgent need for international intervention to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. Please rewrite the following sentence: “The cat swiftly ran across the room.”
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