One year after the 14‑month war between Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanese citizens continue to translate the cross‑sectarian solidarity that fed displaced families into new forms of community support—from restaurant collaborations to renovated cultural spaces.
Channeling the community spirit
During the peak of the war, Mezyan, an upscale restaurant in Beirut’s Hamra district, supplied 300 meals daily to families staying in nearby apartments, despite a 70 % loss of customers and staff working at half‑pay. Manager Jad Hamdan vowed that even if the restaurant closed, the kitchen would keep cooking for people.
Now the kitchen operates at full strength and has turned its wartime aid into a platform for local chefs. “We are trying to help small businesses and support them,” Hamdan said, noting a “window of hope” for the country.
A recent “Ethiopian Night” featured 23‑year‑old Lebanese‑Ethiopian chef Stephanie Souaid, who introduced Ethiopian dishes and traditional coffee served by her mother Mulualem. Souaid plans to launch a high‑end Ethiopian food truck within weeks, expanding the culinary diversity that Lebanese diners have come to appreciate.
In the south, the city of Sidon’s El‑Papito shawarma shop fed 100 displaced people each day for two months, with manager Mohammed al‑Ali describing the refugees as “our families” and promising ongoing donations to the poor now that the war has ended.
Further south, actor‑director Kassem Istanbouli’s nonprofit Tiro Association for Arts repurposed a 1950s cinema in Tyre into a shelter for displaced children, offering art and theater workshops. After an Israeli airstrike killed six‑year‑old Selena al‑Smarah and her parents, the cinema was closed temporarily while Istanbouli finished renovating a Beirut theater to house families.
The Tyre cinema has since reopened, with mattresses stored in the projection area in case hostilities resume. The Beirut theater now includes a basement kitchen, reliable electricity, internet and hot water, effectively operating “like a hotel,” Istanbouli said.
Looking ahead
Should the fragile ceasefire unravel, the same networks that delivered meals and cultural refuge could be re‑activated to meet renewed displacement needs. Communities may once again rely on restaurants, NGOs and refurbished public spaces to provide food, shelter and psychosocial support.
Analysts expect that the established “stay every day” mindset could help mitigate the humanitarian impact of any future flare‑ups, while also fostering economic revival through support for small businesses and cultural initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the 14‑month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah?
The conflict began when Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel in October 2023 in solidarity with Hamas after its attack from Gaza, later expanding into a broader Israeli offensive in September 2024.
How many Lebanese were displaced by the war?
Lebanese officials say more than 1.2 million people, roughly 20 % of the population, were displaced by the time the ceasefire was agreed in November 2024.
What forms of community support have emerged since the ceasefire?
Restaurants such as Mezyan have shifted from emergency food delivery to showcasing local chefs; the El‑Papito shop continues to donate food; and cultural spaces like the Tyre cinema and Beirut theater now provide shelter, utilities and artistic programs for displaced families.
How do you think Lebanon’s tradition of cross‑sectarian solidarity will shape its response to any future crises?
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