Amidst Israeli bombings in Lebanon, Nahida Al Matbuh and her son Ali Haidar Mahdi chose to flee to Syria, despite its ongoing war. The decision was not intentional but due to the lack of alternatives. They are part of the Shia community, heading where their people are seeking refuge. With limited time and no passports, they join thousands crossing into Syria, hoping for safety and peace to return to their homes in the Beqaa Valley soon.
Their journey reflects a larger trend, with nearly 180,000 people, mostly Shia, crossing the border in just a week. Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees are seeking shelter, running from the Israeli airstrikes. The border has become a beacon of hope, blurring the lines between danger and security.
With air travel almost impossible and sea routes offering expensive escape, different profiles are emerging. Some are paying exorbitant amounts to reach Cyprus by yacht, while others are opting for the safest and quickest means available. The turmoil in Lebanon has forced people to make tough choices, seeking refuge wherever they can find it.
The exodus captures the urgency and fear gripping the region, with families fleeing for their lives, hoping for a swift resolution to the conflict. The border between Lebanon and Syria has become a lifeline in the midst of chaos, offering a glimpse of safety in a turbulent time.