Bambi was 10 years old in 1982 (you can guess her age now ?).
1982 was the year where Beirut was under the Israeli occupation.
1982 came just 4 years after her aunt died under the Syrian invasion of Beirut.
1982 was also the year when Bambi’s grandfather (born in 1900) died, heartbroken from the death of his daughter.
The same grandfather married his beloved wife (Bambi’s grandmother whom she never had the chance to meet in life). She came from nearby Syria originally. Do you see the irony and absurdity of war?
Syria occupied Lebanon for 29 years.
Israel occupied Lebanon for 22 years.
Of course, there was also initially the Palestine Liberation Organization, PLO (or OLP in French).
There were many Lebanese fractions, all with blood on their hands.
There were massacres and there was hate.
There was also… and there is still the Hezbollah’s weapons, in addition to Hamas’ not too far away.
There is also a very powerful Israel on the military front.
There is an Iran that wants to become a nuclear (surely not peaceful) power.
There are also regional forces using this historical conflict for their own interests.
Of course, there are also leaders of other countries who just do not know what to do to help.
Some chose one approach. Others prefer another one.
Yet others prefer to rise above the conflict, supporting both sides and demanding peace.
And in the Middle East, we hear once again the same old song, like after the Israel-Lebanon (or rather Hezbollah) July 2006 war. Both sides “claim” victory, one “divine”, the other “military”.
All this whilst innocent people (including many children) have been killed and destruction is all over. How can this be a victory?
Plus, the Palestinian people remain vulnerable and without an official country to be proud of.
And the Israeli people still live worried about their safety or even fear for their existence.
And in Canada (at least in Montreal), the USA, and Europe, we recently saw pictures of passionate, and at times sadly violent, demonstrators who seem to have forgotten why their parents or grandparents left the Middle East. Didn’t they come to find peace in the welcoming host countries? So why are we bringing the problems of the Middle East here instead of fixing them there?
Despite (or given?) all this, Bambi will stop now to sing with Nicole her eternal, beautiful, song about peace (English transition here: https://4lyrics.eu/other/nicole-la-paix-sur-terre/):
One of the most beautiful, moving song ever! Thank you [Bambi] for showing everyone the strength that comes from putting people first – despite your losses and the devastations you have witnessed first hand, you are peace.
We do not choose our birthplace. But we choose how we live. Peace to everyone.
Very touched by your words Mirella… thank you!