On 2nd October 2024, two sisters who fled Lebanon shared their harrowing experience of leaving their homeland amid growing instability and deteriorating living conditions. The sisters, who boarded a flight from Beirut to Europe, described how Lebanon’s political paralysis, economic collapse, and social unrest left them feeling that they had no option but to leave.
The situation in Lebanon has been dire for several years, with rolling blackouts, skyrocketing inflation, and food shortages becoming the norm. These challenges have been compounded by rising crime rates and a lack of basic services, such as healthcare and education, due to government dysfunction. For many Lebanese, particularly the younger generations, the dream of a prosperous life within their country seems increasingly unattainable.
The sisters explained that they were heartbroken to leave behind family and friends, but the relentless struggle for survival had worn them down. They spoke of constant uncertainty, with no job prospects or hope of improvement. Like many others in Lebanon, they made the difficult decision to seek refuge abroad, joining the tens of thousands who have left the country in recent years.
Their story is a reflection of the growing exodus from Lebanon, as more people seek safety and opportunity elsewhere. The loss of human capital is having a profound impact on the country’s future, with experts warning of a continued brain drain that could further delay Lebanon’s recovery.
