this Yvelinois is stuck in Lebanon by the war

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He was due to return to France at the beginning of October 2024, but Israeli strikes on Lebanon decided otherwise. Municipal councilor of Montigny-le-Bretonneux (Yvelines) and vice-president of the Council of Lebanese people of France (Colif), Joseph Torbay66, is currently stuck near Byblos, a town of 40,000 inhabitants located north of Beirut, where he is following the situation closely, worried about his country of origin. Interview.

How did you get stuck in Lebanon?

J. T. : I came for the big family vacation on August 9th. With Colif, we organized a summer camp (July 29-August 16) in Hakel, for 40 Franco-Lebanese children. I was supposed to leave on October 5. But the Transavia company suspended its flights. I was able to find a flight from Middle East Airlines, the only Lebanese company that continues to serve Beirut airport. The roads leading to the airport are preserved. If all goes well, I will return on Sunday October 13th. I am relieved and, at the same time, I have concerns about the 1.3 million displaced Lebanese. They were forced to abandon their home. They are housed in extremely delicate conditions, in gymnasiums, schools, etc.

“Nephews are afraid to go to school”

Personally, are you safe? Do you fear bombings?

We are 60 km north of Beirut. We are sheltered from the war, but we hear Israeli planes flying over the region quite regularly. I have nephews and cousins ​​who go to school not far from us, who are afraid to go to school when they hear planes. Some schools are closed to accommodate the thousands of displaced people. Friends left their homes in the suburbs of Beirut for fear of bombings. Families had to leave their homes in less than ten minutes. These displaced people need everything…

“Every ten to fifteen years, we have a cycle of violence”

What state of mind are the Lebanese in after more than three weeks of war?

J. T. : The population is completely disgusted. Every ten to fifteen years, we have a cycle of violence in Lebanon. I am sad for my country. All I hope is that there is a ceasefire, a lasting solution. Hope gives life. But the situation is likely to remain as it is until the American elections in November.

When you return to France, have you planned any actions to support the Lebanese population?

J. T. : Two couples of friends have launched a collection of school supplies, medicines, hygiene products, milk, etc. We store them in municipal premises made available by the town hall of Montigny-le-Bretonneux, which I thank.

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