British Mum’s Desperate Struggle to Flee Lebanon Amid Rising Conflict
In a heartbreaking story unfolding in the Middle East, a British mother, Mahasen al-Dada, finds herself trapped in Lebanon with her two young sons, desperately trying to escape the looming war while being told she faces a two-week wait for flights.
Mahasen’s Dilemma: Fleeing Lebanon With Children
Mahasen, just 28 years old, is feeling torn apart. Her husband, Jad Eltahra, has been forced to remain behind as tensions escalate into an all-out war. Like countless others affected by the rising violence, Mahasen has been tirelessly searching for a safe way to evacuate her family since the UK government urged its citizens to leave Lebanon without delay.
The UK’s Response: A Lack of Support for Families in Crisis
Despite the urgent evacuation advice, Mahasen expressed her frustration at what she perceives as a serious lack of action from the UK government. In her communication with the UK embassy in Lebanon, she was informed that there were no repatriation flights currently scheduled for citizens stranded in the region. Instead, she was directed to book a commercial flight, further complicating her situation.
After reaching out to local airlines and travel agents, Mahasen discovered that the soonest she’ll be able to secure a flight for herself and her kids, Sultan (6) and Saif (5), is on October 8. This chilling wait places her family in potential harm’s way as violence escalates between Israel and Hezbollah.
Trauma of Rising Conflict in Lebanon
With Beirut’s airport flights rapidly filling and prices skyrocketing, Mahasen’s anxiety has grown day by day. “Everything has gone. Middle East Airlines is still flying, but the earliest flight is 8 October, and the tickets have gone up to £2,000. It’s crazy,” she communicated in an emotional outburst, highlighting the desperate reality many parents face.
As Israeli airstrikes increase, Mahasen fears that the conflict could soon spill into Lebanon’s airports, trapping her family indefinitely. Having moved to Lebanon only in July to reunite with her husband, Mahasen reflects on how quickly the situation deteriorated from a beautiful country into one with threats of bombings day and night.
The Heart-wrenching Choice Between Family and Safety
The hardest part for Mahasen is the emotional toll of potentially leaving her husband in a war-torn country. In her own words: “They are asking me to leave my husband in a country where there is war, asking me to save myself and my kids…” This emotional conflict is heart-wrenching; how does one choose between personal safety and family loyalty?
Her desperation is palpable as she recounts the traumatic nights spent on the brink of panic attacks, fearing each explosion grows closer. “It feels like I’m awake but I’m dreaming,” she shared, describing the unbelievable stress of her daily existence.
Obstacles to Leaving: Visa Complications and Family Ties
Adding to Mahasen’s distress is the ongoing struggle to secure a visa for her husband, who has faced repeated refusals. Despite their desire to stay together in the UK temporarily, the system has been unyielding, with Jad’s visa requests consistently denied. This situation has created a painful reality for the family, where they must confront a potential war while grappling with the bureaucracy that keeps them apart.
Sir Keir Starmer has advised all British nationals in Lebanon to “leave immediately,” amidst preparations for emergency evacuations as part of "Operation Meteoric," which aims to facilitate the exit of 10,000 citizens.
The Heightened Fear of Escalation in Conflict
As tensions soar, Mahasen worries that the desperate airstrikes on civilian areas mark a new phase in the conflict. With Israeli forces announcing plans for a ground offensive, the situation is rapidly worsening. Thousands have already fled their homes, while thousands more, like Mahasen, find themselves cornered with nowhere to go.
Conclusion: A Call for Action and Support
Mahasen’s story is not just an individual narrative; it’s a testament to the plight faced by many families in crisis. As governments scramble to respond, the human cost of these geopolitical conflicts becomes increasingly apparent. It raises an urgent question: what can be done to ensure the safety of families like Mahasen’s?
As the world watches and waits, the priority should be on ensuring that everyone fleeing Lebanon finds the help and support they desperately need.