Families from Lebanon’s Deir al-Ahmar and nearby villages celebrated the start of a ceasefire, which allowed them to return home. Packing their belongings quickly into cars, they left behind the hardship of displacement.
“The journey was exhausting... it’s time to leave this nightmare behind,” one returnee said.
Intense bombardment in Baalbek and surrounding areas had forced hundreds to flee their homes, seeking refuge in Christian and Sunni villages in northern Bekaa.
These host communities welcomed them, putting aside political differences. Now, the returning families express heartfelt gratitude for the hospitality they received.
Suleiman, one of the first returnees, said: “We didn’t want to burden our hosts any longer.”
He explained that families in shelters were starting to pack up for their journey home.
“We returned early, leaving some belongings behind in Shlifa. We’ll go back later to collect them and thank our hosts for their kindness,” he added.
The road to Deir al-Ahmar was packed early Wednesday with families heading home. Cars loaded with mattresses, children, and belongings filled the streets. For many, returning is the priority, even if their homes are damaged.
“I found my house destroyed,” said Mohamed, who had been sheltering in Yammouneh.
“I’ll set up a tent over the rubble and live there, even in the cold.”
Others shared the same plan, determined to stay close to their homes, even if it means pitching tents or staying with neighbors and relatives.
Deir al-Ahmar had hosted thousands of displaced people, offering homes and shelters free of charge. Around 12,000 stayed in local shelters, while nearby towns like Qaa, Ras Baalbek, and Arsal took in tens of thousands more.
Some families are also returning from Tripoli, where they fled during the escalation in late September. Mohamed Faitrouni, a driver from northern Bekaa, was thrilled to reunite with his family.
“My wife packed what she could the moment the ceasefire was announced,” he said.
“I’m grateful to the people of Qobbeh, who sheltered my family of eight. Nothing compares to the peace and safety of being home,” added Faitrouni.
Faitrouni is eager to reunite with his family, whom he hasn’t seen since October 4.
“My family is on its way back to Baalbek, and the real joy will be seeing my relatives and children again after more than a month,” he said.
He had to leave Baalbek when his neighbor’s house was destroyed. To keep his family safe from the cold, he rented a modest home in Qobbeh for $300 a month.
“I had to find a safe place to protect my family from the winter,” Faitrouni said.
