Photo Credit: Refugees International
08/20/2006

After Nadim returned to Sidon with his father, mother and sister, they realized that they did not have enough room to all stay in Sidon. In addition, Sidon was also being targeted by the Israeli Defense Forces so he did not feel it was safe for his mother and father to stay there. Nadim drove them to Beittedine, a picturesque resort in the Chouf mountains where another brother of his lived. Refugees International interviewed the mayor of a nearby municipality who told us how they cared for the families that sought shelter there. “We opened up the public schools for the people who came here. We hosted about 300 in the school. There were also about 135 families living with other families - approximately 800 people. We received donations from the community – everyone wanted to help. However, we did not see any international organizations – just journalists who filmed and left. The High Relief Commission [the government of Lebanon’s ministry to assist the displaced] sent us food but it was not enough. Most have left now and we hope that they will find peace at home.”