Lebanon’s Ramadan Ends Quietly as War Disrupts Eid Celebrations

This year’s Eid al-Fitr in Lebanon didn’t bring the usual excitement. The holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan, was overshadowed by war and displacement. Israel’s strikes and Hezbollah’s involvement have turned a time meant for family gatherings into a scene of hardship. Over a million people have been forced to leave their homes in the south, east, and even Beirut. Many now live in tents or makeshift shelters, struggling with rain and unstable conditions. In Beirut, some families set up tents near a major mosque, their celebrations replaced by worry. One mother, Samah Hjola, recalled past Eids when her children wore new clothes at home. Now, she says, life in a tent near a bus is a far cry from those memories.The sound of Israeli jets breaking the sound barrier added to the fear. Many mistook the noise for another attack, sending people into panic. In a school turned shelter, volunteers tried to lift spirits with music and balloons for kids. But for adults like Abed Nasser, the sadness was too much to ignore. "Eid is gone, " he said. "We live in sorrow. " In Sidon, another tradition took a hit. Families usually visit graves during Eid, but many couldn’t reach their loved ones’ resting places because of the fighting. A man named Suleiman Youssef described the mood as heavy. "People need happiness, " he said. "This country needs peace. "