"This is a destruction that aims at uprooting people from their land and their history."
Heritage Under Fire: Tracking the Destruction of Lebanon's History
The 100-day mark of the Hezbollah-Israel conflict has brought renewed attention to the devastating toll on Lebanon’s cultural heritage. As fighting intensifies, local and international organizations are racing to document, protect, and salvage what remains of the country’s historical sites.
Key Events in the Conflict
- The Hezbollah-Israel conflict has now reached 100 days.
- Israeli strikes on Tyre, Lebanon, resulted in the deaths of eight people.
- Iran launched missiles at Israel in support of Lebanon; Israel responded with airstrikes.
- The US State Department announced plans to renew a ceasefire, contingent on Hezbollah ceasing fire.
The Frontline of Cultural Preservation
Joanne Bajjaly, a former journalist and founder of the NGO Biladi, is leading efforts to document war damage to traditional villages. Her organization also works to move antiquities from at-risk areas.
"This is a destruction that aims at uprooting people from their land and their history," Bajjaly stated, describing the damage as deliberate and aimed at severing communities from their heritage.
International Efforts: Blue Shield in Action
Blue Shield International, an organization dedicated to protecting cultural property during conflicts, is working on multiple fronts. President Peter Stone is collaborating with NATO to train forces on the critical importance of preserving cultural sites.
"The protection of heritage could be as important as the logistics for keeping the ammunition going to the frontline troops," Stone emphasized, highlighting the strategic and moral weight of these efforts.
Emergency "First Aid" for Heritage
Archaeologist Ania Kotarba describes the emergency response work as "first aid" for heritage sites. Her team utilizes advanced tools like 3D modeling and AI to assess damage and plan stabilization.
"It takes one blast... to destroy the site that has been standing for hundreds or thousands of years."
While reconstruction is technically possible, Kotarba notes that the process is painstaking and can take decades to complete.