The Americans losing homes to Israel’s war in Lebanon

Lebanese-American Families Bear the Cost of Regional Conflict

A Childhood Home Reduced to Rubble

Qwenews.com – Maysa Moghnie’s family compound in Burj Rahal represented generations of dedication. Her father devoted nearly his entire life to constructing the magnificent residence, adding one chamber at a time. “Every recollection we possess centers on him building this dwelling,” explained Moghnie, who holds dual citizenship between America and Lebanon. Today she resides in Irvine, California, nurturing her own children.

Video recordings from two years past capture her twin sister’s engagement celebration—a scene brimming with celebration and melody. The footage reveals an impressive three-level structure characterized by classic stone masonry. Ornate balconies supported by carved columns featured sloping terracotta roofs. A magnificent dual staircase descended onto an expansive outdoor platform. Families and visitors danced together in the recording. Everything vanished following an Israeli aerial bombardment on May 9.

Though official documents declared a truce, actual conditions involved continuous Israeli military operations alongside Hezbollah rocket attacks. Photographs taken by her sister afterward revealed the missile’s path as it tore through multiple levels, creating a massive opening blanketed in white powder. Remarkably, her parents and sibling had departed merely three days earlier because her mother could no longer endure the constant drone and aircraft noise.

“My mom couldn’t take the drones and the airplanes and all those really harsh sounds anymore,” she said.

Neighbors informed them about the attack. Moghnie joins numerous American nationals who reported to CNN that their Lebanese residences have been obliterated during Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces maintains these operations target hostile positions. According to a United Nations Development Programme evaluation released in June, nearly 18,000 dwellings have been ruined since hostilities reignited in March following Hezbollah’s rocket response to American-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Business Owners Face Devastating Losses

Even after the official truce began in April, Israeli troops advanced further into Lebanese territory. Most American residents have departed southern Lebanon, though some remain to maintain operations, safeguard commercial interests, or simply because of their connection to the land.

Anwar Ghaida, an American entrepreneur, experienced this reality firsthand. His property sustained damage on two separate occasions—first in 2024, then again earlier this year. The initial incident received widespread media coverage. Three journalists sleeping in one of Ghaida’s rental bungalows perished in the strike. He operates these accommodations alongside a wedding facility in Hasbaya.

“They hit the wedding venue, mainly the kitchen area but it was empty at the time,” he said regarding the late-night assault.

Ghaida believes the first attack was intentional. The victims worked for Al Manar, a Hezbollah-affiliated television network, and Al Mayadeen, an Iranian-aligned news organization. Eighteen reporters from multiple outlets had been staying at his property while covering the September through November 2024 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The second incident, occurring on March 25, may have been accidental. Nevertheless, the financial impact proved severe. “My business is ruined financially. I could do weddings for 500 people, now all my kitchen equipment and furniture is gone.”

By the time of the second bombardment, his enterprise had already contracted considerably. With ongoing hostilities, “nobody was getting married” and journalists stopped choosing his guesthouse. “When they go online and they see that it has been bombed, I think they think twice before making reservations,” he explained.

Staying Behind Despite Uncertainty

Two of Ghaida’s children reside in America, yet he feels unable to relocate. “I have my brother here with his children, my mom, my sister… I’m not going to leave them,” the sixty-year-old told CNN during a telephone interview from his Hasbaya residence. Additionally, he doubts he could rebuild his life at his age.

Israeli drones continue flying overhead at night despite the ceasefire. “Last night was really bad,” he noted. “You could hear shelling and big explosions in different towns.”

Many Lebanese-Americans express that southern Lebanon has never experienced such difficult conditions. Some veterans recall the 2006 war. Others remember Israel’s occupation period spanning from 1982 to 2000. Their family homes endured all previous conflicts. This time, however, Israeli tactics proved different.