Wael’s Story: Finding Resilience in Lebanon

Under growing threats in his village in the southern countryside of Aleppo, Wael, along with his mother and six siblings, made the difficult decision to leave. “We took what little we could carry and crossed into Lebanon without knowing anyone there,” he recounted. The family arrived at a roadside camp and built a makeshift tent to call home. “We worked in the fields to survive, earning just enough to meet our basic needs,” Wael explained.

Wael’s journey to Lebanon began in 2011, only a week after the war in Syria erupted. Born in 2000, he was just 11 years old when his life was turned upside down. “One morning, I was in school, but by the afternoon, the building had been bombed. That moment of fear changed everything,” he shared.

Over the years, Wael adjusted to his new circumstances by taking on various jobs. “I worked in the fields, then at a butcher shop for three years, and later at a restaurant, where I started as a cleaner and eventually became a waiter,” he said. Despite the difficulties, Wael found growth in his experiences. “Every job was challenging at first, but I realized they helped me improve. Today, I work hard to gradually build a better life.”

Hoping to secure a stable future, Wael sought to develop new skills. “I learned electricity through a charity and earned a certificate,” he said, though it has yet to lead to steady work.

In 2022, Wael married and moved with his wife to a camp in the Beqaa Valley near her family. The couple recently welcomed their first child, a baby boy. “We used to rent a house for $150, but now the landlord is asking for $350. Finding another place is nearly impossible with these rising prices,” Wael said.

The lack of aid has added to their struggles. “I registered with the United Nations years ago, but I’ve never received any assistance,” he revealed. “Even now, during this crisis, we’ve gotten no support. The aid available to Syrians is far from enough, and so many are left struggling.”

Despite the hardships, Wael has no plans to return to Syria. “The regime’s oppressive control makes it impossible. I’ve heard too many stories of injustice and loss,” he said. For Wael, the fear of returning is greater than the challenges of staying in Lebanon. “Syria doesn’t feel like home anymore.”

Still, Wael remains hopeful about his future in Lebanon. “This country has become my second home. I don’t want to leave. I just want to work hard and build a safe, stable life for my family,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey, Wael offered words of resilience: “Life is difficult, but we’ve learned to never give up. It’s hope and courage that keep us moving forward, even in the hardest times.”

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