A Story of Resilience: Mahmoud Ahmad Al-Said and 76 years of being a refugee in Lebanon

In 1948, during the Nakba—a period of profound displacement for Palestinians—thousands of families were uprooted from their homes. Among them was Mahmoud Ahmad Al-Said, who was only seven years old when he was forced to flee his village. Now, 76 years later, Mahmoud resides in Lebanon, where he has spent decades educating young refugees, embodying resilience and hope.

Mahmoud’s journey is not just a personal narrative but a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinian refugees. The Nakba, meaning “catastrophe” in Arabic, led to the mass displacement of approximately 750,000 Palestinians during the establishment of the state of Israel. Mahmoud’s family, like many others, was forced to abandon their home and livelihood, taking with them only memories and a longing for the land they left behind.

Palestinian refugee families like Mahmoud’s, and their descendants, now number approximately 475,000 – or approximately 9% of Lebanon’s population. Similarly, the Syrian Civil war led to over 1.5 million refugees to take shelter in Lebanon, now making up approximately 27% of the country’s population.

For Mahmoud, the pain of displacement was tempered by a deep-seated commitment to education. Despite the challenges of living in a refugee camp, he pursued his studies and eventually became a teacher. Over the years, he has educated thousands of children, instilling in them not just academic knowledge but also the values of perseverance and dignity. His work has been crucial in keeping the Palestinian identity alive among younger generations, many of whom have never seen their ancestral homeland.

The story of Mahmoud Al-Said is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Even as the international community debates solutions to the Palestinian refugee crisis, Mahmoud and others like him continue to live in limbo, with their right to return unfulfilled. His life underscores the enduring impact of the Nakba and the need for a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian refugee issue.

Mahmoud’s legacy is one of hope and resistance. Through his dedication to education, he has ensured that the memory of his homeland remains alive, even in exile. His story is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting refugee communities, ensuring that they have access to education and opportunities for a better future.

With almost 36% of Lebanon’s population being refugees from Palestine and Syria, as well as significant numbers of refugees from Iraq, Sudan and Ethiopia, the country’s public services is stretched to the limit. UKC4C works tirelessly to supporting these refugee population in Lebanon. To support education and resources for children in refugee communities, please consider contributing to our efforts.