This Young Lawmaker in Lebanon Confronts Fears of a Spreading War

Firas Hamdan is one of the youngest members in the Lebanese Parliament. The 37-year-old is from Hasbaya, a town about six miles from Lebanon’s southern border with Israel. Israeli strikes near the town are happening every day as part of the ongoing war with Hezbollah. During the week, Hamdan works in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. But on the weekend, he travels home to meet with constituents. These days, the meetings are dominated by talk of the war all around them. Just over one year ago, Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli positions across the border in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel responded in a war that has killed more than 2,400 Lebanese and displaced over 1 million. While Hamdan is critical of Hezbollah’s initial actions, he says Israel’s stated aim to eliminate the group is shortsighted. Hamdan’s political rise began five years ago when he took part in widespread protests denouncing the government for corruption and driving the country to ruin. Returning to Hasbaya is important for Hamdan. It keeps him in touch with the reality of a region where history weighs heavily. Hamdan’s father, Ismail, a former Army general, was witness to multiple Israeli invasions and an 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon, including Hasbaya. The Hamdans are now witnessing a new Israeli invasion. But for the young and emerging politician. The challenge is how to address his neighbor’s most immediate concerns.