Months into the conflict in Lebanon, many people remain displaced. While some families have returned home, many continue to face insecurity and damaged homes. When people are forced to flee their homes, they can only take what matters most. For some families, however, leaving behind their animal companions was never an option.
"Hayde rouh metla metlna"（"This is a soul, just like ours." ）
This International Cats Day, four people displaced by conflict in Lebanon share stories of the animal companions who stayed by their side. Their stories reflect a wider reality of displacement: when people lose their homes and routines, the bonds they protect become part of how they hold on to comfort, stability, and the pieces that make them themselves.
“When the strike happened next to us, I couldn’t leave her behind. I couldn’t just abandon her.”
— Malak, speaking about Mika
Malak was displaced from southern Lebanon to Beirut. When she had to leave her home, Mika was the first thing she thought about. Since then, Mika has stayed beside her every day. From the entrance of their tent, curious Mika peeks playfully at passersby while Malak sits in the background.
“A soul is precious. Our souls are not more precious than the souls of those we lost.”
— Hasna, speaking about her birds
After fleeing Laylaki with her family, Hasna returned to bring back Koko and Kouki. Despite her own health challenges and displacement, she wanted to keep them safe.
“We couldn’t leave her behind under the shelling. She left the house with us, just like the rest of the family.”
— Nisreen, speaking about Loulou
Loulou was only three and a half months old when the family was displaced. For Nisreen and her 10-year-old on Fouad, bringing LouLou with them was never a question.
“We tried to protect them and keep them with us because they are part of our family.”
— Al Hajj Hussein Ghazzawi
Hussein left Aita Al Jabal with his family and dozens of birds. Some did not survive the journey, but with a proud smile he explains how many news eggs hatched in the shelter. He continues caring for those who remain.
