Sarah – Between Rubble and Resilience

Country: Lebanon

I write these words in the quietest moment of my day—though there’s never true silence here. The hum of fear lingers everywhere: through the hallways, in every face I see, each one telling a story of loss—of families torn apart, of homes reduced to rubble.

These stories weigh on me, but they also give me strength.

A Life Redefined

I’m Sarah, a Palestinian refugee in Lebanon. I left my career as an educator to become a psychologist, but as a Palestinian, I’m not allowed to work with a license here. Still, I help—children pulled from the rubble, families devastated by loss, and those crushed by trauma—knowing that my work isn’t defined by titles or walls.

Since the war began in September 2024, my colleagues and I have faced unimaginable challenges. Despite our training, nothing prepared us for this.

The Weight of Witnessing

Being a psychologist in wartime is like holding a fragile light in a world consumed by suffering. We listen to shattered lives, absorb their pain, and bear witness to grief that words can’t heal. Every story adds weight to our hearts, but we continue—offering compassion and a belief in healing, even when it feels out of reach.

Some days, it feels like nothing I do will ever be enough. Telling survivors that their loved ones are gone is an unbearable burden. Yet I stay—with them, for them—offering whatever comfort I can.

What Was and What Remains

Just days before the war, my biggest concern was training for a marathon. Running, yoga, and travel were my peace, my grounding. Now, those simple joys feel like a distant dream—a life I can barely remember.

The beauty of Lebanon that once inspired me is now far out of reach, stolen by war and its destruction. But I hold onto hope—that one day, peace will return, and I’ll run again, explore again, and feel connected to this land once more.

Purpose in the Darkness

Until that day, my purpose has deepened. I believe in the power of listening and understanding—not just for others, but for myself as well. I’ve become a psychologist not only for those in need, but also to find strength within these dark times.

It’s not easy. Some days, I feel completely drained. But I keep going—ready to give everything I have to help others stand, even when I’m struggling to stay on my own feet.