Study Questions Blanket Evacuations of Border Villages After Hezbollah Attacks

A new study by Dr. Nuwayn Ali Salah Darawsha and Dr. Shagit Lev from Bar-Ilan University’s School of Social Work highlights the heavy toll of mass evacuations in northern border communities during the 2023-2024 Iron Swords war. Focusing on the Arab-Bedouin village of Arab al-Aramshe near the Lebanon border, the research reveals that many residents, especially elders, refused to evacuate or returned shortly after leaving despite ongoing security threats, including Israeli military operations and drone strikes that caused casualties.

Arab al-Aramshe, with about 1,700 residents from the Aramshe tribe, is located in the Mateh Asher Regional Council on the Adamit Plateau near the Sulam Tzur ridge. The villagers have strong ties to their land, with many working in agriculture and serving in Israeli security forces. The study, based on interviews with 14 village elders conducted remotely, found that the evacuation caused significant emotional distress, including fear, sleep disturbances, health deterioration, loneliness, and boredom due to displacement and restricted mobility.

However, the elders also demonstrated resilience rooted in religious faith, hope for peace, and patience amid uncertainty. A recurring sentiment was, "If I must die, I want to die in my home," underscoring the deep spiritual and cultural connection to their village, animals, and agricultural lifestyle. The alternative accommodation in a Nazareth hotel felt alien and disconnected for many, prompting some to return despite the dangers.

The researchers caution against blanket forced evacuations without considering cultural sensitivity and community input. They suggest that future emergency responses might benefit from more localized, participatory approaches that allow residents to choose safer rural alternatives or stay with relatives, thereby preserving community cohesion and reducing trauma. These findings resonate with debates over the evacuation of Jewish border communities, where similar social and economic disruptions occurred.

The study will be presented at the Israeli Gerontology Association conference in Jerusalem on September 2-3, emphasizing the need to rethink evacuation policies to balance security with residents’ well-being and cultural identity.