Lebanese-Born Israeli Calls on Government to Repatriate Jewish Remains from Lebanon

A Jewish man originally from Beirut, now residing in Haifa, appealed to the Israeli government to include in its recent agreement with Lebanon provisions for returning the remains of his family members and other Jews buried in Lebanon to Israel. In a Monday interview with 103FM, he shared his personal pain, explaining that out of eight siblings, one older sister passed away in Lebanon, and his grandparents are buried there and in Damascus. He expressed hope that the agreement, which he noted featured the Lebanese flag alongside Israel's, would allow the repatriation of his sister's remains so the family could recite the Kaddish prayer for her.

He emphasized the deep historical connection of the Jewish community to Lebanon, stating that Jews lived there for thousands of years and have the right to honor their deceased family members according to Jewish tradition. He argued that the bones pose no threat to Hezbollah or anyone else, but represent a cultural and religious heritage. This request, he said, reflects the wishes of many Lebanese Jewish families with ancestors buried in Lebanon.

The interview also touched on Lebanon's current political climate, with the man noting increasing criticism within Lebanon toward Iranian and Hezbollah influence. He highlighted a growing public sentiment that Lebanese people have been fighting for foreign interests rather than their own since the 1980s, leading many to flee the country for places like Argentina, Brazil, and France.

He concluded by reflecting on the Jewish community's historical role in Lebanon's prosperity and lamented its departure, saying, "Wherever Jews were, the country thrived. So we left Lebanon too."