In the midst of the ceasefire, a flight returns home to Brazilians who were in Lebanon

The latest repatriation flight for Brazilians fleeing the conflict in Lebanon landed at the Guarulhos air base in São Paulo early Wednesday, as a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect.

That was the 13th and possibly last mission of Brazil’s Operation Cedar Roots. carried 150 passengersincluding the elderly and children, back to a safe place. For many, the relief of reaching Brazilian soil was tempered by the devastation they left behind.

“I am very happy, very grateful for this repatriation operation, which sent a plane to pick us up,” said Mona Houssami, a Brazilian who lived in Lebanon for 15 years.

However, his joy was overshadowed by the anguish at witnessing the destruction of his adopted home.

“It is very hard to see how our country is destroyed for nothing,” he lamented.

Historical repatriation figures

with some eight million citizens and descendants of Lebanese, Brazil is home to the largest Lebanese community in the world. This figure is larger than the population of Lebanon itself, which has around 5.5 million inhabitants.

The flight was possible within the framework of the Brazilian government program, which began on October 5 and returned home to 2663 people and 34 pets from Lebanon.

The most recent operation occurred in the middle of the ceasefire in Lebanon.

The truce has led Brazilian authorities to evaluate demand and security conditions for a possible fourteenth flight. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Brazilian Embassy in Beirut remains in contact with nationals and their families to provide support in obtaining flights.

The initiative has been hailed as a innovative example of coordinated public policy.

“We witnessed historical repatriation figures”said Maria Beatriz Nogueira, director of the São Paulo office of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and pledged support for these humanitarian assistance programs.

Support networks and associations

Multiple stakeholders have been involved in the operation, including UN agencies, Brazilian ministries and civil society organizations.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) conducted interviews for assess protection needshelped with documentation and provided logistical support.

UNHCR contributed translation services and facilitated family reunifications.

Thaís Senra, IOM project coordinator, highlighted the agency’s role in ensuring smooth integration of returnees.

“We provide ongoing logistical support, including accommodation, travel organization and data managementto guarantee a smooth reception in the country and, subsequently, facilitate measures for inclusion in Brazilian society,” he explained.

The comprehensive nature of the operation also reflects Brazil’s broader commitment to inclusion and social protectionaccording to Cinthia Miranda, general emergency coordinator of Brazil’s Unified Social Assistance System (SUAS).

“The Brazilian government has one of the most progressive laws in the world when it comes to welcoming migrants,” he stated.

“We believe in fight against poverty and vulnerabilityand we are proud to be a model country for the world in guaranteeing rights. Through this operation, we intend to show the humanitarian and welcoming spirit of Brazil,” he added.

UNHCR Brazil / Paola Bello

Brazilian Nura Yassine (second from right), who lived in Lebanon for 16 years, reunites with her family in Brazil

A Lebanon “without the sound of war planes”

The flight marked a turning point for people like Nura Yassine, a Brazilian who had spent 16 years in Lebanon. Reflecting on his experience, he described the war as a source of constant fear and anguish.

“The war generated a lot of fear and negative thoughts“, said. “I feel relieved to be in Brazil and hope to one day return to a Lebanon without the sound of war planes.”

Operation Cedar Roots the largest initiative to repatriate Brazilians from a conflict zonehighlights the importance of international cooperation to address humanitarian crises.

Miranda stressed that the initiative involved “many hands,” including various ministries, UN agencies and civil society organizations, and, in particular, the Arab-Lebanese diaspora.