For years, Mohamad watched as refugees from neighboring Syria passed through the Mediterranean port city of Tripoli, boarding smugglers' boats for risky crossings to Europe. For Lebanese like him, it was an act of despair to be pitied, not copied.
Until this year, as the economic collapse in Lebanon left little prospect to Mohamad and his family for a brighter future. His elder son took this dangerous path and almost lost his life in June 2020, after his boat was sabotaged by the smugglers who promised to make him reach the European shores for 5 millions Lebanese pounds.
Once the money was exchanged, Mohamad's son was trapped. The overloaded boat took the passengers towards the wrong direction, and left them with no food, nor water for days. Many of the 40 people onboard perished, but Mohamad's son was miraculously saved by a UNIFIL boat passing by.
Since this traumatic event, Mohamad and his family try to heal. In their longing eyes, trying to make ends meet, they still see no other option than, one day, confronting the sea again.
(Ongoing series)
