2020 was not the kindest year to the world in general, and it was particularly harsh on Lebanon, which witnessed many tragedies, the most notorious and unforgettable of which was, undoubtedly, the August 4th explosion.
Because of the numerous bad memories that 2020 imprinted in the minds of people around the world, customary year-end review and “rewind” videos have made it a point to shed light on the misfortunes that the hated year introduced.
Vox’s “2020, in 7 minutes” is no different. The video, published on Monday, took a quick look back at “the moments that inspired us and changed us in a year unlike any other.”
Of the video’s total 6 minutes and 42 seconds, Lebanon occupied 10 seconds with two separate events that not so much inspired as much as they changed – in many instances, mangled – numerous lives forever, not to mention ended dozens.
The red column of smoke and the apocalyptic fireball that emerged from the heart of Beirut on August 4th will forever haunt those who have seen them – be it on video from far away or, much more so, through the glassless windows of their devastated homes.
To add to that and to the other crises that had engulfed Lebanon in 2020, the summer brought with it a heatwave that spawned a relentless series of wildfires that destroyed crops, property, and vast amounts of vegetation, in addition to causing injuries.
Sadly, it was the explosion and the fires – massive tragedies – that summarized what 2020 was like for Lebanon; for a people that has endured so much misery, pain, and suffering in such a short period.
But, despite the hardships, as they have always done, Lebanon and its people will continue to spring back up with more strength and resilience, and with unabating determination to rise up to life’s challenges and come out on top.
It is a time to remember the wisdom of Gebran Khalil Gebran when he said, “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”
