Victoria K. Verling, journalist in Lebanon. “Last night I watched a TV series to the sound of Israeli drones.”

He films the gutted buildings, the drones overhead, the black smoke of Israeli strikes billowing into the sky. A local newspaper reporter Here in BeirutVictoria K. Verling, a 30-year-old Alsatian who emigrated to Lebanon for 5 years, is documenting the war through his media and his social media, just as others rush to post their trips to museums and restaurants online. A year after the Hamas attacks in Israel, the conflict between Hezbollah and the Israeli army has already left at least 2,000 dead in the country of Cedar and 1 million displaced. As he speaks to us via WhatsApp from Ashrafieh, his neighborhood east of Beirut, we hear the sound of shelling in the distance. If the image freezes us on the other end of the phone, his voice remains restless. “I’m glad I can talk to you, it’s important to say what’s going on here.” Interview:

The fall of the earth

Madame Figaro: You lived in Lebanon for five years. What do you see from your apartment window right now?
Victoria S. Verling: I see a mix of modern buildings and old cabins that give the landscape a very eclectic look. Recently I spend my life between this place and my friend’s chalet that stands on Mount Faraya, which is still considered a “safe zone”. My apartment is 3 kilometers from the southern suburbs of Beirut, and 2 kilometers from the nearest beats, this gives me a lot of feedback. Rather than wake up suddenly and wait for the outbursts to stop, usually around 4am, I spend my time at her house when I can. It’s hard because I’m commuting to the city every day, but at least I can sleep. What people miss the most here is sleep.

Why do you love it so much?
What excites me here, as in many Middle Eastern countries, is the solidarity found there, as opposed to Western countries based on a culture of individualism. Family is very important to the Lebanese, as are friendships. It works as a group. We never feel alone, there is always someone to help us even if we are in the middle of nowhere. It’s also a fairly small country, but has an absolutely phenomenal cultural, religious and historical diversity.

Since 2019, you have experienced the country’s economic crisis, the Beirut port explosion in 2020, the revolution, and the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Is that the reason why you decided to become a journalist here?
In a few years, I watched the decline of a country. Since 2019 and the onset of the economic crisis, I have seen friends gradually sink into mental exhaustion. Some have lost everything. Now it’s a war. On a human level, it’s a great life lesson. I feel a mission to do my job by showing what is happening here and for the people who are suffering from this war. This country has given and taught me a lot, but it has also taken a lot from me. And these trials consolidated this form of attachment for him.

Last night I watched a series on Netflix while cooking and listening to drones in the background

Victoria S. Verling

Because Explosions of Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies On September 17, attributed to Israel, tensions increased and Israeli strikes increased. How do you feel about the situation emotionally?
What needs to be understood is that warfare is somewhat compartmentalized and confined to certain neighborhoods. When I think rationally, I know that the strikes will not hit my neighborhood directly. I would say that I am afraid not during the day, but rather at night, when I am not in control of things. You can’t be alert when you’re asleep…

What is your first instinct when you wake up in the morning?
I check my phone and the latest news, whether it’s in Beirut or other parts of the country. As for the evenings, they are very special because we still try to have a semblance of normal life. Last night, for example, while I was cooking, I watched a series on Netflix and at the same time there was the sound of drones. The contrast is strange. Two realities coexist. I also know that I am privileged because of my immigration status. For those like me who can, we must stay active despite the fear of bombings.

And for others?
This war has displaced many people (people forced to flee their homes to escape Israeli bombardment, Editor’s note) Many Lebanese lack everything, sleep on the streets and are no longer able to function on a daily basis. I want to note that there were people in the group who were well off. Fortunately, steps are being taken to help them. Mutual aid is very strong, many Lebanese are giving everything, trying to raise funds, cooking, etc. It’s a way to manage anxiety, but it feels mentally draining.

What are the other big concerns in this atmosphere?
It’s about survival first. Not to die from the strike. Other concerns relate to children’s education, with many schools closed and classes for those remaining half-online and deserted. Also the Lebanese are mostly stuck here. There are still flights to escape the country, but tickets are very expensive and visa applications have been suspended. Even those with passports are blocked. They have this feeling of being trapped. For me, being here is my choice, I also have a European passport and that makes a lot of difference. Some people see their friends leave and they can’t. It’s a lot of stress.

Lebanese women under pressure

At 30, do you manage to reconcile your life as a woman and a journalist in a country at war?
I’m going out, right? (laughs). No, not really, because the head isn’t there, and it isn’t there for anyone. We meet at this or that house to drink tea, for remote work, but it is difficult to escape from the war, escape mentally. Before, I forced myself to have a routine: going to the gym, cooking, etc. It’s been more than a month since I lost track.

Before, I forced myself to have a regime: go to the gym, cook. For two months I lost track

Since the beginning of the war, the situation of Lebanese women has become more worrying.
I would say that it is very worrying especially for the displaced. They live on the streets, and we know very well that when there is this kind of crisis, violence against women, whether domestic, sexual, or psychological, increases significantly. I worry so much for them and for these young girls who no longer have the protection of their families and are exposed to extreme vulnerability. In any case, I have admiration for all Lebanese women. In my team, I have with me several young women, 20 to 25 years old, who had to flee their neighborhood because they were too close to the bombings. They are the next generation of journalism in Lebanon, impressive with their courage and commitment. They put on their “press” vest and will run into areas that are sometimes really dangerous. And it is all the more impressive because they are directly affected by the war.

What is your experience as a western woman in Lebanon?
There are many clichés about the Middle East. For my part, I feel safer here than in Paris or anywhere else in France. Obviously, I also know that I don’t have the same pressures as Lebanese women, that less is expected of me. In any case, I have always crossed paths with respectable people.

Can you take a step back from current events and war?
War involves many things. it reveals our fears, our weaknesses and strengths. It can affect the self-confidence of some, for others it will bring demons like alcoholism. But maybe some will play sports or play an instrument later. Sometimes all at once. War pushes us to our limits. It tests us and in some cases can make us grow. But there is no need to get into mythology either, it remains tragic and fatal for many. But there are still beautiful things that come out of it. Courage and outbursts of solidarity are beautiful things to behold.