heir feedback, telling me that I had expressed what they, themselves, had struggled to articulate and that I had helped them gain a clearer perspective, was profoundly fulfilling. This encouraged me to change my path and pursue a career in journalism. I later enrolled in a higher diploma program in journalism, offered through a partnership between Panthéon-Assas Paris II University in France and the Lebanese University.

Q: How has growing up in Lebanon during the war shaped your perspective as a journalist and as an individual?

Growing up in Lebanon during the war shaped the woman I am today. I became a rational and determined person who knows what she wants, yet  I also have a strong emotional awareness and a deep sense of empathy, understanding that authenticity and deep human connections are what truly matter. The awareness of the fragility of life and the reality that everything can change in an instant has made me stronger, not weaker. I cherish even the smallest joys. I have a profound aversion to falsehood and violence in all its forms, believing that violence only breeds more violence. I hold a deep respect for human life, and injustice weighs heavily on me.

Q: What has been the most challenging story you've covered, and why?

Two stories stand out vividly in my memory. The first was written shortly after I earned my journalism degree. It was one of my earliest pieces and chronicled the story of a young student, around 17 or 18 years old, who tragically lost his life in a car accident. In his memory, his parents founded an organization to raise awareness among youth about road safety. I recall meeting his father just days before the official launch of the association. His pain was palpable, and it was incredibly difficult to maintain a professional demeanour while calming my emotions. The second article marked the anniversary of the outbreak of the civil war. I interviewed former fighters from various factions. Listening to their stories was emotionally challenging-they had fought in the war, taken lives, and lost loved ones. Despite the passage of time, the scars of their experiences were still fresh. 

Both stories deeply impacted me, not only as a journalist but as a human being. They reminded me of the emotional weight behind every story and the responsibility I carry to honour those whose voices I share. These experiences reinforced my belief that journalism is not just about reporting facts, it also involves empathy, connecting with the human side of every story, and giving a voice to those whose lives have been profoundly affected.

Q: How do you see the current conflict affecting the daily lives of people in Lebanon?

The toll of the war is immense. Hundreds of civilians have lost their lives, thousands have lost their homes, and tens of thousands have fled to seek refuge in other regions. Many now live in precarious conditions, desperately seeking safety and stability. While the experiences of Lebanese people vary widely, they all share the same anxiety about the future.

Q: What role do you think the media plays in shaping the public's understanding of the situation in Lebanon?

The answer to this question is far from straightforward. Like reality itself, it is complex and multifaceted. Ideally, the media should provide accurate reporting that incorporates historical context, helping the public understand the complexities of the current conflict in Lebanon. It should give a voice not only to all the key players but also to the citizens. Moreover, it should foster constructive dialogue by avoiding oversimplifications, generalizations, stigmatization, and preconceived notions, while encouraging critical thinking among its audience.

In times of war, the urgency of the moment often leads to mistakes. The need to fill airtime for extended periods may push journalists to repeat the same news or inflate the significance of stories that don't merit such attention. They may also report unverified information or invite non-expert guests, further compromising the quality of the coverage. In addition, journalists can sometimes lack the necessary distance to shed light on the conflict, not to mention the cognitive biases and, in certain media outlets, outright manipulation.

Lebanese journalists have paid a heavy price in this conflict; it's important to note that some have lost their lives, while others have had to fund their own equipment to venture into dangerous areas and produce their reports. Despite these challenges, most do their best with the limited resources at their disposal.

Q: What keeps you motivated and committed to your work despite the dangers and difficulties?

I love what I do and feel deeply connected to my work; it is an integral part of my identity. Journalism, writing, and university teaching are all central to who I am, and despite their differences, they share the same goal: the pursuit of truth and meaningful dialogue. Losing motivation for this passion would be akin to losing the will to live.

Q: What do you believe is the most misunderstood aspect of the Lebanese conflict from an international perspective? 

Lebanon is a diverse, multicultural country with a wide range of political affiliations, often tied to confessional and sectarian parties. However, a significant portion of the population remains politically unaffiliated and longs for a state governed by the rule of law, one that is fair, just, and led by honest officials who are truly accountable to the public. Unfortunately, this remains an ideal rather than a reality. What the international community must understand is that, despite political differences, the entire country is under attack. Oversimplifying the conflict only distances us from the harsh realities on the ground.

Q: What advice would you give to young journalists who aspire to cover conflict zones or underreported stories?

My advice to them is to prioritize safety, ethics, and empathy. First and foremost, they have to ensure that they have a solid understanding of safety protocols. It’s crucial to familiarize themselves with the regions they plan to report on, and consider undergoing training in first aid, conflict reporting, and situational awareness. Their safety is paramount, and knowing how to navigate dangerous environments can make all the difference.

Secondly, they should maintain a strong commitment to ethical journalism. In conflict situations, the stakes are incredibly high, and the stories they tell can have profound impacts on their audience. They must always verify their sources, provide balanced perspectives, and avoid sensationalism. Being mindful of potential biases and striving to present the truth as accurately as possible is essential.

Lastly, they should always remember that behind every story are real people experiencing hardship and trauma. Taking the time to listen to their stories, respecting their dignity, and representing their voices authentically will build trust and lead to deeper insights and more impactful storytelling.

Q: What are your hopes for the future of Lebanon, both as a citizen and a journalist?

Hope feels distant right now. The current situation makes it seem almost out of reach. What we need most urgently is an immediate ceasefire, strict adherence to international agreements, and the election of a president who is free from partisan politics.