Lebanese Americans Send Money to Relatives Displaced by Israel-Hezbollah Fighting

Lebanese Americans in the Detroit area are directing earnings from local businesses to relatives displaced by fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Mirvet Makki, 47, who runs a catering business in Dearborn Heights, sends weekly portions of her income to her childhood village of Bint Jbeil.

She immigrated to Michigan in 1990. The latest round of fighting has displaced more than 1 million people and killed more than 3,500, marking Israel's deepest incursion into Lebanon in over 25 years.

Many residents report feelings of guilt when speaking with relatives who lost jobs or homes. Makki said she avoids describing her daily routine because relatives face different circumstances. Nadia Bryant, 37, of Troy has sent funds to half-sisters in Ayta ash-Shab whose village was entered by Israeli forces.

The sisters used the money to assist orphaned children rather than improve their own temporary housing.

Attoui is organizing a metro Detroit fundraiser featuring activities and speakers to generate support beyond what individuals can provide directly. Attoui said family members in Beirut have declined repeated offers to relocate to the United States. U.S. processing of immigrant visas for Lebanese nationals stopped in late January.

Lebanese immigration to the United States began in the late 1800s. Census figures place the Lebanese American population at roughly 625,000, though some estimates reach 1.4 million. Remittances from the diaspora form a major part of Lebanon's economy, which has shifted toward use of the U.S. dollar amid ongoing financial strain.