This conversation, hosted by Knowledge Workshop, brought people together to reflect on the stories of South Lebanon and the lives of communities living under occupation. Journalist Dana Hourany and archivist Adeeb Farhat shared their experiences in collecting, documenting, and disseminating the voices of people whose lives have been shaped by Israeli aggression and occupation over the years.
Dana spoke about her work on a piece exploring the seven villages in South Lebanon that were lost to border disputes, and whose residents’ fate had been neglected for decades. She conducted a series of oral history interviews with the villagers and their descendants, publishing their stories and reflections in collaboration with The Public Source.
Adeeb discussed his work documenting the experiences of communities along Lebanon’s southern border who lived through the full Israeli occupation during the 1980s. He reflected on the different approaches to recording personal histories, and how these narratives contribute to a fuller understanding of collective memory. He also shared details of his upcoming exhibition, which will showcase both the stories and the objects he has gathered throughout his research.
Taking place amid yet another Israeli assault on South Lebanon, the conversation drew more than 40 participants. Attendees engaged actively in discussions about social justice and political autonomy under occupation, as well as the role of storytelling in shaping collective memory and influencing narratives that reflect the diverse realities and nuanced politics of affected communities.