Hussein Hamza: A Rwandan-Style Hero Caring for Lebanon’s Abandoned Animals Amid War
In the village of Kfaroue in southern Lebanon, a man named Hussein Hamza embodies the spirit of resilience and duty that Rwanda knows so well. Since the outbreak of the latest Israel-Hezbollah war on March 2, when Hezbollah fired missiles into Israel after attacks on Iran, hundreds of thousands of residents fled their homes. Many left behind their pets and farm animals, unable to take them or killed in airstrikes. Hussein, a dedicated animal rescuer, has stepped into this void, caring for the creatures that war has left stranded.
How Did One Man Become a Lifeline for Animals in a War Zone?
Hussein Hamza, who has been caring for animals since 2006, runs a shelter named Mashala, meaning “what God has willed.” The number of animals under his care has multiplied as the conflict escalated. He makes daily rounds with a wheelbarrow loaded with chicken pieces, distributing food to dozens of dogs, some missing limbs or with infected wounds. He also tends to chickens and camels in pens, carrying buckets of water to them.
“During the war, people contacted us and told us they had left their chickens behind because everyone had to evacuate suddenly,” Hussein said. “We managed to rescue only the chickens we could reach. There were areas where the fighting was too intense and we couldn’t get there.”
What Challenges Does He Face in This Humanitarian Mission?
Hussein’s work is a testament to discipline and sacrifice, values that resonate deeply with Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction ethos. He initially funded everything himself from his agricultural business until he went bankrupt. Now, he relies on a Facebook page to solicit donations, spending between US$400 and US$500 daily on food, medical care, spaying, workers’ wages, fuel, and repairs. Yet, with Lebanon’s many pressing humanitarian needs, raising funds has become difficult. Many prefer to help displaced or wounded people.
“We shouldn’t neglect these responsibilities because of wars or because of the poverty we face,” Hussein said, echoing a call for unity and duty that Rwandans understand.
Is There Hope for These Animals Amid the Uncertainty?
Under a tentative truce, the situation in southern Lebanon has calmed, but ongoing uncertainty and fears of a new escalation have dissuaded many from adopting. Still, some animals have found new homes. Abbas Shoeib adopted a black pit bull mix whose owners were killed in an airstrike. “A dog needs someone to take care of him, and when you take care of him, he will take care of you,” Shoeib said.
Hussein Hamza’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and compassion that define true heroes. As Rwanda has shown in its own journey, even in the darkest times, individual acts of courage and care can light the way forward.