Thousands gathered to bid farewell to the late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah during an emotional funeral held at the Kamil Shamoun Sports City Stadium, Beirut. The event reflected not only the admiration many held for Nasrallah but also the deep political divisions present in Lebanon's socio-political fabric.
Attracting hundreds of thousands, the funeral became one of the largest gatherings seen for such an event. Attendees filled the stadium, which has the capacity for approximately 48,000 people, and the crowd extended beyond its walls. Fans arrived even before midnight, braving the chilly weather to pay their respects. Remarkably, participants traveled from various Arab and Western countries, including Brazil, Ireland, Turkey, Scotland, Tunisia, Yemen, and Iraq, illustrating the broad influence and recognition of Nasrallah's leadership.
The funeral followed Nasrallah's death during an Israeli airstrike aimed directly at him on September 27, 2024. The attack, characterized by the use of 80 tons of explosives, wreaked havoc throughout Beirut, echoing the severity of the situation at hand. Nasrallah's assassination took place against the backdrop of the heightened conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which had escalated following the group's military interventions on behalf of Gaza during recent clashes.
Social media buzzed with reactions before and during the funeral, with hashtags like '#WeAreStillFaithful' and '#ToBeirut' trending on various platforms. Reports indicated there were over 334,000 posts using the '#WeAreStillFaithful' hashtag alone, indicating the emotional resonance Nasrallah had within his constituency and allies.
"This is history being recounted, and it will not repeat for another 40 or 400 years," remarked Wessam Habika on X platform, capturing the sentiment felt by many who gathered. The visuals from the event showed tearful supporters holding portraits of Nasrallah, reflecting on his role as both their political leader and ideological symbol.
Supporters ranged from devoted Hezbollah members to various citizens who viewed Nasrallah as emblematic of resistance against perceived oppression and imperialism. One young attendee, Hassan, expressed, "To us, Nasrallah was a symbol of global resistance against oppression," illustrating how his support extended far beyond national borders.
Conversely, not all voices present at the funeral echoed support for Hezbollah or its leadership. Critics of the group, including individuals like Fadi, shared their thoughts, noting, "It’s time to stop losing battles and facing economic repercussions." This sentiment reflects the growing faction within Lebanon calling for change amid extensive international and domestic criticism of Hezbollah's tactics and strategies.
Discussion of the event went beyond the immediate atmosphere and held significant reflections on Lebanon’s and the region's political future. The Iranian embassy shared video footage of Nasrallah's final speech prior to his death, accompanied by the phrase: “Until we meet again.” This speaks volumes to the ideological weight Nasrallah carried not just regionally, but globally among supporters of Iranian-aligned factions.
Throughout all the activities leading up to and following the funeral service, observers noted distinct images of attendees together bearing portraits of both Nasrallah and former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was assassinated back in 2005. This unexpected melding of loyalty demonstrates the complex and sometimes contradictory relationships within Lebanese political allegiance.
While tributes poured out on social media honoring Nasrallah's legacy, there were also critiques directed at Hezbollah’s role within Lebanon and its historical ties to Iranian interests. Critics argue Hezbollah has often prioritized Iran’s interests over Lebanon's sovereignty, raising questions about the party's ultimate objectives and their ramifications on the Lebanese populace.
The history of Hezbollah—rooted deeply within the Shiite community’s struggles against oppression and marked by decades of conflict and resistance against Israel—was prevalent throughout the funeral. Many attendees felt compelled to honor not just Nasrallah but the wider history of resistance he stood for.
Reports have indicated conflicts within southern Lebanon and the Bekaa valley areas, highlighting the increased tensions and reactions stemming from Israel's military actions. While memorializing Nasrallah, discussions around the future of Lebanon were equally charged.
The images of Nasrallah’s casket being carried by supporters, who strew fabric over it as it passed, symbolize his evolution beyond merely being their leader. He had transformed for many of them, becoming both a political and religious figure.
Indeed, Hassan Nasrallah’s powerful speeches and public presence were, and continue to be, shaping Lebanon's political discourse—making the conversation surrounding his death not merely about loss, but about how his legacy will intensely affect Lebanese society moving forward.