When I lived in Beirut, I used to hang out at a bar called Ferdinand, eat at Barbar, and then head to an after-party in Gemmayzeh almost every weekend.

During my one year there (that's also where I formally studied English, so if I make any mistakes, blame Lebanon!), I met so many amazing people—intellectuals, artists, scientists, and everyone in between.

I still remember the excitement I felt from socializing with Lebanese people, who are quite social and talkative compared to the other 40 + countries I’ve been to. Many of the people I met spoke at least two or three languages.

I was even called "weird" a couple of times because many Lebanese didn't understand my Iraqi accent at first, so I ended up speaking more English with them than Arabic. Eventually, I learned the dialect, only for it to be less useful since I never went back after leaving.

I know this may sound like a generic post, but والله حرام, it’s truly heartbreaking to see such a beautiful country, filled with energy and culture, being destroyed before our eyes.

What can anyone do to help?