Since the sixties, Rachaya al Foukhar underwent difficult times, in particular when the Lebanese State failed to assume its responsibilities and left the Lebanese Southerners on their own, in the midst of the Arab-Israeli conflict turmoil. Exodus and unemployment became common features of most villages in the South, and no doubt, Rachaya al Foukhar got its share. Many inhabitants were killed during Israeli raids, while others were sentenced to prison because of their resistance to occupation. Beautiful red tile-roof-houses were completely destroyed, olive trees and vineyards were heavily burnt, young people emigrated in search for food and shelter, and, most of all, Rachaya al Foukhar’s renown and prestigious handicraft, i.e. pottery, was dangerously reduced.

However, Rachaya al Foukhar always resurrected like the phoenix legend. After the 1978 Israeli invasion, Rachaya al Foukhar was reduced to rubbles. It did not take long until a reconstruction process was launched. Houses were rebuilt, olive trees planted again, and people returning to their homes. They showed an unprecedented attachment to their land and homes, to the South, and to multi-confessional coexistence.

In conclusion, I would like to quote from a song by the famous Lebanese singer Fairuz in the play "Djabbal As-Suwwan":

"Where do you come from? they asked. You cannot be from anywhere, you can live without a name but you cannot live without a homeland…"

* Special thanks to:
An Nahar Newspaper, May Abboud Abi Akl, Souha Hanna Hardan Khoury, Gaby Moussa Khalil, Mourice Fawwaz Chamiyyeh, Nadine Sidawi, Joseph and Choucrallah Atallah and to all those who helped the gathering of the photos and documents for this site.

Pierre Chucrallah ATALLAH Editor