Join us for a film screening and benefit for Lebanon featuring Souha, Surviving Hell (2001, 58’) by Randa Chahal Sabbagh. After the viewing, Maya Serhan and Kaleem Hawa will engage in a discussion reflecting on the film, the political prisoners’ movement, and the present-day reality of Lebanon under occupation.

This event will be held on Friday, April 24, from 7 to 9:30 pm at the Assembly Hall at Judson Church (239 Thompson Street, NY, 10012 NY).

RSVP at the link in bio!

Suggested donation $25.

If you can’t attend and would like to donate Venmo: @maya-serhan
(Please include “FILM” in the Venmo note)

We’ll be joined by @nyccollectivelebanon who will be selling beautiful prints to raise funds for Lebanon!

Since March 1st, 2026, Israel has intensified its war on Lebanon by martyring and wounding thousands, relentlessly bombing the country, and erasing villages in the South. Residents were forced to flee large populated areas across the South, the Beqaa, and Beirut, leaving everything behind.

Many families are now living in tents, and overcrowded schools without access to basic necessities. Following the 10-day ceasefire announced on April 17th, a number of locals have been returning to their lands but with no house to sleep in. Israel is still bombarding the South.

We urgently need your support to send trusted volunteers on the ground who provide displaced families with essential aid, including tents, mattresses, food, hygiene kits, and clothes; and the Lebanese Red Cross, a volunteer-driven, life-saving organization.

Synopsis:
Souha Bechara, a Christian from the South of Lebanon, has always known the region under Israeli occupation. In 1988, she tried to assassinate General Lahd, the head of South Lebanon Army, an auxiliary of the Israeli Army. He was left gravely injured, narrowly escaping death. Souha was imprisoned and tortured at length.

She spent 10 years at the Khiam detention center. On May 24th, 2000, after 23 years of occupation, Israel retreated from Lebanon. Souha was freed.

The film follows Bechara’s return to her village, Deir Mimas, the Khiam jail, and the very place where she tried to assassinate General Lahd.