On a chilly, bright Sunday afternoon, Camille Chamoun stadium on Beirut’s outskirts filled to last available space by wave of dark-coated, grieving mourners, their midst punctuated by Hezbollah’s bright, canary-colored flags. The stadium, empty for five years, filled to last available space, and none were left empty. Hundreds of thousands gathered to bid their last adieus to Hezbollah’s assassinated secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah, and future successor, Hashem Safieddine, in their funeral, delayed for nearly five months for reasons of security.
The two leaders were killed in independent Israeli attacks in March, and their deaths left leadership in Hezbollah, Beirut’s powerful militia and political movement, in void. The funeral, attended by thousands, was in remembrance of dead leaders but also in testament to Hezbollah’s intent to sustain resistance against Israel.
As the funeral reached its end, the massive crowd embarked on solemn march of three kilometers to Nasrallah’s grave on an open piece of land between two roads leading to Beirut’s airport. Safieddine, for his part, is to be buried in his birthplace, southern Lebanon’s Deir Qanoun al-Nahr.
For many, to have attended meant something greater than sorrow—it meant pledging an oath of blind dedication to Hezbollah’s cause. “We are all the children of Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah,” said Abbas al-Masry, a 30-year-old supporter who had traveled for hours through snowy conditions from northeastern Lebanon to attend the funeral. Speaking to The New Arab, al-Masry emphasized the significance of the day. “This is a great day. We’re here to renew our promise. We will not disarm; we will not stop the resistance. This is impossible.”
Al-Masry’s sentiments were echoed by countless others in the crowd, many of whom had traveled from abroad to honor Nasrallah and Safieddine. The funeral also served as a show of support for Hezbollah’s new secretary-general, Naim Qassem, who now shoulders the responsibility of leading the group in a volatile and uncertain time. “We are all with Sayyed Qassem. Whatever he says, we are ready for it. Al-Masry spoke these words to highlight the passionate dedication of Hezbollah supporters for their leader.
Nasrallah’s strong influence combined with his extensive relationships with supporters became evident through the massive crowd at the wake demonstrating his twenty-year legacy as leader. Through Nasrallah’s leadership Hezbollah transformed into a leadership force in Lebanese political arena while becoming a major military player that actively participated in the regional battles. His death continues to create massive effects in Hezbollah’s future and throughout the entire Middle East geopolitical sphere.
Under the sunset sky of Beirut the supporters of Hezbollah carried on with their mournful but determined march which symbolized both their sorrow and their organization’s dedication. The funeral ceremony combined the final homage to leadership with a strong representation of organizational durability. Through this event Hezbollah proclaimed to the world that resistance continues to exist while the memories and ways of life attributed to Hassan Nasrallah continue through his followers.
The coming month will expose the path Hezbollah takes as Naim Qassem leads the movement. The public attention at this time centers on commemorating Nasrallah and Safieddine as their devoted services permanently engraved Lebanon and all neighboring territories.
