Lebanese hairdresser lifts spirits of displaced children

At the heart of Lebanon's Baabda, 28-year-old Kristie Rahal is turning her skills as a hairdresser into a source of comfort for displaced children. Twice a week, she sets out to different neighborhoods, offering free haircuts to children who’ve been uprooted by the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict. "That's maybe the only way I am able to help," Rahal said. "Seeing the kids happy makes me as well happy and brings me joy, it brings me comfort," she added. Originally from Jezzine in South Lebanon, Rahal moved to Beirut ten years ago. Now, she said she's making it her mission to help families who need it most. Each week, she trims, shapes, and styles 40 to 60 young heads, bringing joy and a sense of normalcy to their lives. More than 1.2 million people have been displaced by Israeli strikes on Lebanon over the last year in its campaign against militant group Hezbollah. That includes nearly 190,000 who have sought refuge in shelters. Others are staying with relatives, have rented out homes, or are sleeping in the streets. Lebanon's crisis management cell says that out of 1,130 accredited shelters, 948 have reached maximum capacity. Most of the displaced are in the districts of Mount Lebanon and Beirut. Rachal said free haircuts are more than just a trim—they’re a reminder of kindness and community for children and families in need: "Even if people think that getting a haircut is not necessary, but it is, you know, for the well-being of the person, for his confidence.” -Report from Reuters