In August 2020, an explosion in the port of Beirut rocked the entire city. 215 people, 6,500 injured, 300,000 lost houses or apartments. Right in the middle: the bride and groom Israa Seblani (30) and Ahmad Subeih (34). The day of the catastrophe should be the most beautiful in their lives – they celebrated their wedding. At that time, Israa Seblani posed for the photographer in a small street, smiling into the camera.
Shortly afterwards she is hit by a pressure wave, her veil blows away, the bridal bouquet falls on the floor, people bleed, windows burst – parts of the city have been destroyed. The video of the incredible scenery makes her the most famous bride in Beirut.
A memory that you will never forget
On the anniversary of the disaster, she stands in the same place and remembers. With tears in her eyes, she reports about the most terrible event of her life.
«It is a memory that you will never forget. It’s anchored in our head. We don’t like to remember that day. It is a dark day in the history of Beirut. I can’t see parents who have lost their children every day, children who have lost their parents, or think of the destruction and pretend I’m happy. I can’t lie to myself », Israa Seblani told Reuters.
The experience shapes them for a lifetime
To this day, she does not have a picture of her wedding in her apartment: “I cannot look at it without thinking about that day,” says Seblani with tears in his eyes.
The video brought Seblani notoriety: “Of course I feel good when people recognize me, no matter where I go. I think everyone likes to be famous. But I’d rather be known for something positive. Whenever people call me Famous Bride or Bride of Beirut, I remember that terrible moment. ” (What)