Homecoming From War Zones
By Georges Hourani
“Is home a place we go to—or a place we carry within us?”
Homecoming From War Zones takes readers on a powerful journey from the Mediterranean shores to war-torn neighborhoods, peaceful villages, and snowy forests in Finland. Through a series of deeply personal stories, the book explores the meaning of home, belonging, identity, and resilience.
Narrated in part through the eyes of an 8-year-old boy, these life-shaping encounters bring to life the everyday realities of families living in war zones—offering raw, emotional insights into the scars of conflict, and the fragile hope of healing.
Set between Georges Hourani’s homeland Lebanon and his new home in Finland, this book paints a vibrant picture of displacement, survival, and ultimately, reconciliation. It also reflects on the homecomings of nations and people, including Finland’s own historical struggles and triumphs through war.
More than just a memoir, Homecoming From War Zones is a tribute—to the strength and spirit of the Finnish people, to the idea of home as something more than geography, and to the universal longing for peace, freedom, and belonging.
In his recently published book, Homecoming from War Zones, Georges draws from his personal and professional experiences in both Finland and Lebanon. Through the lens of a son, husband, father of three, and global citizen, he explores themes of trauma, healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the profound search for belonging and home.
Homecoming from War Zones has garnered praise from institutions, organizations, and readers worldwide. Among those recognizing its significance is Mr. Jouni Mölsä, Director of Communications for former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö. In 2023, Georges was honored as one of the most influential non-Finnish native speakers in his local community, especially for his work in helping immigrant families—particularly those from Muslim backgrounds—feel welcome and at home in Finnish society.
Esa:
“His story captures trauma, shock, and humor. He reflects on how people, places, and the events of war shaped his personal, professional, and collective identities—as a journalist, father, and citizen of two nations. Calling himself a ‘child of war,’ he recounts a childhood shaped by survival. Born in Beirut just months before the outbreak of the 15-year civil war, and raised in Marjeyoun after his family fled the capital, Georges offers an honest and deeply human perspective.”
Cindy:
“A remarkably readable book about the Lebanese and Finnish peoples during wartime. This is a courageous and inspiring story of love, resilience, adventure, forgiveness, reconciliation, belonging, homecomings, and much more.”
Selected Quotes from
Homecoming from War Zones
“Ending the military war is an absolute necessity, but it is not enough. Silencing cannons and machine guns alone cannot heal a nation. The Lebanese have tried to bury the past too quickly, yet truth, forgiveness, and reconciliation are still deeply needed. An important lesson from Finnish history is how this small Nordic nation has embraced internal peace. Yes, it is difficult—but sacrifices must be made. Both sides must be willing to compromise, to redefine Lebanon’s role in its region. If I must choose between justice and the unity of our Lebanese family, I choose the family—regardless of who is right or wrong.
To rebuild, we must bridge ideological divides. The first step is to approach each other as human beings, putting aside religious and political divisions, and respecting one another’s dignity. If coexistence and unity are not yet possible, then at least community is.”
“Elsewhere in the city, I met people working tirelessly to build a civil society from the ground up. Many of my closest friends were of the Muslim faith. For over 25 years, I’ve had Muslim colleagues, bosses, classmates, and neighbors. Our shared experiences formed a true community—one that no political narrative could break.
We often discussed the future of Lebanon, knowing that the threat of renewed violence is never far. In the worst case, are we heading toward a third Lebanon-Israel war?”
— Georges Hourani, Homecoming from War Zones (2022)
About the Author ✍️
Georges Hourani is one of the few immigrant journalists in Finland who has bravely tackled the sensitive issues of Islamophobia, the complexity of belonging, and the emotional journey of finding home in a new country. As a foreign correspondent, author, and public speaker, he addresses critical topics such as the asylum crisis, immigration, national and cultural identity, human relationships across borders, and the pursuit of freedom. He also sheds light on the unique challenges faced by immigrants and refugees as they try to integrate into host societies.
Georges Hourani is a journalist, author, and communications professional whose work brings voice to the challenges and triumphs of immigrants and refugees navigating life in new lands. As one of the few immigrant journalists in Finland, Georges has tackled complex issues such as Islamophobia, cultural identity, the asylum crisis, and belonging.
Born in Lebanon, Georges began his career as a war correspondent for An-Nahar, a leading Arabic-language newspaper, shortly after earning his BA in Journalism from the Lebanese University in Beirut. He later moved to Finland, where he pursued further studies in media, global communication, foreign reporting, and international law at the University of Helsinki.
Through his writing and advocacy, Georges has helped many immigrant families—especially from Muslim backgrounds—feel at home in Finnish society. In 2023, he was named one of the Non-Native Finnish Men of Influence in his local community for his contributions to cultural integration and storytelling.