As the conflict escalated between Israel and Hezbollah last September, Abed Al Kadiri found himself captivated by the news broadcasts in his Kuwait-based art studio.

Watching the destruction unfold in Beirut—the Lebanese capital that holds his childhood memories—Mr. Al Kadiri felt a wave of anguish for his loved ones, including his mother and 13-year-old son, who were facing the turmoil there. The emotional strain led him to experience nightmares and panic attacks that disrupted his sleep.

Motivated to assist his family and contribute to the rebuilding of his homeland, Mr. Al Kadiri made the decision to purchase a ticket back to Lebanon.

“Lebanon was entering a dire situation,” reflected the 40-year-old on a recent morning just outside Beirut. “Returning seemed like the only viable choice.”

The Lebanese diaspora, which is estimated to be nearly three times the size of the country’s population of 5.7 million, has been gradually returning home, eager to provide emotional and financial aid to a nation suffering from one of the most devastating conflicts it has seen in decades.