Lebanese Ministry of Information
“Stouh Beirut” Association launched on Wednesday the “Ya Habibi Ya Janoub” Initiative in support of Lebanese southern families.
Three ministers attended the press conference held by the Minister of Information this morning in support of the “Stouh Beirut” Association andthe musical concert “Ya Habibi Ya Janoub” that will be conducted by Maestro Elie Al Alia, featuring his orchestra and a choir, at the Casino du Liban theatre hall and which proceeds will support one thousand families living in fifteen towns along the southern border.
In addition to the 3 Caretaker Ministers of: Information Ziad Makary, Social Affairs, Hector Hajjar, and Tourism Walid Nassar, was present: Director General of the Ministry of Information Dr. Hassan Falah, Head of the Editors’ Syndicate Joseph Kassaifi, Director of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Architecture at the Lebanese University, Nawal Boudani, representing Dean Dr. Hicham Zeineddine, head of media and information graduates, Khodr Majed, Maestro Elie al Alia, President of the “Stouh Beirut” Association, Dalia Dagher, the association’s members, and social, intellectual, and media figures.
In his welcoming speech, the Minister of Information announced the launch of a national campaign to support the people of the south, noting that the situation in the south goes far beyond Lebanon’s control. He emphasized that with the help of benevolent individuals, the active private sector, and organizations like the “Stouh Beirut” Association, there is no fear for the reconstruction of the south or for Lebanon, no matter how severe the problems are. Therefore, there is no point in engaging this matter in political bazaars, as Lebanese people have demonstrated their strong intentions and will to help each other during crises. He urged Lebanese to set aside political disputes and show solidarity through actions and practice. He also called on the Lebanese media, which benefits from a significant freedom, to highlight this national initiative and any positive activities that offer hope to the Lebanese people.
For her part, Dagher expressed her appreciation to the Ministry of Information for embracing this Initiative. She explained that “Stouh Beirut”has been known for its support of the Lebanese people in all harsh conditions for the past 12 years, particularly through addressing medical cases via the annual Telethon, but, in fact, the association is concerned with all the crises that the Lebanese population is facing, without discrimination.She reminded that “after the Beirut port explosion and the emotional state of the Lebanese people, the association was able, through collaboration and support, to repair and totally furnish 50 homes.”
She said, “In light of the current crisis and political and military complications, and despite all the political mazes, Lebanon’s 10,452 square kilometers are incomplete without the south because it is a part of the homeland, with its people and its land, the land of goodness, generosity, openness, and coexistence, which I personally experienced during the displacement period”. She announced that “the decision to hold the event before the annual Telethon stems from the urging feeling to bring people together for joy, and the proceeds of the event will go to support one thousand southern families residing in border villages and needing essential supplies such as fuel, food, cleaning materials, and medicine”. She invitedeveryone to “buy tickets for the event or to make donations for further assistance,” revealing that “there will be future cooperation with the Lebanese diaspora in Europe to continue this campaign. “Dagher remindedattendees of the annual telethon organized by the association to support the most vulnerable Lebanese families, and concluded her speech by thankingCasino du Liban, the main sponsor of the “Ya Habibi ya Jnoub” initiative, and the event sponsors: AUST, Erga Group, Lebanon la Rahtak, Lebanese University, AquaVitali, Malak Doré, and Forword.
For his part, Minister Hajjar praised the “Stouh Beirut” initiative towards the people of the south, especially at the beginning of the scholar year, noting that this is filling a gap that neither the state nor the international community can address. He affirmed that it is a “100% national initiative” and should serve as a catalyst for all Lebanese organizations to launch other initiatives and provide services to southern residents of the border strip and to all displaced individuals who have left their villages. He urged all those capable to participate with their small contributions to support this event, emphasizing that “there is no politicization or personal gain in the initiative; it is for the public good, and there is no problem with organizations launching such activities across the country.”
As per Minister of Tourism, he commended the services provided by the “Stouh Beirut” Association and the efforts Dagher makes in serving the Lebanese community, noting his involvement with the association for the past 12 years. He called on “all organizations to compete in doing good, as the assistance provided to the people of the south is insufficient, and the dignity of the southerners is greater than such provisions,” stressing the “necessity of official state support before the support of organizations,” noting that the state currently lacks both funding and resources.
Maestro Elie al Alia, who did not hesitate when Dagher invited him to conduct the “Ya Habibi Ya Janoub” concert, explained that Lebanese music is an essential part of Lebanese identity, and this project is “part of the national battle that concerns me and I will not abandon it until the last breath,” because “the south is not for one group of people, but for all Lebanese and for the entire homeland.” He invited Lebanese people to participate extensively in the event to experience delightful national moments.
In conclusion, Boudani pointed out that the south today is putting “Lebanese people in their identity and humanity” under test, and she announced that “the Faculty of Fine Arts and Architecture at the Lebanese University will participate with all its branches by displaying artistic works by university students and their professors, at an exhibit in the adjacent hall to the event venue, and its proceeds will support the “Stouh Beirut” Association and, with its assistance, the people of the south, highlighting the fact that the south holds a special place in the heart.”
