Author: Bambi

Lebanon is an ill-fated yet highly resilient tiny Mediterranean country.

The people of this country are heroes, according to Bambi, because they refuse to see themselves as victims, even if they like to kvetch by nature.

Instead, they are highly resourceful and creative. They keep re-inventing themselves.

Even if their bank savings have been stolen, along with their dreams, they keep moving forward and cope to the best of their capacity.

Even if they do not have a government, they literally become the latter, as needed. A striking example is what happened post-Beirut explosion when generous people, and especially youth, came from all over the regions to join forces in helping the traumatized Beirutis clean their houses, shops, and streets.

Even if they sadly find themselves (once again) at the mercy of unwanted wars, they keep dreaming of stability, beautiful summers, and of better days for them and their children.

Bearing all the above in mind, it is with sadness that Bambi read today that “poverty has tripled in Lebanon from a decade ago“, according to the World Bank (https://shorturl.at/6cczc).

Lebanon’s financial crash and economic crisis (since October 2019) is the “worst globally since the mid-nineteenth century” https://shorturl.at/9bUyV. Indeed, the country has been facing hyperinflation, with a devalued currency (up to 95%!). One must recall that banks have prevented most depositors from having access to their own savings. There are severe power outages (7 hours per day on average), water outages at times, and a limited access to healthcare, medication, and education for many citizens. Indeed, over 80% of the population is now living below the poverty line (https://shorturl.at/DfZfV). The collapsing currency, called Lebanese lira, is replaced with the American dollar. As reported by Reuters (https://shorturl.at/DfZfV), the Lebanese “government estimates losses in the financial system total more than $70 billion, the majority of which were accrued at the central bank“.

In addition to the tragic living conditions described above, the innocent people of Lebanon are once again caught in the middle of absurd “military adventures”.

Last but not least, according to Mr. Ernesto Ramirez Rigo (head of the International Monetary Fund or IMF), “Lebanon’s economic reforms are insufficient to help lift the country out of its economic crisis” (https://shorturl.at/DfZfV). As per Mr. Rigo, “Lebanon’s ongoing refugee crisis, fighting with Israel at its Southern border and the spillover from the war in Gaza are exacerbating an already dire economic situation” (https://shorturl.at/DfZfV).

The above being shared with you, Bambi is now speechless. She wishes she had a magical stick to invent the creation of political leaders who will put Lebanon’s national interests above their personal interests or ideological and/or religious fantasies. The people of Lebanon deserve better than this. Indeed, they deserve to live in safety, dignity, respect, unity, peace, love, and especially prosperity!

It is not a secret, Bambi adores Mr. Charles Aznavour who lived from May 22, 1924 to October 1, 2018 (https://shorturl.at/dNmXF). Yes, he would have turned 100 today, had he still been among us. What is Bambi saying? Even without turning 100, he remains alive through his exceptional music, beautiful texts, and inspiring career. Thanks to Mr. Aznavour for having existed. Thanks to all those who will continue to sing his eternal melodies. May his memory be eternal, today more than ever.

Bambi just learned from the Journal de Montréal (https://shorturl.at/V08q6) that Mr. Mario Pelchat must cancel 45 concerts he had planned to perform at his vineyard in Québec this summer. Why? Because the “Commission for the Protection of Agricultural Land of Québec” refuses to give it authorization“. It is unclear why precisely, but he has been told there was one single complaint. However, he did not know by whom and for what precisely. Too much noise? His vineyard is large, mind you, and no neighbour has ever complained (https://shorturl.at/V08q6). This governmental agency expressed to this artist that they only have 7 inspectors to drive through the province over the summer. Hence the refusal to authorize his 45 summer concerts. Mr. Pelchat expressed his disappointment because he filed all the required documents for his business (https://shorturl.at/V08q6).

Yes, the 45 planned performances at his estate this summer are now sadly cancelled. Furthermore, Mr. Pelchat reported having much anxiety over this saga. Why would someone want to become a paper pusher, if it is at the expense of his/her well-being and the result is negative at the end of the long process?

Of note, Mr. Pelchat had planned to perform his own songs and make a tribute to Mr. Gilbert Bécaud. Unfortunately, from 9,000 to 11,000 tickets are now lost. Some clients were coming from as far as New Brunswick and even from France. Too bad as it would have been a nice opportunity to discover, and ideally purchase, his/his spouse’s wine while enjoying the beauty of their place/region. Thankfully, some disappointed clients reassured him that they are still planning to visit, minus the music. They will be reimbursed for the latter (https://shorturl.at/V08q6). Good for them, but how unfair not only to only to Mr. Pelchat, but also sadly to 35 employees and… to tourism in Québec!

Bambi wrote this post tonight because she is in solidarity with Mr. Mario Pelchat, in particular, and with entrepreneurs in general. Long live summer, music, wine, fun… and may governmental bureaucracy know how to find its flexibility and common sense again.

For those of you who may be reading this post not from out of Québec, Canada, you may not have heard of Imam Adil Charkaoui. Who is he? This Imam (or Muslim religious man) is “a Morocco-born Canadian citizen who was arrested in 2003 by the Government of Canada under a security certificate” (https://shorturl.at/AiWef).

This post, which is is not about Mr. Charkaoui per se (it could have been a case about another religious speaker), is rather about our odd Canadian laws. It is a translation of Mr. Philipe Léger’s thoughtful article, which was recently published in the Journal de Montréal (https://shorturl.at/Ikg1M). Thanks to Mr. Léger for teaching Bambi about this change in the Canadian criminal law. She was not aware of it.

Before sharing the article in question about the decision of the “DPCP” concerning Mr. Charkaoui, one must clarify what is the DPCP? It stands for “The Directeur des poursuites criminelles et pénales”. This means something like the “Director of Criminal and Penal Prosecution”. From the Government of Québec English translated website (https://shorturl.at/fEHdi), we learn that the DCPC entity “authorizes and directs criminal and penal prosecutions on behalf of the Québec State. The DPCP is a public body that exercises its powers independently from the government and other political authorities.  Its work is not influenced by political, economic, police, media or popular pressure“.

Bearing the above in mind, below you can find an English translation of Mr. Léger’s interesting article, with thanks to the faithful Mr. Google Translate for his assistance:

“The DPCP ultimately decided that there was no incitement to hatred in Adil Charkaoui’s comments, within the meaning of Canadian law. No charges, therefore, will be filed against him.

Let us recall the events.

Charkaoui’s remarks were made six months ago, during a demonstration on October 28. The imam then took the microphone, and uttered the following words in front of a crowd:

“Allah, take care of these Zionist aggressors. Allah, take care of the enemies of the people of Gaza. Allah, identify them all, then exterminate them. And spare none of them!”

These words – public, recorded and proclaimed “Amen!” – are unequivocal: they are in the register of hate speech, and the call for violence against a group, the Zionists, that is, the Jews favourable to a Jewish state, the State of Israel“.

Religious Exemption

The DPCP was careful not to explain its decision. And I’m not going to play armchair Crown prosecutor here.

However, it is Charkaoui’s defence that is revealing.

You see, for him, these stinking sentences were only a call to God according to the imam, not a call to violence against the Jews.

Did the DPCP not move forward because the “Zionists” do not constitute a clear and identifiable group? Maybe.

Is it rather because of paragraph 319(3)(b) of the Canadian Criminal Code, to which Charkaoui refers with his “appeal to God”?

Wait, the what paragraph?

Imagine that there is a religious exemption in the Canadian Criminal Code for public incitement to hatred. An exemption added in 2004 by the Liberal government of Paul Martin.

Today, therefore, Canadian law gives precedence to freedom of religious expression over incitement to hatred, when the remarks are made “in good faith” or “based on a religious text in which one believes”.

If you are a rabbi, a priest, an imam or any other religious person, good news: the law gives you a privilege on public incitement to hatred.

A Two-speed Law

Because that’s exactly what it is: a religious privilege, which Charkaoui seemed to want to protect himself with as a defence.

This exemption raises all kinds of questions.

At what point does a religious statement made in “good faith” become reprehensible under criminal law? If the Charkaoui degree is not, when does it become so?

Why does religion have a free pass on hateful incitement? How can faith be an acceptable alibi? Why does religion benefit from an exemption, but not a political ideology for example?

Why would believers have an advantage over nonbelievers when it comes to hatred? Do you think I’m exaggerating? However, that’s it: one group – believers – has a right that another group does not have – non-believers. Can we really speak of the religious neutrality of the Canadian state, in this case?

Preferential Treatment [“passe-droit” in French]

Worse, it is quite clear: this provision is not meant for citizens who practice their religious freedom peacefully and respectfully.

It constitutes a free pass for fundamentalists, for whom the targets always converge: unbelievers, Jews, homosexuals and women…

The Canadian government currently offers them additional protection. Charkaoui wanted to use this protection.

This is, right at the heart of Canadian criminal law, an unreasonable religious accommodation [“un accommodement religieux déraisonnable” in French]”.

Grégoire (born Mr. Grégoire Boissenot) is a highly talented French singer/songwriter (https://shorturl.at/nVGbs). In this brief musical post, Bambi shares his latest song, which is filled with parental unconditional love and sweetness. Following the YouTube video (sub-titled in French), you can find an English translation of the moving French lyrics, thanks to Mr. Google Translate‘s prompt assistance even during a long weekend in Canada :).

The Blanket

“You can deny me, banish me and run away from me

You can insult me, ignore me and tell me

That you’re no longer my child and that I’m useless

And that I’m wasting my time, because I never do well

You can slam the doors and scream the loudest

Hoping that I’ll he taken away and even wanting me to die

It doesn’t matter, because I have you in my veins

And I remain a parent whatever happens

And I’ll pull up the blanket again

In the middle of the night just to be sure

That your feet aren’t cold and from the tip of my lips

Yes, I will kiss you to see if you have a fever

Yes, I will pull up the blanket again

Always night after night just to be sure

And I will return in the middle of your nightmares

To tell you that it’s not true, there’s no one in the closet

Yes, I will pull up the blanket again

Yes, I will pull up the blanket again

You can throw away everything you’ve been given

You can break everything, even the most beautiful of your toys

You can ruin our entire education

And to think that we just seem old and too stupid

But I will always hurt when I see you fall

Always like a reflex, as if I were falling

And always in your tears, I will accompany you

I will contain mine to better reassure you

And I’ll pull up the blanket again

In the middle of the night just to be sure

That your feet aren’t cold and from the tip of my lips

Yes, I will kiss you to see if you have a fever

Yes, I will pull up the blanket again

Always night after night just to be sure

And I will return in the middle of your nightmares

To tell you that it’s not true, there’s no one in the closet

Yes, I will pull up the blanket again

Yes, I will pull up the blanket again”.

First, who is the talented Saint-Eugène-d’Argentenay- born Boris (https://shorturl.at/xrKyL)? From La Presse, we learn the following about “Boris”, or Mr. Goldstyn’ talents and two passions (thanks for Mr. Google Translate for his assistance in translation): “Jacques Goldstyn was born in 1958. As a child, he had two passions: drawing and collecting stones. After studying science, he became a geologist. And then one day, by chance and luck, he returned to drawing where he mainly did scientific popularization, notably for Québec Science, Québec Oiseaux and Les Débrouillards. Under the pen name Boris, he is occasionally published in Relations, L’aut’journal, Montreal Gazette and La Gazette de la Mauricie. And he still collects stones. They are everywhere in his home: on his drawing table, in his living room, in his garden and, sometimes, in his shoe” (https://shorturl.at/ZZXnk).

Now that the introduction have been made, Bambi will share below Boris’ latest cartoon, which was published in La Presse, on May 19, 2024. Bambi loves it because it shows all the absurdity of the static chaos of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Most importantly, Boris’ cartoon also shows us the tragic suffering, as well as humanity, of people of both sides of this never-ending conflict.

Specifically, assuming Bambi is not missing any detail, this cartoon shows both flags at the same time, contrary to the regular demonstrations and counter-demonstrations in Canada and/or abroad. It also reminds us that there are still innocent hostages who are kidnapped, including very young children, including a baby. It also shows us the desperate SOS call from out of Gaza, given the totally insane death toll number of innocent families, sadly including too many children. We also see a sign calling for ceasefire and another one dreaming of a “Free palestine”. It is only when we look back to the other side again that we notice a sign of “No to Hamas”. It makes us remember that, for the side calling for freedom, the latter must come from within to take its full meaning. This means freedom from the Israeli military hegemony, yes for sure, but also freedom from the Hamas’ (or any other similar group in power)’s unilateral extremism, which is also punishing its own innocent people with its actions (mirroring the Israeli military response to October 7).

Furthermore, this cartoon can make us think about the meaning of basic values like dignity, safety, and peace for ALL innocent people on all sides, including the families of the hostages as well as the innocent families of Gaza (without forgetting about other innocent, and at times grieving, families of neighbouring countries, including Lebanon)?

Can a ceasefire, and especially post-ceasefire, guarantee safety for all and prevent crazy rounds of violence in the region, like this one, in the future? How do we foster trust again among all players in the region and beyond (if at all possible), facilitate healing, and eventually re-build from the rubble, not just infrastructures but hopefully bridges of humanity? Or, without a real solution, is there a risk that this part of the world would return to the same status quo, which preceded the tragic October 7, that turned into a living hell, namely (but not only) for the people of Gaza?

And how about an SOS call for the end of violence in the middle east once and for all, that is a concrete solution to its never-ending conflict, which Bambi is sick and tired of? What about personal and collective healing after all the trauma, grief, and tears? How would it be possible, now and in the future? Can we still dream of potential healthy exchanges among nations, a true lasting peace in the entire region, more humanity, and ideally love, as per this beautiful cartoon.

For Bambi, the beautiful ray of hope offered by Boris in his cartoon, happens to be what she strongly believes in, namely the power of love (“Amour” in French, as per the title of the cartoon). Even if the hope for peace in the region is currently dead, we can always fantasize about the potential for love, just like this cartoon’s beautiful kiss. Yes, true love, which would be based on MUTUAL respect, acceptance (not cancellation or silencing), and care for the other while caring for oneself. Why does it have to be that complicated when it can be as simple as a spontaneous kiss of love?

Thanks to the highly talented Boris for making Bambi dream of love in the Middle East. In this post, she shared this dream with you, dear readers, regardless of your own thoughts, if any, about the Middle East conflict.

Bambi was deeply sad to read about the story of the Tsurkans, namely their teen daughter Shaked. The latter was beaten by another female peer coming from behind her while several others stood by, watching the scene and recording it on their phones. The violent act occurred in a parking lot during school hours in Fredericton, capital of the peaceful and beautiful Canadian maritime province of New Brunswick (NB).

According to the National Post, Shaked was dragged to the ground where she was punched “repeatedly in front of several bystanders. The two get into a scuffle until an adult comes over after about a minute and breaks up the fight“. Bambi is not on social media, but she took the time to watch the HIGHLY disturbing and unacceptable video shared in the article in question (https://rb.gy/4jj7pg).

This sad story is now in the CBC, CTV News Atlantic, the Telegraph Journal as well as other media like True North, the Canadian Jewish News, and several international ones. From the title of the CBC article, Bambi learned that the police made arrests related to this case (https://shorturl.at/63zE3). As for the CTV News Atlantic article, it informs us that “the Tsurkan’s moved to Canada from Israel 18 months ago – and believe their background is what sparked the altercation” (https://shorturl.at/qQSBX). Finally, from the Telegraph journal, Bambi learned that Mr. and Ms. Tsurkan met with the Premier of the province, Mr. Higgs (https://shorturl.at/Ck492). Good for them. Bravo also for raising public awareness to prevent other potential stories of violence (called antisemitism in this case).

Everyone deserves to live in safety, and be treated with respect and kindness, in NB and in Canada, including this family who escaped the Middle East to find a safety haven in its adoptive country. Why are we bringing the conflicts of our birth countries to Canada? How can violence, or bullying, against a teen living in Canada support the Palestinian cause? How could it help those who are suffering in Gaza, including youth like these two girls?

No to violence against anyone, regardless of age, sex, origin, religion, political or ideological view, sexual orientation, etc. If she may, Bambi will end this post by echoing Mr. Tsurkan’s wise words reported in the CTV News Atlantic article (https://shorturl.at/qQSBX): “Just be good. Be yourself. Let other people be themselves. Help each other. I think that respect would be the word I was looking for. To respect each other”.

Bambi was shocked to read about the unacceptable ordeal of a mother, Paula (or Ms. Mejias), and her three children. As reported by the Toronto Star (https://archive.md/q4UmG), “they were in transit in Panama from Venezuela in 2017 to visit Mejias’s husband,  an international student in Toronto, when their visas were cancelled“.  Can you imagine something like this happening to you?

During their stopover in Panama, Paula was questioned by an Air Canada agent about their trip. After about two hours, she and her children were handed back their passports and guess what? They were told the following: they could not continue the rest of their trip. Why? Their Canadian visas had been cancelled! Indeed, their passports now had the words “Cancelled CBSA”. For those who do not know it, the latter stands for the Canada Border Services Agency” (https://shorturl.at/gAFN0).

The story does not end there since Paula, who is originally from Venezuela, and her kids were stuck in Panama for over a month. From there, they fought to have their visas reinstated in order to be finally able to join their beloved spouse/father, Pedro (or Mr. Molina), in Canada.

Why did the Government of Canada act in such an unprofessional, or apparently abusive as well as neglectful, way by cancelling their visas in that manner? This is one story in the media? Are there others that are unknown to the public, Bambi wonders?

As described in the Toronto Star article (https://archive.md/q4UmG), Paula expressed feeling literally humiliated by the extensive questioning of an Air Canada agent. For instance, he asked about the purpose of their travels on one-way tickets, with her visa and work permit expiring in three months. He justified his apparently highly intrusive questions with the following rationale: “Canadian immigration officials needed to conduct some routine verification of their visas“.

The article in question informs us of the personal story, or choices, of this family. If you are interested, you can read the details. As for Bambi, it meant a lot for her to share the story of this mother and her family. Of note, as per the title of the Toronto Star article (https://archive.md/q4UmG), she is suing. However, from the court website, we can see that she is self-representing (https://shorturl.at/jFNU3). All the best to her!

Life can be too random, absurd, cruel, and unfair sometimes. After having battled an incurable illness for seven years, with both inner strength and an inspiring grace, Ms. Mélanie Renaud died today at age 42 only (https://shorturl.at/ctLZ1). Thanks to her for her GOLDEN voice and for whom she has been. We are grateful because she shared her talent with us all. May her memory be eternal. May God know how to comfort her grieving parents and siblings. May their faith, mentioned in the link above, ease their pain. Heartfelt condolences to her friends, mentors, colleagues, and fans. Bambi joins them in their sorrow in this post, which honours Ms. Renaud with her own voice and with a Céline Dion’s song as performed by Ms. Hiba Tawaji.

Last month, Bambi had a post about Mr. Wajdi Mouwad’s artistic cancellation saga during his trip to Beirut (shown further below). This morning, she woke up to an inspiring 30-minute-interview with him conducted in Paris by Mr. Anthony Samrani from L’Orient Le Jour. The content is in French, but his wisdom is badly needed internationally, not just in the Middle East.

Mr. Mouwad stated that he does not have any resentment. He considers this story to be an issue among Lebanese people. However, he is especially sad for for the Lebanese comedians who were prevented from working with him and his French team.

Mr. Mouwad’s wise words resonated with Bambi and she will translate them for you here: “Being radical became so banal. Everyone wants to be radical by choosing one side over the other. Me I say what is truly radical today is the nuance. The proof is that as soon as you express yourself with nuance, everyone attacks you. However, as soon as you are radical, people find this a good thing. It may perhaps mean that radicalism has become more conventional. But try to be nuanced and see what happens. You will lose your job. We will prevent you from going to your country. We will tell you you are this or that, etc. The ridge line is perhaps now the most radical thing to maintain”.

The story is about politics here (i.e. the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in particular), but think of it, please. This applies to any other conflict in the world, topic or scientific, social, or even public health problem from the climate science to management of pandemics to justice for/in the name of this or that social issue, etc.

Another question raised in this interview by the talented Mr. Samrani was related to a topic Bambi happens to have thought about over the past decades of her life: you may not agree, but Bambi is convinced that it would be wise, and more enriching, to leave politics out of arts, science, and… food :). Let’s keep channels of collaborations open and flourishing among artists or scientists from this or that country. This would include Israeli artists and scientists despite the actions of their political leaders. The same logic applies to Palestinian artists/scientists despite the actions of their own leaders. Same for Lebanon. In Bambi’s mind, one must not punish innocent, talented populations for the harsh, and/or neglectful actions, of their leaders. As mentioned by Mr. Mouwad, Lebanese leaders put their benefit above their country’s interests. To come back to food, you may have thought she was joking because she loves to eat. Yet she meant her point. To give you an example, in their own place, “Chef Luigi” (her spouse’s nickname) cooks meals from all over the world, including Iran and Saudi Arabia among other. Indeed, for each day, he can cook a recipe from a different country for over 2 weeks in a row.

For those of you who do not understand French, Bambi tried to translate parts of this beautiful interview for you. Of note, there are many other inspiring parts this chat between one of the editors of the Lebanese L’Orient Le Jour and Mr. Wajdi Mouwad. Bravo to the latter for speaking his mind and for his generosity.Thanks to to L’Orient Le Jour for offering its readers a ray of hope for a more nuanced and thus enriching and fair world.

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Mr. Wajdi Mouawad: Bambi stands in full solidarity with you, denouncing the threats that cancelled the premiere of your play in Beirut!