These beautiful three children sadly lost their dad (38 years old); one of them witnessed the tragedy
Roula Azar-Douglas, a Lebanese-Canadian journalist, editor, author, and PhD candidate living in Beirut, Lebanon, wrote the following on her Facebook Page (Bambi will translate her sister’s words further below):
“Au moment où des partisans du pouvoir, aveuglés par leur servitude envers leurs leaders et leur haine de l’autre, fabriquent des mensonges sur ce père de famille, honnête, intègre, pacifique, aimé de tous ceux qui le connaissent, qui a mené les dernières élections municipales contre les partis politiques et qui a réussi à percer leur liste, sauvagement et froidement tué alors qu’il manifestait pacifiquement avec son épouse et l’un de ses enfants, d’autres compatriotes de différentes confessions se portent volontaires pour soutenir sa famille. Ci-dessous la Shouf National College promet d’assurer gratuitement l’éducation de ses enfants” (Roula Azar-Douglas, Faceboook Page, November 14, 2019).
Ms. Azar-Douglas wrote her FB message before the latest additional good news from the American University of Beirut (AUB) came out.
Both the Shouf National College & the AUB promised to ensure a free-of-charge education to Mr. Alaa Abu Fakher’s children, from now until their university graduation. This will not make the tragedy disappear but hopefully this will help support his widow and her family for years to come.
Here is Bambi’s translation of her sister’s text:
“While supporters of those in power, blinded by their loyalty to their leaders and their hatred of others, are fabricating lies about this father who was decent, peaceful, loved by all who know him, who led the recent municipal elections against political parties and who managed to break through their list, and who was brutally and coldy killed while demonstrating peacefully with his wife and one of his children, other compatriots of different faiths volunteered to support his family. Below the Shouf National College promises to provide free education for his children“(taken from Roula Azar-Douglas, Faceboook Page, November 14, 2019; translated from French to English by Bambi).
May Mr. Alaa Abu Fakher rest in peace. May his family, slowly but surely, find inner peace despite the injustice and the absurdity.
May freedom of expression knows how to keep prevailing.
May democracy win, not just in Lebanon but also everywhere in the world.
May we keep caring for each other, in small and big ways, like those described in this post.
Picture in the Middle from “Radio-Canada International”. Picture to the right is Byblos, north of Beirut
The title of this post is a follow-up to Bambi’s post from yesterday.
Aoun is the President of the Republic of Lebanon. He still has three years of his mandate (he is half-way through).
The country is totally paralyzed: No schools, no banks, no work, no dollars, and no signs of a government yet. Perhaps by the end of the week? Perhaps next week? Perhaps not.
Bambi is not sure if this is the first death as per the video link below, perhaps the second (one may have occurred earlier in Tripoli)? Regardless, this is the first mortality immediately following the President’s interview. How sad all this.
Below is a painting that sweet artists did in Tripoli’s downtown to honour Mr. Alaa Abu Fakher who sadly died yesterday, in Beirut. According to LBC TV Group, “Artist Ghayath al-Rawbe painted Abou Fakher’s portrait, in cooperation with other painters who said that they are willing to complete the portrait with portraits of his family members (his wife and children)”.
End of the quote from LBC TV Group.
A picture from LBC TV Group showing how Tripoli is honouring Mr. Alaa Abu Fhaker
Clearly in Bambi’s mind, despite any good intentions, President Aoun appears to be the weakest president of Lebanon in as far as she can remember. Actually, even a two-year-old knows who is running the show in reality [you may think Bambi is exaggerating but young Lebanese toddlers are very smart :)].
Seriously, President Aoun contradicted himself even further today. Yesterday, he reassured people about finances, saying money is out of the banks and safe (in houses, to use his words, or something like that). Today, it seems that he is saying that “the economic conditions are deteriorating”:
American University of Beirut (AUB) President, Dr. Fadlo Khuri’s interview with Ms. Becky Anderson from CNN
After reading the sad news from Lebanon (one protestor, a father of young children, lost his life yesterday night), Bambi came across this uplifting earlier interview.
According to Bambi, Dr. Fadlo Khoury’s words are food for thought not only for Lebanon or for the Arab world, but also by extension for us here in North America:
A picture from the Associated Press by Mr. Bilal Hussein; also from Naharnet & the Toronto Star
On October 31, the President of Lebanon called for the end of sectarianism (earlier post by Bambi).
Today, he said that he supports a government of “experts (or technocrats) along with the politicians”. He means those same (useless and corrupt) politicians.
Not even a government of independent experts, as people have been demanding from Day 1 of their revolt.
Why? Because they lost confidence in ALL their politicians, including him, his own party, and allies.
Bambi feels for this President. He is getting old (80 years old now?). Stress must be tough on him in this DEEP crisis. He must be under extreme pressure.
Countries that go through economic turmoil or bankruptcy can manage to be saved when they do not have deep political issues like tiny Lebanon.
Both deep internal issues and powerful regional forces wanting to align it to this or to that side. Not an easy situation but this has always been the story of this small country.
In Bambi’s mind, the solution is not that hard though: For once, listen to your own population. It is providing you with the seeds of the solution: Put the Lebanese people truly first, for God’s sake.
Today, in a televised speech or interview, Lebanon’s President
criticized the slogan: “All of them means all of them”.
Although he may have a point that not all politicians are corrupt to the same extent (some may be decent. Who knows?), “all of them means all of them” is the best slogan Bambi has ever heard about her birth country since the end of civil war.
This is the first time where all the Lebanese people are united in one single voice in each downtown and square of large and smaller towns and villages.
This is the first time that people dare to criticize a powerful leader, from his own community (a powerful leader that Bambi will not name). He is one among all the others. He is not better or worse than the others. He is just more powerful, period.
Anyhow, President Aoun said that he extends his hand to the protestors and would like to meet with them.
However, there is no spokesperson for them. No leader. The movement seems to have grown out of despair and anger. It is the whole Lebanese nation in its own revolt (or intifada, as they say in Arabic).
The over 200 fires followed by the WhatsApp tax opened
“Pandora’s box” of tragedies in Lebanon:
Now, the whole world knows that about 27% of the population is poor. In Tripoli, up to 36% of the population lives under the poverty line (Smat Ghadi & Fouad Gemayel in L’Orient Le Jour, edition of November 1, 2019).
What does this mean? 1.2 million Lebanese people live
with less than US$8.6 per day (up to 300,000 of them with just US$5.7 per day).
This is the extreme poverty line (Ghadi & Gemayel respectively, 2019; see
above).
Clearly, there is an unprecedented economic crisis. Even
clearer, some unidentified forces from within the government are pushing for
the status quo.
However, people are far from being dumb.
People on the streets are dreaming of a country of law and of transparency, of fiscal reforms and secularism, of basic rights for all (i.e., electricity for 24 hours and food on their tables).
People are organizing local conferences on the
streets. They are imagining a state that they deserve. What a beautiful civil
movement!
Some are also asking for a true equality between men
and women. Yet others are requesting a state of rights for the Lebanese LGBTQs,
etc.
The good causes are numerous. The underlying idea is
the same: Fairness, justice, and a responsible government.
People want to have faith in their country again.
They do not want to have to immigrate from one generation to the other and to live apart from their loved ones. Today, the President told the population to think of leaving (the country) if they do not like who is governing them.
Bambi worries about the reactions in the streets to this message. Some are already calling for more actions on the streets.
People just want a normally functioning country. Is this too much to ask for in 2019?
The war ended 29 years ago. The same politicians from the civil war era (13 years now) are still in power, sharing the piece of cake. Today, they are choking on the piece whilst the population is starving.
A whole nation is living on its streets, united with
the same basic demands: Solve this economic crisis, end corruption, and let
people move on with their lives.
If you have the time to watch, you may wish to check
the documentary link below from CNN:
Clearly in Bambi’s mind (after discussing with many people in Lebanon): There is a Lebanon pre-October 17 and a Lebanon, post-October 17. Failing to see this change is a symptom of the Lebanese life-threatening disease.
This being said, may God protect Lebanon… from itself. The days and years ahead are sadly going to be tough, especially without a political (real) solution.
The video in the link above shows the words of Mr. Don Cherry. Because of his direct yet factual words (his usual style of speech!), he was fired by Sportsnet, which is owned by Rogers Telecommunication.
Is this a joke or what?
Are Torontonians born abroad that easily triggered? Bambi highly doubts it.
She knows what she is talking about since she is an immigrant herself who happens to have lived in Toronto for several years.
Her friends from all sorts of immigrant backgrounds also do not feel triggered by such comments.
On the contrary, the more they hear stories like that the more turned off they become by our collective insanity (or stupidity?) called political correctness.
Mr. Don Cherry has said similar, or maybe worse, matters about French-Canadians or about Québec athletes representing Canada. No one felt triggered to the point of asking for his resignation. Although some may have not been amused by his comments back then, everyone understood that this was his style of speech.
So what? Why should we wear kid gloves when talking to each other? Why should we put this or that group on a pedestal? This can backfire on us, despite any (apparently) noble intention.
Another possibility may be that Sportsnet may have wished to see him retire. Thus, this incident was the ideal excuse to push him towards this stage of his life.
Bambi feels sorry for him for the public disrespect.
Sackville Memorial Park, a picture taken by Bambi on November 11, 2019
Lest
we forget
“In
Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between
the crosses, row on row…”
They will not be forgotten. May their memory be eternal.
Regardless of their mission or era, these men and women may have been our grand-parents, parents, children, or even grand-children. They may also be unknown soldiers yet with a story that hits home.
These soldiers may have helped or could help in future conflicts, in ice storms, or in severe flooding.
Bambi remembers our Armed Forces’ supportive missions in Québec in both 1990 (Oka crisis) and 1998 (Montréal ice storm).
More recently, she has also watched in the news how our army has helped during floods; closer to home and, once again, in Montréal.
Often, when Bambi takes a cab, she finds herself saying thank you to this or that driver from the Maritimes who has served in his youth not too far from where she was born and raised (e.g., Lebanon, Cyprus, Turkey, etc.).
These may be the lucky veterans who came back alive. Good
for them and their families.
Veterans in our society
Sadly, some veterans come back from war with sad memories
and/or awful injuries, both physically and morally.
Our society has been losing its reference points lately.
However today, Sackville proved this wrong.
As a community, Sackville demonstrated its wisdom, once again. Bambi is referring to the Sackville Memorial Park saga.
Our town took the time to pause and reflect, to be thankful, and to aspire for a more peaceful world.
Thank you to all those who made today possible.
The silent majority in Sackville was massively present at today’s sober ceremony. It was everything but silent today. Its presence spoke volumes not only about its values but also about its generational gratitude.
Speakers knew how to pay tribute whilst being spiritual.
Words and silent moments served as educational reminders to those who may have forgotten the meaning of Remembrance Day, all about the end of war. In other terms, this day is about death/life… and peace (“war is a last resort”, as it was well said today).
A special thanks to our Canadian Armed Forces (i.e., 8th Canadian Hussars) who showed up despite the saga mentioned above.
A moving song from the first part of the ceremony of Remembrance Day, 2019
Bambi’s personal reflections
During the first part of the ceremony, Bambi couldn’t help
not to have a thought (and a prayer in her heart) for Lebanon/the Lebanese Army
as well. She also appreciates their sacrifices and peacekeeping efforts, especially
during tough times there.
Clearly in Bambi’s mind, without the sacrifices of our veterans, neither us Canadians nor other populations around the world (e.g., Lebanon) would be able to freely express their thoughts and frustrations.
As well said today by the speaker/moderator in the Sackville Memorial Park, “Remembrance Day is not about glorifying war. It is about thanking our veterans who chose to serve. Their sacrifices stopped the tyranny so we can enjoy democracy today”.
We honour our veterans because we do not take our peace, our democracy, and even our civilization for granted.
When war has been part of the first 15 years of our life, we sadly know the absurd meaning of civil armed conflicts. We also know how to cherish peace.
For this, Bambi says: Thank you Canada (not just today but every day)!
Beyond Sackville
Bambi hopes that we will know how to remain proud
Canadians in a world (global or inner) that, slowly but surely, seems to be
pushing us toward less common sense, less respect for ourselves, for our heritage
and history, as well as for less humanity (ironically in the name of humanity
and morality).
May peace and democracy always prevail in our hearts, minds, and in our society… not just in Sackville but across our beautiful Canada and in the world.
According to Naharnet (November 11, 2019), the FedSLEB statement goes as follows:
“Last
week, the banking sector witnessed unstable situation that led to unacceptable
working conditions. Colleagues were subjected to insults and even assaults by
depositors, whom we fully understand their concerns. In addition, chaos in a
number of bank branches led to a state of confusion, anxiety and fear among colleagues
who continued to carry out their professional duties despite these stressful
conditions psychologically and even physically.
The
Federation received many requests from colleagues demanding its intervention to
carry out its duties to defend the safety of bankers.
The
Federation announces a general strike and calls on colleagues to stop work from
Tuesday morning on November 12, 2019 until calm returns to the general
conditions needed by the banking sector to resume normal business”.
Thanks to the World Lebanese Cultural Union-Toronto Chapter, Torontonians of Lebanese origins walked today under the rain to support the Lebanese population rising up against a corrupt political system.
Below are some pictures taken from the public Facebook of the association:
Bambi will translate from
French to English as follows:
“They are in
their early twenties, studying political science, engineering or physiology,
and have been living in Montreal for three or four years.
However, in
recent weeks, Albert Mouawad, Hala Zeidan and Joe Abu Malhab have their hearts
and their heads turned to their homeland: Lebanon.
A country that, they hope, is freeing itself from its denominational straightjackets.
As the world celebrates the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the three Montrealers are rolling their sleeves to destroy the walls that have divided the Lebanese for three decades. These are not physical walls made of concrete or brick, but well-established barriers in the political system inherited from the civil war that tore Lebanon from 1975 to 1990. Well established, too, in the minds.
“When the Berlin Wall was shot down, it was the symbol of the union between the two Germanies. We, our generation, are tired of the walls and problems of the previous generation, the one that made the civil war in Lebanon and divided us, “said Albert Mouawad.
These young adults are also tired of a corrupt political caste that siphon Lebanon’s resources without worrying about driving the country out of business.
Ivory tower
We met these three students yesterday in a café in Old Montreal, along with Lamia Charlebois, a public relations consultant, and Aref Salem, councilor in Saint-Laurent, two Lebanese living in Quebec for decades. These three students are part of a nucleus of young Libano-Quebecers who, from a distance, try to lend a helping hand to the revolt of their compatriots.
By demonstrating, of course, but also by spreading information on the protest movement that has shaken Lebanon since October 17th.
The tax increase on the WhatsApp application decreed that day was only the last straw that has spilled over the anger of the Lebanese, they say. A symbolically heavy drop of water: telephone calls cost a fortune in Lebanon. WhatsApp is the only way to escape these fees. By raising this tariff, while the Lebanese are pulling their hair to be able pay the bills for the deficient infrastructure, the leaders showed how isolated they were in their ivory tower. How much they were cut off from people’s daily concerns.
And when all three students talk about their leaders, they have in mind all the political parties, which they also consider inadequate and corrupt.
Sharing the cake
“In appearance, political parties hate each other, but they get along well to share the cake,” denounces Hala Zeidan.
It should be noted that since the end of the civil war, Lebanese democracy has been following the lines of religious divides with ministerial seats and portfolios granted to each of the major denominations – Christians, Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims – who have been torn apart for 15 years. years.
As a result, there is no real political opposition in Lebanon, no counter-powers either, deplored Joe Abu Malhab.
Hala is a Shiite Muslim, Joe and Albert are Maronite Christians, but all three want to liberate their country from the straitjacket of religious cleavages.
“I have long believed that since I am Maronite, I could only vote for a Christian party, but why could I not vote for a Muslim?”, said Joe Abu Malhab.
Furthermore, he lamented that the political parties competing for Christian voters “all come from the civil war”.
All Lebanese political parties have “blood on their hands,” said Hala Zeidan and Albert Mouawad. “We have to take the denominational system out of people’s heads,” he pleaded. Before adding that those who now lead Lebanon “are the icons of civil war, or their sons, or their sons-in-law”.
“Political parties all have blood on their hands; I do not want any parties associated with the war, these parties do not represent me, “adds Hala Zeidan.
The specter of civil war still hangs over Lebanon, but the youngest, those born many years after the end of the civil conflict, escape fear.
“Politicians always remind us of the war to threaten us, but we have not known that time and, for the first time, the Lebanese are united, they are not afraid”.
And now what?
It took just 13 days of protests to force the country’s prime minister, Saad Hariri, to leave his post on October 30. This is just the beginning, say the protesters, who want the departure of all their political system.
But where to go from there? Is there not a danger of skidding out of control? Is this popular revolt movement without a leader at risk of being diverted from its momentum?
“What the people want is very clear,” says Albert Mouawad before listing the major demands of the protesters. The resignation of the entire government, the appointment of a government of experts, the adoption of a new electoral law that sets aside the confessional lines, new elections.
There are three walls to cut down, says Lamia Charlebois: the wall of confessions, the wall of political parties, and the wall of corruption.
Faced with this triple challenge, Lebanese students are not completely protected from their own fears. For instance, they are a bit afraid of the weapons of Hezbollah, the party and armed Shiite movement that militarily controls part of Lebanon.
However, first and foremost, they are filled with optimism. They also feel that the wind of history is blowing on their side. Furthermore, they feel that the walls that have marked all their life could disappear soon”.
