At the invitation and initiative of Mrs. Rania Bou Fakher Abi Ezzedine, a meeting titled “Acquaintance and Love” was held at the residence of Ali Abi Ezzedine last Sunday in Bireh, with the aim of reviving and strengthening social relations in the town of Bireh – Chouf in a spirit of friendliness and love.
This meeting took place with the blessing of the Sheikh Aql of the Unitarian Druze community, Sami Abi Al-Muna, represented by Sheikh Fadi Al-Attar, and Bishop Maroun Ammar, represented by the priest of the Bireh parish, Father Elie Kiwan, and in the presence of the Mayor of Bireh, Sobhi Lahoud, Mukhtar Yazid Jasser, and a number of sheikhs and residents of Bireh.
During the meeting, the initiator, Rania Abi Ezzedine, delivered a speech in which she emphasized “the importance of reviving and strengthening social relations in the town of Bireh through various methods and means, to face difficulties, challenges, and obstacles, for a more cohesive, diverse, and prosperous society, and for a society that takes its first step towards a promising future for our coming generations.”
In turn, Father Kiwan stressed “the importance of meeting, communication, and solidarity among the townspeople,” hoping that “the bonds of friendship and love that we were raised upon among families will return.”
For his part, Sheikh Al-Attar conveyed a message from Abi Al-Muna, which included his greetings and prayers for those present and those who could not attend, wishing success in continuing the path of peace and goodness that began with the Mountain Reconciliation. The message also included a call for love, meeting, dialogue, and consolidating coexistence.
As for Sheikh Zahi Jasser, who spoke on behalf of the sheikhs of Bireh, he affirmed “the importance of the invitation made by Mrs. Abi Ezzedine,” pointing to “the importance of reviving and strengthening social relations in Bireh.”
During the meeting, which was attended by about a hundred people from various spectra and parties, the residents recalled positive positions that occurred between the people of the town, for example: “Brigadier General Abdo Elias Khalil, who used to serve everyone who sought him out, whether from the Druze or Christian community, even during the era of displacement. They also recalled the late Mukhtar Elias Rashid Khalil for his role in the Mountain Reconciliation.”
It is worth noting that this meeting is a gateway to subsequent meetings, gatherings, and steps that will be announced in due course.
It is noted that Father Kiwan and Sheikh Al-Attar condemned “the acts of vandalism that took place in the vicinity of St. Elias Church,” noting that the meeting was scheduled to be held before this incident occurred.
