Progressive Socialist Party leader MP Taymour Joumblatt, represented by MP Wael Abou Faour, sponsored the "Adha Brings Us Together" festival, invited by the Progressive Women's Union in cooperation with the Rashaya Municipality – Civil Solidarity Fund, the Rashaya Merchants Committee, and the Rashaya Youth Gathering.
The "Adha Brings Us Together" festival was attended by Tony Haddad, representing MP Charbel Maroun; President of the Progressive Women's Union in Lebanon Manal Said; Progressive Party South Beqaa Interior Agent Aref Abou Mansour; Secretary of the Political Council of the Democratic Party Nizar Zaki; Director of the Rashaya branch of the Faculty of Business Administration Dr. Randa Mehanna; members of the Druze Council; President of the Jabal el Sheikh Municipalities Union Gerges Haddad; Mayor of Rashaya Rashrash Naji; Mukhtar of Rashaya Kamal Naji; agency members, delegates, party branch directors, Layal El Hajj representing the RCM and BMA companies, members of the Tourism Committee, mayors, mukhtars, dignitaries, and notable figures.
MP Abou Faour conveyed the greetings and affection of Taymour Joumblatt to all of Rashaya and its people, expressing his thanks to the Progressive Women's Union, its president Manal Said, the South Beqaa official for the Union Feryal Saab, all Union cells, the Mayor of Rashaya, the Merchants' Association, and the associations that worked to ensure we could celebrate this joyous occasion.
Abou Faour said: "Despite all the sadness surrounding us from Palestine to South Lebanon, and despite all the death standing at the doors of Gaza and at the doors of the South, we have no choice but to rejoice or strive for joy, and we have no choice but to express, at every opportunity, the will to live that will create the future."
He continued: "This activity is the first of this year's tourism activities in Rashaya. Rashaya, the town, is a jewel that must be dusted off and polished so it can shine, and so that we can recognize its value. With its history, diversity, coexistence, heritage, architecture, environment, beauty, and spiritual legacy, this town is a jewel that we must preserve and invest in."
Abou Faour added: "A word to the people of Rashaya and the Rashaya market on behalf of Taymour Joumblatt: As we promised previously, and I hope we have fulfilled the promise, we will make Rashaya a hub for knowledge, institutions, social services, and educational services. On behalf of Taymour Joumblatt, I promise to make this Rashaya a destination for tourism from both inside and outside Lebanon, but this matter requires the cooperation of the people of Rashaya. It is unacceptable for a large portion of the market shop doors to remain closed. We are striving this summer to complete the program we agreed upon with the Development Committee for Tourism in Rashaya, where Rashaya will be full of activities. Soon, the restoration of the second part of Rashaya Citadel will be finished, and soon the Independence Stairs, which connect the Rashaya market to the Citadel, will be completed. Soon, the paving project at the base of the market will begin, in addition to many other projects." He called on the people of Rashaya to invest in the Rashaya market and open shops and restaurants to stimulate economic and commercial movement, pointing out that work is underway to obtain soft loans for some shops that will open in the Rashaya market so that this jewel, the jewel of Rashaya, can shine. Today, it brings us together for Eid al-Adha, and it will bring us together for the Feast of the Assumption, Transfiguration Day, Eid al-Fitr, and on all occasions.
The festival was presented by Karen Saraya. Then, the Mayor of Rashaya Rashrash Naji spoke, followed by a speech by Sheikh Mufid Mahmoud on behalf of the Rashaya Market Merchants Committee, a speech by Ola Qadamani on behalf of the Modern University for Business and Science, and a speech by the official of the Progressive Women's Union in South Beqaa, Feryal Saab.
This was followed by a folkloric Dabke by the Prince's Zaffeh troupe, and then a special party for children was held, which included a Kazadoo show.
The festival concluded with a party by DJ Mak Saher, and prizes and gifts provided by the merchants of the Rashaya market were distributed.
