Gebran Bassil, in a speech during the opening of Ramadan activities on Mino Street in Tripoli: The “Ramadan Brings Us Together” events are not the start of work but the culmination of efforts we began on Minet El Mina Street, which we aimed to renovate to show that we are people who build and restore, not destroy, and who think about developing our areas.
He added that the port and Tripoli both deserve attention, saying: “We were happy when our people in Tripoli celebrated Christmas in Batroun and were warmly welcomed by the people there. Today we came to Tripoli to celebrate Ramadan and see how they welcome us with love as well. This is the meaning of our Lebanese identity, and this is the Tripoli we know and love.”
Bassil continued: “This year, Muslim and Christian fasting coincide, reflecting the true image of Lebanon in Tripoli, and we want our real image to be seen. Tripoli’s image has been distorted at times, but Tripoli is love and peace; it is our northern capital and the second capital for all of Lebanon. Just as we care for other regions, we must care for it, and show its true image, which has sometimes been misrepresented.”
He emphasized: “Our image is of a united Lebanon, rich in diversity, with both Christians and Muslims. That is why this month we celebrate together, and this week we will host ‘Brotherly Encounters During the Fasting Period’ between Christians and Muslims on this street, with iftars and all the symbols of Ramadan, the month of goodness. That is why Tripoli and the port are dressed in a Ramadan spirit, and later they will also celebrate the ‘Feast of the Cross.’ We will witness a revival of Lebanon in both holidays, despite all its hardships. Ramadan is beautiful for Lebanon, despite all its hunger and pain.”
He concluded by noting: “We cannot forget the suffering of our people in Tripoli, not only because of destroyed buildings but also because of people being destroyed every day by poverty and need.”
He added that the port and Tripoli both deserve attention, saying: “We were happy when our people in Tripoli celebrated Christmas in Batroun and were warmly welcomed by the people there. Today we came to Tripoli to celebrate Ramadan and see how they welcome us with love as well. This is the meaning of our Lebanese identity, and this is the Tripoli we know and love.”
Bassil continued: “This year, Muslim and Christian fasting coincide, reflecting the true image of Lebanon in Tripoli, and we want our real image to be seen. Tripoli’s image has been distorted at times, but Tripoli is love and peace; it is our northern capital and the second capital for all of Lebanon. Just as we care for other regions, we must care for it, and show its true image, which has sometimes been misrepresented.”
He emphasized: “Our image is of a united Lebanon, rich in diversity, with both Christians and Muslims. That is why this month we celebrate together, and this week we will host ‘Brotherly Encounters During the Fasting Period’ between Christians and Muslims on this street, with iftars and all the symbols of Ramadan, the month of goodness. That is why Tripoli and the port are dressed in a Ramadan spirit, and later they will also celebrate the ‘Feast of the Cross.’ We will witness a revival of Lebanon in both holidays, despite all its hardships. Ramadan is beautiful for Lebanon, despite all its hunger and pain.”
He concluded by noting: “We cannot forget the suffering of our people in Tripoli, not only because of destroyed buildings but also because of people being destroyed every day by poverty and need.”
