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Together We Beatify the World for the Joy to Be Complete

Ghirass for Society Development organized its fourth annual Iftar, as part of its Ramadan campaign “for the joy to be complete,” at the Movenpick Group Hotel on Monday 4-6-2018. It was attended by ministers, deputies, party and municipal representatives, members of local and international and civil society institutions, sheikhs, mayors, and other notable individuals including: the Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, represented by Sheikh Osama Haddad, Minister of State for Women’s Affairs Jean Oghassabian, represented by the Projects Coordinator in the Ministry, Nadi Makki, Director General of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Judge Abdullah Ahmed, represented by the Director of Services Social Affairs in the Ministry Randa Bou Hamdan, the Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, represented by Colonel Salim Ali Ahmed, the Director General of State Security, Tony Saliba, represented by Captain Ahmed Nassar, the Intelligence Director, Brigadier General Tony Mansour, represented by Colonel Muhammad Zain, the former Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Ibrahim Basbous, represented by Dr. Ghani Basbous, Mr. Ali Fadlallah represented by Sheikh Zuhair Qousan, Mufti of Bekaa Sheikh Khalil Al-Mays, represented by Sheikh Wissam Anouz, members of the Supreme Islamic Sharia Council and members of the spiritual meeting that includes a number of sheikhs and fathers from different Lebanese sects and doctrines, Director of the Office of the UNHCR in Bekaa (UNHCR) MR. Josep, the Swiss MEDAIR organization represented by Ms Crystal Kasrji, Commissioner-General of the Muslim Scout Leader Ali Al-Rifai and representatives of the parties and the municipality Associations, local and international associations, clubs, civil society institutions, sheikhs, mayors, and personalities.

The Iftar ceremony began with a welcome speech from Ms Hanan Farhat, who compared a world in which the mother is the head of the family and the housekeeper, with another world where she is absent expressing the suffering experienced by children in particular and society in general. 

Ms Nada Makki, a representative of the caretaker government’s Minister of State for Women’s Affairs, Jean Oghassabian, stated in her statement that the process of transformation in society could only occur by including women in the development process, from planning to implementation.

She added that the ministry has developed a national gender equality policy that represents Lebanon’s commitment to implementing international treaties and is aligned with all sustainable development goals.

Director of Social Services of the Ministry, Randa Bou Hamdan, delivered the statement of the Director General of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Judge Ali Ahmed.

Bou Hamdan considered Ghirass Association as a partner of the Ministry in social work, and considered the initiatives it takes to develop Lebanese society in all of its categories and nationalities are made possible by specialized projects and programs that shield the family from all material and psychological harm. These initiatives, particularly those that support women, are motivated by the firm conviction that women are men’s equal partners in building society and make up the other half of society.

“Ghirass” statement was delivered by its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Sami Al-Khatib, where he discussed the tragic reality that our country is going through and the urgent need for civic organizations and social associations that alleviate burdens, help in the healing of wounds, and try to be the kind hand that pats on the shoulders of the poor to tell him: “The world is still fine.”

He added that in the absence of the most basic rights of the ordinary and simple citizen to live and his family securely, and to have a healthy life, and in the front of human rights affirmed by international charters and state constitutions that guarantee the citizen a decent living, “Ghirass” established a community service, so it directed its attention to the family, which is the backbone of society, which serves as the individual’s educational and social incubator and the starting point for establishing psychological and social safety.

Therefore, “Ghirass” via its aid and initiatives, extended beyond Beirut’s limits to Bekaa, the south, the north, Akkar, and the entire country, and made no distinction between one family and another, as meeting the need and alleviating the burden are the goals. Need has no religion, sect, or race.

He considered that Lebanon’s enrichment comes from its diversity, associations, and social organizations. “We pledged in “Ghirass” to spare no effort in providing aid to those in need, and giving assistance to those who deserve it, with an openness that respects human for his humanity, and our confidence that our people will not spare us their giving, and that our society will be the incubator of the seeds of goodness.”

The event featured a dramatic scene that embodied the pain of a woman who has lost a breadwinner in her community, as well as the problems she faces in her surroundings and with her family.

Another video highlighted the association’s collaboration with Al Baraka Bank, which funded several small projects for several female breadwinners. Following that, Mr Moatasem Mahmassani, General Manager of Al Baraka Bank, was honoured. “Ghirass” also honoured MEDAIR organization, and the lawyer, Maha Fatha.

The Muslim Scout Association in Lebanon, via its General Commissioner, leader Ali Al-Shamaa Al-Rifai, also made a gesture by awarding the Golden Medal to “Ghirass” Executive Director, Mr Ziad Taqtaq, in recognition of his scouting contributions throughout the years.