Single Events

Five Years of Continuous Giving

Ghirass for Society Development held its third annual Iftar, as part of its Ramadan campaign “Five Years of Continuous Giving,” at the Movenpick Group Hotel on Monday 12-6-2017. 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 Prime Minister Saad El-Din Rafik Al-Hariri, represented by Minister of State for Women’s Affairs Jean Oghassabian, the Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, represented by Sheikh Mahmoud Al-Khatib, the Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, represented by Colonel Marwan Al-Faqih, the general director of the General Directorate of General Security, Major General Abbas Ibrahim, re[resented by Major Hisham Al Solh, the Director of Intelligence, Brigadier General Tony Mansour, represented by Lieutenant Colonel Fouad Thebian, the former Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Ibrahim Basbous, represented by Dr. Ghani Basbous, Sheikh Akl of the Druze  Unitarian sect in Lebanon, Sheikh Naim Hassan, represented by Sheikh Fadel Salameh, Mr. Ali Fadlallah represented by Hajj Hani Abdullah, 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, the Malaysian ambassador to Lebanon represented by Mr. Melvin, representatives For the Ministries of Social Affairs and Women’s Affairs, Princess Hayat Arslan, representative of the advisor to the Governor of Beirut, Riad Al-Khatib, and the General Commissioner of the Muslim Scout Leader Ali Al-Rifai.

The Iftar ceremony began with a welcome speech from the Lebanese journalist, Huda Hussein, who indicated that “Ghirass” Iftar this year marks its fifth anniversary.

In his speech, Minister of State for Women’s Affairs Jean Oghassabian noted that Lebanon is a nation rich in its human resources and that “every one of you is a valuable individual.”

He extended a big salute to “Ghirass”, which is one of the active and productive associations that was able to gain donors’ confidence and credibility in a short period, for its capacity to reach the Lebanese people, and particularly women, with the goal of empowering them.

He wished “Ghirass” more success and achievements and more work for the benefit of women.

Following the speech, “Ghirass” Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Sami Al-Khatib and its Executive Director, Mr Ziad Taqtaq, presented His Excellency a shield in their honour.

During the ceremony, MMrsSamira Ahmed shared her experience about how the death of her husband changed and becoming the breadwinner for her family and young children. She discussed how she was able to keep fighting for her family while remaining patient, wise, and determined to achieve her goals. She also advised other women how to do the same.

“Ghirass” statement was delivered by its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Sami Al-Khatib, who stated that the human being is the most valuable thing in life; for him was existence, as did countries and governments, and for him, every human being should work.

He continued that civil society institutions in Lebanon play a pioneering role in mending scars, quenching tears, and filling social gaps, thus, “Ghirass” is a blessed seed and a bright light glowing in Lebanese society, and it was able to spread its seedlings across Lebanon within five years.

He stated that our services assisted 150,000 households, including 60,000 students, 20,000 medical assistants, and 1,500 young men and women who participated in training courses.

Our main four programs, “Ataa,” “Thimar,” “Afaq,” and “Lamsa” had the lion’s share by focusing on sustainable development, education, and family empowerment.

He concluded: We were aware that one hand does not clap, therefore we extended our hands to everyone who seeks goodness, mainly the concerned ministries in Lebanon, particularly the ministries of social affairs, education, and women’s affairs.” We also signed several protocols and agreements with various local and internatioofficialscial and civil organizations, such as UNHCR, USAID, World Vision, Kuwaiti Zakat House, Malaysian and Turkish institutions, Makhzoumi Foundation, the Lebanese Women’s Council, and others, he added. “Today we extend our hands to the people of goodness, as with integration we build, with cooperation we rise, and by holding hands together we succeed and continue.

The Iftar featured the screening of a film about “Ghirass” Happiness Fund project, which was implemented this month and benefited nine families, after which the project’s sponsor, Mr. Khaled Mohi El-Ddin, was honored, and another film that embodied the association’s achievements over the last five years.