03:39Governor Judge Marwan Abboud, joined by various officials and notable figures, lit up Beirut's magnificent Christmas tree in Martyrs' Square on Friday evening. This festive event officially signals the beginning of the Christmas season for the country's Christian community.
"Eid has come this year, and the Middle East is witnessing war in Gaza and southern Lebanon, and the people are dying. The Palestinian people are suffering and dying, and our people in the south are also dying and their homes are being destroyed. But we cannot let the country collapse, and we cannot leave it under the weight of war, collapse, and retreat," Abboud said after the ceremony.
"We must remain happy because, on this holiday, people must be left happy because this is a type of resistance. The resistance also means that life continues in the country and that expatriates come to Lebanon to see their families," he added.
Alongside the governor, Mayor Abdullah Darwish and other members of the municipal council attended the ceremony, along with artists and public figures. Despite the presence of a considerable crowd, the event maintained a modest atmosphere, complemented by a musical trio that added liveliness to the occasion.
Echoing the governor's remarks, the attendees at the event share the belief that the symbolism of the Christmas tree signifies the resilience and strength of the community.
"Certainly, the atmosphere is not the same as before, and there is certainly sadness, but the Lebanese want to live as we used to live in shelters, and we want to prove to everyone that we are a country that cannot be defeated, and God willing, this ordeal will pass well, and may God have mercy on the martyrs," said Joly Harb, a Beirut resident who took part in the modest festivity.
'This is a type of resistance' – Governor lights up Beirut's Christmas tree during modest ceremony
Governor Judge Marwan Abboud, joined by various officials and notable figures, lit up Beirut's magnificent Christmas tree in Martyrs' Square on Friday evening. This festive event officially signals the beginning of the Christmas season for the country's Christian community.
"Eid has come this year, and the Middle East is witnessing war in Gaza and southern Lebanon, and the people are dying. The Palestinian people are suffering and dying, and our people in the south are also dying and their homes are being destroyed. But we cannot let the country collapse, and we cannot leave it under the weight of war, collapse, and retreat," Abboud said after the ceremony.
"We must remain happy because, on this holiday, people must be left happy because this is a type of resistance. The resistance also means that life continues in the country and that expatriates come to Lebanon to see their families," he added.
Alongside the governor, Mayor Abdullah Darwish and other members of the municipal council attended the ceremony, along with artists and public figures. Despite the presence of a considerable crowd, the event maintained a modest atmosphere, complemented by a musical trio that added liveliness to the occasion.
Echoing the governor's remarks, the attendees at the event share the belief that the symbolism of the Christmas tree signifies the resilience and strength of the community.
"Certainly, the atmosphere is not the same as before, and there is certainly sadness, but the Lebanese want to live as we used to live in shelters, and we want to prove to everyone that we are a country that cannot be defeated, and God willing, this ordeal will pass well, and may God have mercy on the martyrs," said Joly Harb, a Beirut resident who took part in the modest festivity.
Governor Judge Marwan Abboud, joined by various officials and notable figures, lit up Beirut's magnificent Christmas tree in Martyrs' Square on Friday evening. This festive event officially signals the beginning of the Christmas season for the country's Christian community.
"Eid has come this year, and the Middle East is witnessing war in Gaza and southern Lebanon, and the people are dying. The Palestinian people are suffering and dying, and our people in the south are also dying and their homes are being destroyed. But we cannot let the country collapse, and we cannot leave it under the weight of war, collapse, and retreat," Abboud said after the ceremony.
"We must remain happy because, on this holiday, people must be left happy because this is a type of resistance. The resistance also means that life continues in the country and that expatriates come to Lebanon to see their families," he added.
Alongside the governor, Mayor Abdullah Darwish and other members of the municipal council attended the ceremony, along with artists and public figures. Despite the presence of a considerable crowd, the event maintained a modest atmosphere, complemented by a musical trio that added liveliness to the occasion.
Echoing the governor's remarks, the attendees at the event share the belief that the symbolism of the Christmas tree signifies the resilience and strength of the community.
"Certainly, the atmosphere is not the same as before, and there is certainly sadness, but the Lebanese want to live as we used to live in shelters, and we want to prove to everyone that we are a country that cannot be defeated, and God willing, this ordeal will pass well, and may God have mercy on the martyrs," said Joly Harb, a Beirut resident who took part in the modest festivity.