Project Watan Commends and Warns: National Security is a Priority, as is the Continuation of In-Person Schooling Where Possible

“Project Watan’s” Executive Board held its weekly meeting, chaired by MP Neemat Frem, with all members in attendance, to discuss the dramatic developments Lebanon is experiencing due to the war. The following statement was issued afterward:

• In light of the tragic scenes resulting from the war, “Project Watan” extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, prays for the swift recovery of the injured, and salutes the healthcare sector and workers at all levels.

Amid the displacement of tens of thousands of people, “Project Watan” commends the solidarity shown by those who opened their hearts and homes, despite the economic and social pressures and the hardships they are enduring. The Board calls on local communities, institutions, and municipalities to establish a mechanism for coordination to meet the daily needs of both the displaced and their hosts, ensuring continuity of support.

“Project Watan” also warns against the smuggling of weapons or individuals, which could lead to the bombing of areas where they are present, putting both host communities and displaced people at risk.

• Since October 7, 2023, “Project Watan” has been urging the concerned parties to steer Lebanon away from the path it has been placed on and continues to call for responsiveness to international efforts to reach peaceful solutions, advocating for a shift from the unity of regional arenas toward internal priorities and common ground, in order to halt the senseless destructive madness. This would allow us to begin building Lebanese unity with a focus on national security and Lebanon’s supreme interest, enabling the election of a president and initiating the process of rebuilding the state.

This is how we protect our nation from the danger of disintegration or distortion through the loss of geographical territories.

• As this destructive war coincides with the start of the academic year, “Project Watan” calls on officials at the Ministry of Education, educational institutions, and all concerned parties to push for the academic year to begin without interruption where in-person schooling is possible and to implement remote learning where it is not. Given the uncertainty and the possibility of an even larger and more widespread war in Lebanon, we must seize every opportunity to motivate our students and provide them with the best possible future. Therefore, we urge all schools in safe areas to facilitate the temporary integration of displaced students so they do not lose their academic year.