"Project Watan’s” Iftar in Tripoli

From Tripoli, the capital of Arab culture for 2024, and upon the invitation of MP Jamil Abboud, Project Watan-Tripoli organized an Iftar that transcended all regions and sects, attended by a panel of economic, social, media, and popular figures, in the presence of the chairman of the Executive Board of Project Watan, MP Neemat Frem.

Journalist Mounzer al-Merehbi presented the event, which featured traditional performances and chants for a unique Ramadan ambiance. He highlighted the convergence of religions and coincidence of holidays in the same month – a convergence that gathered the Lebanese people around spiritual and human values despite all difficulties.

Abboud

In his speech, Deputy Jamil Abboud thanked all the attendees who responded to the invitation to a gathering aimed at transcending all sects and regions. He stated: “We, in Project Watan, strive diligently from a project that carries visions and plans elaborated by individuals whose history is full of success in building rather than destroying, and in development, creativity, and the endeavor to build a nation founded on the human being.”

Abboud confirmed that despite all the conditions Lebanon is going through, the only way for this country to overcome its crises is by adhering to the common grounds that bring the Lebanese together. “The best evidence of this is the common ground the Lebanese are sharing currently, in spite of their different beliefs and backgrounds, this sincere faith reflecting our country’s uniqueness and richness, as it is the land of message, civilization, and coexistence,” he concluded.

Frem

In turn, Deputy Neemat Frem addressed the attendees with heartfelt spontaneity, affirming that he considers himself part of the family and team of Project Watan – Tripoli, which works day and night to create solidarity and a family spirit. “This gathering is an actual translation of this statement, as there is a family spirit; and this is what is required,” he said.

“As fate would have it, my discussions during other meetings throughout this long day were focused on the difference between deep, foundational work conducted behind the scenes, and work undertaken with high publicity, without being of any benefit. Thus, we find ourselves before two different worlds, and we have chosen to belong to the first one, which is built on solid ground.

Hence, we came up with the name of Project Watan after deep contemplation, as we are not interested in public work that is vain but highly publicized; rather, we want to build on solid foundations, even if it is on a small scale, as long as it does not falter. We don’t want to build castles on the sand, nor empty projects. What we really want is a project for the homeland, a homeland of belonging, like a father and a mother. However, we have not yet reached it; we are still in the process, and therein lies the difference, as we must collaborate to achieve our much-sought homeland,” he explained.

Frem then emphasized that Project Watan – Tripoli is a symbol of the concept of common grounds, a symbol of the concept of a life stronger than death. “Tripoli faces all difficulties, is full of life, and gives a lesson to everyone through clinging to life and joy while preserving values and history.  Together, we believe that Divine Providence will save Lebanon and extricate it from the quagmire of dark instinctual destructive hatred, to lead it toward life,” he concluded.