Rally of Hope Jordan, Lebanon, Syria (WFWP Middle East)
Written by: Zoe Bennett
To commemorate the UN International Day of the Families, the WFWP Middle East and North Africa organized a “Rally of Hope” on May 30, honoring the three Middle Eastern countries of Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
With the title, “The Family: Our Treasure and Hope,” a two-hour long event unfolded with insightful speeches and lovely traditional music from Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
The 10 speakers each presented a different aspect of the most ancient human institution, called the “Family.”
Carolyn Handschin, Director of WFWPI Office of UN Relations, shared the perspective that the UN has recently been taking on the family. She explained that many UN agencies revisit the importance of parenting and the support of balanced families.
Sheikh Abu Zeid, a Lebanese judge, and professor of family law, explained that according to the Koran, the husband and the wife are fortified by each other when they marry and the children grow in this powerful environment. For this reason and also because a world of peace and prosperity is based on the family, there is every need to make every effort to protect it.
The next speaker (asked not to be named), was a Jordanian counselor and educator, who pointed out the six characteristics that can make a family good and successful: love, commitment, positive communication, having fun together, shared values and mutual support for its members.
Thomas Schellen, a German journalist and writer living in Lebanon for 24 years, described how the family can be an asset and capital for the society.
The President of FFWPU in the Middle East, Umberto Angeluci, introduced the Co-Founder of WFWPI, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. In her speech, Dr. Moon explained that if the Creator is at the center of the family all problems can be solved. “The most urgent thing nowadays is to build a strong family,” she said.
A Syrian student, Ranim Asfahani, preparing her Masters in the UK, candidly explained how important her family is to her because of their undying love and support.
A Jordanian woman leader and writer (asked not to be named), movingly explained how love is the oil of the family and that the family is the pillar of construction for the society. She wished that peace could come to all the conflicting countries of the Middle East.
A very dynamic community leader, Carol Babikian, from Lebanon, explained that the concept of the family is large. It is not just about the blood ties, but also the language, culture and more. Very often, the root of success of a person is due to the care of his or her family. Nevertheless, in politics family ties should not be of influence, but merit and qualifications.
Finally a young Lebanese student, Hanaa Ali, who is a Palestinian refugee, explained that the Palestinian family becomes the homeland for a Palestinian, as they have never knew their real homeland.
The event finished with a musical medley of Lebanese, Jordanian and Syrian music.
During the event, many positive comments and reflections were made in the interactive chat.