Amid a year marked by severe challenges for the Lebanese press, Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) hosted its annual media dinner to honor the relentless efforts of journalists and to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of truth. The event, which also celebrates the University’s founding, drew the presence of NDU President Father Bechara El Khoury, as well as the participation of distinguished guests and celebrated media figures. Among the attendees present were His Excellency the Minister of Information Ziad Makary; H.E. Bishop Antoine Nabil Andari, Head of the Episcopal Commission for media outlets; Albert Chamoun, representing H.E. the Minister of Education and Higher Education Judge Abbas Al-Halabi; Joseph al-Qosaifi, Head of the Syndicate of Press Editors; Rafik Shalala, Director of the Information Office at the Presidential Palace; H.E. Fr. Abdo Abou Kassem, Head of the Catholic Media Centre; Jack El Kallassi, General Manager at Télé Lumière and Noursat media network; Brigadier General Hussein Ghaddar, Director of Orientation in the Lebanese Army; Lieutenant Colonel Chadi Aoun, representing Brigadier General Elie Al-Deek, Director of the Media Division at the General Directorate of State Security; and Dr. George Harb, Media Advisor to the Director General of State Security.
As a start to the event, Fr. Charbel Daccache recited a heartfelt prayer where he urged journalists and reporters to remain faithful to their morals and to the values of their respective institutions and organizations. He also asked for God’s guidance in a career that so often requires displaying a huge extent of bravery in the face of adversity and darkness. Fr. Daccache concluded his prayer by urging guests to consistently strive to achieve unity and peace through their professional trajectories.
After the prayer, Majed Bou Hadir, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Protocol at the University, delivered a welcome speech, in which he conveyed the following: "Sixteen months have passed since the Lebanese media family moved to their second home here at NDU. Tonight’s gathering is energized by the minds of writers, thinkers, and advocates of freedom, embodying the unique Lebanese spirit that continuously crafts a new constitution to defend our country. What has remained constant over these sixteen months is the language of the heart that unites us.”
On behalf of the University, Bou Hadir then extended his heartfelt gratitude to guests for their presence and support. “Every May, we salute the Lebanese press, honoring its members, like you, who embody loyalty and resilience. This month also marks the celebration of our University's founding – a time when we reflect on our shared commitment to freedom, wisdom, and on our relentless efforts in spite of all odds,” he added.
Following Bou Hadir’s speech, NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury delivered an address where he reiterated the significance of objective journalism and a free press – one that would appeal to the upcoming generation and be worthy of remembering in the future. The Fourth Estate, as Fr. Khoury noted, currently stands as one of the only functional entities in the country, at a time when impartiality has almost lost its meaning and value. For this reason, the Father President invited the notable guests to reflect on their crucial role as journalists, prompting them to never lose sight of the countless duties such a role encompasses. Furthermore, Fr. Khoury called for additional collective efforts between the University and media organizations in order to drive education forwards and keep ambitious students from emigrating and leaving their home country behind. According to him, such initiatives have the potential to restore Lebanon's golden reputation, which has been tarnished again and again throughout recent year.
In his turn, the Minister of Information, H.E. Ziad Makary, recalled the Ministry’s numerous initiatives to aid Lebanese educational institutions and universities in their missions. As he stated, the Ministry of Information firmly believes that the viable solution to the country’s current issues lies in the skills and capabilities of its aspiring youth. To that end, he commended the Ministry’s continuous efforts to provide trainings and workshops for students, equipping them with the competence required in the market and in society.
Makary then lauded the indomitable Lebanese spirit, which never seems to break in the face of challenges and dire circumstances. He reiterated the immeasurable power held by the media and press, particularly at a time when journalists are under fire and at risk for upholding the truth. He concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to the University for hosting the annual gathering, reaffirming the Ministry of Information's commitment to standing by universities and educational institutions, and emphasizing Lebanon's enduring role as a beacon of media in both the East and the global landscape. At the end of the address, the Father President presented a memorial gift to His Excellency Bishop Andari and to His Excellency Minister Makary, thanking them for their valuable presence and participation.
Once again, the annual media dinner served as a reminder of the challenges surrounding the freedom of press at this day and age. Considering the current volatile situation in the region, the event represented a unique opportunity to commend the persistent efforts of Lebanese reporters and journalists to report the truth, even amidst unimaginable situations and ongoing hardships.