The Office of NDU Publications – Mariam and Youssef Library hosted a Solidarity Book Fair from December 9 to 11, 2024, with the aim of raising funds for Lebanon’s Civil Defense, which incurred significant physical and financial losses during the recent war.
The fair was inaugurated in the presence of the former General Director of Civil Defense, Brigadier General Raymond Khattar; Brigadier General George Al-Durzi, representing General Joseph Aoun – Commander of the Lebanese Army; Dr. Michel Hayek, Vice President for Academic Affairs, representing NDU President Father Bechara Khoury; and Dr. Marguerite Eid, University Librarian. Representatives from participating publishing houses, academic and media figures, as well as members of NDU’s staff and student community, were also in attendance.
In his introductory speech, Majed Bou Hadir, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Protocol at NDU, welcomed the guests and saluted the Civil Defense’s unwavering dedication, which NDU chose to honor through this first book fair. He emphasized the University’s strong belief in the power of books and education. “A Civil Defense volunteer encapsulates motherhood, fatherhood, and brotherhood through compassion and motivation toward the Lebanese citizen and the whole nation,” Bou Hadir added.
Dr. Hayek next addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of the book fair as the first of what will hopefully become an annual tradition. He described the event as an opportunity to explore books and exchange knowledge and ideas among the academic community and external participants. “Reading is not only a hobby; whether as a soft or hard copy, a book is a means to expand one’s horizon and develop one’s thinking,” Hayek stated. “It is a window to the rest of the world.”
Following these remarks, Brigadier General Raymond Khattar expressed his gratitude for participating in this cultural and humanitarian event, which embodies the values of solidarity and giving. “NDU’s initiative in supporting the Civil Defense reflects its awareness of the tremendous efforts invested by our champions to protect people and their properties. As they face the hardest challenges daily, they deserve all the support and gratitude,” he said.
To conclude the opening ceremony, Dr. Eid presented Brigadier General Khattar with a commemorative gift: an NDU publication titled Al Aazra’ Maryam Fi Loubnan, while Dr. Hayek offered Brigadier General Al-Durzi the book Louybnan Al Kabir Fi Mi’awiyatihi Al Awal. Guests later toured the exhibition’s stands, engaging in discussions on various topics.
Over the three-day fair, the event attracted visiting students from different schools, who searched for books to complement their skills or as Christmas gifts. NDU staff and students also took the opportunity to explore historical references, classic novels, and religious publications, enriching their knowledge in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.