Following the Nation Anthem the Vice President of the Association Mrs Edith-Hilda Shammas Yazigy took the podium in welcoming the assembly; her opening speech showed great pride in the fact that despite the country’s current challenges and obstacles, books have maintained their importance especially in a country as multicultural and intellectual as our own Home Of The Cedars; describing Mrs. Kalash’s new book as a (universal constitution, a book of all religions).
The podium next went to Mr. Yousef Latouf, the Vice President of the Batroun Municipal Cultural Center who affirmed that the Center’s dedicated priorities are its involvement in the scholastic and intellectual activities. He also applauded the Association on its righteous, genuine and humanitarian accomplishments remarking that the proceeds of this book will go to help this Association which he described as a mirror that reflects the transparency of our conscience.
The scholar, Mr. Suheil Serhan in turn elaborated on the author’s concept and experiences describing her as a woman of many challenges. Emphasizing that love is a progeny of beauty, and that this book is not only a literary school in itself, but it is also a series of stories that depicts life itself.
The Poet Ezabel Zugheib Kesserwani in succession paid great tribute to Batroun the land of culture and civilization. Then addressing the author she said:”You are an icon, a symbol of the free spirited woman both as a person and an intellectual.” At the end of her speech the poet recited a selection of her poetic verse.
Miss Lilian Saadeh, the Association’s Secretary, on her part implored the community to take a step forward towards humanity and good will, elaborating on the many difficulties in the life of the handicapped. Miss Saadeh ended her speech with a warm gratitude to Mrs Kalash for her leading role in the growing process of our community.
The event’s closing speaker was the author herself, Mrs. Marie Andari Kalash who emphasized the importance of human values that bond us together with our less fortunate, underprivileged fellow man; focusing on the concept of her new book and its theme which deals with the power of awareness in diffusing discrimination. Ending her speech, Mrs. Kalash extended her sincere appreciation to the representatives of Dar Al-Mona and the Batroun Municipal Cultural Center for hosting and sponsoring this event urging for more honest and dedicated efforts for the sake of humanity and our fellow man.
