Yeah, I'm not going to get on a soapbox about which candidate to vote for in the US general election. If you don't know who you're voting for by now, nothing I can say will change your mind. Just vote from an informed position, please. We've heard a lot this election cycle about voter fraud … Continue reading Election Musings – US and Lebanon
Tag: Lebanon
Devastation in Achrafieh
I was heartbroken to read the news of car bomb in Achrafieh this afternoon, killing eight and injuring far more. The site of the bombing, Sassine Square, was home to a memorial for former President Bachir Gemayel, assassinated at that spot in 1982. I cannot believe this community has yet another event to mourn. Some … Continue reading Devastation in Achrafieh
“You’re So Brave”
I often have conversations with my family about what I’m doing in school and get the idea from them that they think what I'm accomplishing is “exceptional” in some way. I always have a rough time seeing this. I mean, I am daily surrounded by people doing the exact same things as me, often far … Continue reading “You’re So Brave”
Youth, Sports, Politics, and Society in Lebanon – Simon Abi Ramia
On June 29, the LSF met with Simon Abi Ramia, President of Youth & Sports Committee of the parliament of Lebanon. Our discussion was widespread, focusing on sports and youth (of course) but also on politics, religion, and society within Lebanon. His insight touched upon many of the national and regional issues currently in play … Continue reading Youth, Sports, Politics, and Society in Lebanon – Simon Abi Ramia
Day 10+ (July 2-3) – Princesses, LAU, Shatilla, Le Péché, Flight
For those of you still following my trip blog, I do apologize for the delay. there is just such a finality to writing this post, and I honestly haven't wanted to deal with it. While my post-fellowship plan includes extensive blogging of my trip research, this is really the last "Today we did X" kind … Continue reading Day 10+ (July 2-3) – Princesses, LAU, Shatilla, Le Péché, Flight
Day 7 (June 29) – Parliament, Jeita, Byblos, Pepe Abed
Sorry I am so behind on this blog. The end of the trip was a whirlwind, followed by travel home, Dad's birthday, travel back to VA, etc. Here goes though. Day 7 was fascinating. It started with a meeting at Parliament with MP Simon Abi Ramia, the President of the Youth and Sports Committee. I … Continue reading Day 7 (June 29) – Parliament, Jeita, Byblos, Pepe Abed
Day 5 (June 27) – Al Majmoua, AUB, Youth Shadow Government
Day 5 was another one of our more substantive days. In the morning, we met Youssef Fawaz, the Executive Director of Al Majmoua, an NGO based out of Lebanon that helps individuals with their microfinancing needs. I was not really all that aware of microfinancing prior to this meeting, the idea of giving people small … Continue reading Day 5 (June 27) – Al Majmoua, AUB, Youth Shadow Government
Day 4 (June 26) – Dinner
Dinner Tuesday was amazing. We ate traditional Lebanese food outside under the sky in Beirut at Al Falamanki. It was a really great space, with tables situated under trees and vines. Everyone who had wanted to smoke shisha was able to--double apple all around. The food was so very good--starting again with mezze, and followed … Continue reading Day 4 (June 26) – Dinner
Day 4 (June 26) – Meetings with Former MPs, Political Parties, and Businessmen
Day 4 was another long day of meetings and food. In the morning we met with the Beirut Trader's Association. There, we discussed a lot of economic issues, including problems for women (only 30% of the workforce) and youth (25% of which are under the poverty line). We learned a lot about the banking system … Continue reading Day 4 (June 26) – Meetings with Former MPs, Political Parties, and Businessmen
Day 3 (June 25) – Meetings with Social Activists and Economic and Business Leaders
The last two days have been packed with meetings and short trips out into different districts of Beirut. I haven't taken many photos, as we have primarily been doing Q&As with local leaders, but I'm sure some will surface from the group in the next couple days. On Monday, we began our week meeting with … Continue reading Day 3 (June 25) – Meetings with Social Activists and Economic and Business Leaders
Holly A. Jordan 