Deputy Strida Geagea expressed that the Maronite Patriarchate has played a fundamental national role throughout history in preserving the sovereignty, freedom, and independence of Lebanon, stemming from its deep belief in Lebanon and the principle of freedom. Thus, the path is clear, and His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rahi continues the mission of his predecessors in defending Lebanon and safeguarding its freedom, far removed from intimidation and calls for war, with an inclusive approach rather than one of division.
During a meeting of the administrative board of the "Lebanon Mountain Foundation" held in Maarab under her presidency, Geagea emphasized that "today we can only support His Beatitude Patriarch Bechara al-Rahi and commend his just national stances, which have always been characteristic of Bkerke, especially in terms of keeping Lebanon neutral from regional conflicts, as it is the only way to protect our homeland Lebanon and spare it from burning in regional crises."
She noted that "the backbone of Lebanon today is the expatriates; without the support they provide to citizens across the country, these individuals would have no means to withstand the dire economic, financial, and monetary crisis, where more than half the Lebanese population is burdened by poverty and urgently needs the support that the authorities have failed to provide, making the Lebanese diaspora a safety valve for the citizen."
Geagea continued: "We at the 'Lebanon Mountain Foundation' are gathered here today to discuss this role played by the diaspora not just in words, but because we have experienced it in the most crucial sectors, especially the health sector. After the state failed to support it, we found ourselves facing a massive financial shortfall, particularly regarding the governmental hospital in Bsharri, which has an estimated monthly deficit of nearly two hundred million Lebanese pounds due to the surge in COVID-19 cases among our people."
She explained that "the hospital's board of directors found only one option: to increase fees on our families in the region, but when they came to inform us about the hospital's financial situation and the authorities' neglect, we suggested that fees should never be raised and turned to the diaspora, which responded immediately. Here, I would like to specifically thank the expatriates in Canada and Australia who generously provided us with donations to cover this monthly deficit faced by the hospital."
She pointed out that "the role of the expatriates in supporting the health sector in the Bsharri region did not stop there, as we also received donations to complete the second and final phase of rehabilitating and equipping the Antoine Khoury - Qannoubin Bsharri governmental hospital. Therefore, today I and MP Isaac take this opportunity to ask our families in the region to pray for the long lives of these benevolent hands, to protect their families and loved ones, and to bestow on them thousands for their contributions."
Geagea reaffirmed that "as a political party, there is no place for despair in our hearts because we believe that those who strive will attain, those who work hard will succeed, and those who fight and struggle will triumph. Therefore, we remain hopeful that tomorrow will be better. Just as we signed a contractor agreement on November 13, 2020, between the 'Lebanon Mountain Foundation' and a construction company to restore the devastated areas of Beirut behind us, we affirm that we remain here. Thus, today, despite the dire economic circumstances, we received a donation from a kind individual who preferred to remain anonymous to continue the project of restoring five religious heritage sites in Qadisha Valley, which lie within the town of Hadshit. These sites are: St. Behnam Church, St. George Monastery, St. John Monastery, St. Shalita Monastery, and St. Shmoni Church, along with the paths leading to these sites."
She added: "This step today in continuing the restoration of these religious heritage sites is very important, and through this, we illuminate a candle of hope for the future of our region and Lebanon. We are here to stay and will not abandon our roots; we will safeguard them with our utmost care because those without history have no future. Therefore, the project of transforming Qadisha Valley into a historically significant religious site and preserving it on the World Heritage List is a duty for us because we are entrusted with the history of our people and our homeland. This valley is the cradle of the idea of existence, freedom, and independence, and preserving, protecting, and maintaining it ensures the preservation of freedom and existence, sending a message to the whole world that we remain."
Geagea concluded by addressing her constituents in Bsharri, saying: "What you are doing in terms of struggle, fighting, and resilience may seem normal to you, as you are accustomed to tough confrontations. However, you must understand well that the continuity of our journey is crucial for the future of our country; hence, we, as we have always been, will remain."
