Minister of Information in the caretaker government, Ziad Al-Makari, sponsored the exhibition "110 Years of Zgharta Journalism" in Ehden, upon the invitation of the Youth Association of Ehden, as part of the activities of Beirut as the Capital of Arab Media 2023.
In his speech, the Minister of Information said: "It is beautiful to find oneself among family in Ehden, in the North and Lebanon." He thanked the president of the Youth Association of Ehden, Roy Arajy, for "the beautiful initiative that introduces Lebanon to the historical significance of the Zgharta area and the creativity of its people."
He stated, "This exhibition will show everyone how the people of Zgharta were pioneers and continue to be, and that the people of this region are among those who built the history of this land and this nation. A nation is built not only with stone and people but also with freedom. The newspapers displayed here are a testament that despite all the circumstances, Zgharta has produced individuals who enjoy freedom of speech and have their own newspapers and publications."
He emphasized that "this region is an integral part of Lebanon, its history, culture, and heritage," wishing that "this exhibition would be a new window for the young men and women of Zgharta, Ehden, the North, and Lebanon in general, to see that this great legacy we have must be preserved by developing and continuing it."
He concluded: "When Beirut was declared the capital of Arab media, it was not for nothing, but because Lebanon has a heritage that is not found throughout our Arab surroundings. We built a free press and free media, and we want to continue, especially since journalists are supported by a mountain of culture and freedom and a great history that nothing can erase."
At the end, the president of the association, along with its members, presented Al-Makari with a commemorative shield, followed by a tour of the exhibition which will continue until tomorrow evening, Sunday.
