Omar Harfouche, pianist and composer, received the Global Humanitarian Award for Peace during a grand ceremony in Paris. Harfouche received his award from David Kaminski, president of the International League Against Racism and Anti-Semitism (LICRA), and from the Patriarch of Antioch and Jerusalem, James III, who announced he would bestow upon Harfouche the Patriarchal Order of the Legion of Honor.
In his speech during the award ceremony, David Kaminski praised Harfouche's courage, noting that he remains committed despite obstacles. He recalled that the businessman, who fights against the corruption of the Lebanese elite, was put on trial by the military court in Lebanon as a form of retaliation, accused in 2023 of "having Jewish supporters of Israel" at a conference held at the European Parliament in Brussels. The charges have since been dropped.
For his part, Harfouche stated that refusing to speak with someone because they are Jewish, Christian, or Muslim is an act of anti-Semitism and racism. He said, "I refuse to do so even though Lebanon prevents us from speaking to one of these religions. I am Lebanese, I remain Lebanese, and I challenge the laws of my country, which I believe should change, because humanity is the universal law."
