Chairman of the Finance and Budget Committee, MP Ibrahim Kanaan, affirmed that human service in Lebanon has today become a “national and moral responsibility,” in light of the worsening economic and social crises that the Lebanese are experiencing, stressing that societies are not built only by politics and economics, but also by a culture of solidarity, interdependence, and joint work.
Kanaan’s words came during the opening of the 57th conference of District 351 of the “Lions” Association, which includes Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine, in the presence of political, military and media figures, in addition to the former governors of the association and the mayors of the municipality of Jdeideh Bouchrieh Al-Sad Auguste Bacchus and Sin El Fil Nabil Kahhala.
In his speech during the conference, which was held under the title “Service, Humanitarian Work, and Solidarity Among Peoples,” Kanaan considered that major humanitarian missions do not recognize borders, and that the values of giving and love remain “the strongest language among people, no matter how severe the crises are.”
He added: “Someone might say, ‘What are the benefits of such meetings in light of what we are living through?’ The answer is that such meetings are an urgent need because of what we are living through,” considering that the message of humanitarian work is what Lebanon needs today.
Kanaan stressed that “lighting a candle is a thousand times better than cursing the darkness,” stressing that humanitarian and social associations play an essential role in re-instilling hope and restoring confidence among people, especially in light of the delicate circumstances that the region is going through.
He also pointed out that the Lions Association has, over the years, been a model of giving and service, not only through its health, educational and social projects, but also through its constant standing by humanity, far from divisions and political considerations.
He considered that volunteer work has transformed in recent years into a “social and moral safety net” that preserves people’s dignity and prevents the loss of hope, stressing that the slogan “We Serve” is no longer just a phrase, but rather a call to transform solidarity into responsibility and giving into a comprehensive national culture.
He added: “Nations do not advance through words alone, but rather through people who believe that serving humanity is the basis for building society.”
In the political aspect of his speech, Kanaan affirmed his confidence in what the President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, is doing, considering that the current stage must establish “a stronger homeland based on security, peace, justice, and a state that includes all its people.”
He also stressed the importance of the conference in bringing together shared expertise, experiences and visions to develop humanitarian work, considering that cooperation between Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine in this framework confirms the ability of peoples to come together around common values despite all the challenges.
Kanaan concluded by thanking the Governor of District 351, Lion Michel Hassoun, the members of the “Lions” Association, and the organizers, expressing his hope that the conference will be a platform for launching humanitarian and social initiatives that will make a real difference in people’s lives, and confirm that “humanitarian work remains stronger than crises and divisions.”
