1 DECEMBER 2013

NDU Spirit What we truly lack… what the world truly lacks today is love, this A periodical about campus life absolutely miraculous and radiating energy. at Notre Dame University-Louaize. Tel | 09 208994-6 With love, we can change and be changed. We can build Temples of Telefax | 09 214205 Justice, Shrines of Good, and Kingdoms of Beauty. www.ndu.edu.lb/research/ndu- press/spirit With love, we can heal and be healed. For love is even more power- ful than X-rays, which can detect illnesses and lead to cures.

Whosoever possesses an ounce of love can soothe confused minds and tormented souls, and heal restless, agonizing, and waning bodies.

Whosoever possesses an ounce of love is a person filled with joy, positivity, and generosity. Editor-in-Chief Georges Mghames Whosoever possesses an ounce of love can walk along straight and winding paths, score new inventions, and probe the depths of the seas English Editor to discover hidden treasures… Mario Najm

Whosoever possesses an ounce of love is filled with faith and hope. Follow-up He can read the Divine Plan of the Creator in all life forms. He can see Lydia Zgheïb the inner beauty and loving kindness in his brother’s face. He is a shining example and a true testimony of ethics and civility… Photographers He is a heaven-sent herald of peace, and a cheerful fellow who A. Bejjani spreads joy around him! M. Bou Chebel N. Nasr But, Design Has love become as distant as some remote planet?

Has love become as rare as spotting a white elephant or Printing stumbling across a rooster’s egg? Meouchy & Zakaria

ABSTRACTS www.ndu.edu.lb/research/ndupress

FOR INFORMATION Zouk Mosbeh | Lebanon P.O.Box: 72 Zouk Mikael Tel. | +961 9 208994 - 6 Tel\Fax | + 961 9 214205 email | [email protected]

*N.B. The opinions expressed in NDU Spirit are those of the authors and contributers, and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors. ISSUE 59 2 3 DECEMBER 2013

CONTENTS GENERAL NEWS 63 06 CONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT • Building a University of the Future Today 64 Editorial 2 • Farid & Moussa Raphael Observatory at NDU 68

Summer Camp Editorial 2 in Ajaltoun 64 OFFBEAT 70 Golden Quote 4 to Help the President’s Message (Fr. Walid Moussa) 5 • Bite-size News From Around the World 71 Elderly 54 • Sons of the Soil: Danny Thomas 73 PRESIDENT’S NEWS 6 Opening EVENTS 74 • President’s Visit to the AFNDU 7 Ceremony for • NAM Convention 7 Academic Year NDU CLUBS 75 2013-2014 at SC “Apprentice Conference” in Dubai Academic and Student Activities 8 61 CHRISTMAS AT NDU 77 A Snapshot of Christmas 2013 at NDU CRVP CRVP Report Summary 2013 11 • • BAU Exchange Project Report 24 Social 78 LERC • Activities and Important Visitors 31 59 FAAD • FAAD, LeBAM Hold Two Workshops at NDU 41 • Obituaries 79 FE • Lea Ghalieh Awarded the “Sarmad Rihani Scholarship” 43 98 • Births 79 FH • NDU 7th International Student Film Festival “Power 45 • Announcements 79 of Youth” Closing Ceremony 43 Opinion and Culture 80 FLPS • “Dialogue, Truth and Democracy” 47 FNAS • Research Activities, Department of Mathematics 52 • Architectural Design vs. Real-Life Experience 82 and Statistics • A Night To Remember 83 FNHS Grandparents’ Day • 53 • Has Technology Ruined the Joy of Christmas and Family Gatherings? 85 • Summer Camp in Ajaltoun to Help the Elderly 54 • “Dialogue of Civilizations” – WPF/DC 87 • The Shepherds and the Magi – A Common Narrative 88 North lebanon campus 55 • St. Joseph’s First Maronite Church Cornerstone in the U.S.A 89 • Fall 2013 Spiritual Retreat 96 • Opening Mass of the Academic Year 2013-2014 56 • World Expo 2020 Dubai 98 • Director of NLC Visits Sunnite Mufti of Tripoli 56 • Workshop in Berlin 102 • Recruitment Day at NLC 57 • Thinking in Other Words 103 • NLC Students Visit WILCO 58 BOOK REVIEW 104 • NDU-NLC Tribute in Memory of Natacha Khalil 58 • Cancer, Love and the Politics of Hope – The Life and • Eggs Competition at NLC 59 Vision of Philip A. Salem, M.D • Diabetes Public Lecture at NLC 59 45 89 ARTICLEs in French 106 Shouf Campus 60 • Absentéisme : causes, formes et moyens de prevention 107 • Opening Ceremony for Academic Year 2013-2014 at SC 61 • Wadih El-Safi chantre de l’âme libanaise ou le Cèdre qui s’est brisé 111 • “Club Day” at SC 62 • Dynamiser et contextualiser une langue à l’aide du journal télévisé 113 ISSUE 59 4 5 DECEMBER 2013

is to live a pious and fruitful existence by loving unconditionally. We must hold this unconditional love in our hearts during Christmas and throughout our mortal lives.

In this context, we need to ask ourselves, “What is the role of higher education in restoring love and peace on earth through this spirit?”

The bitter realities in which we find ourselves living require new thinking about how to best prepare students, who must embark on a quest to reshape a loveless and troubled world.

Our role as a University is to prepare students for citizenship in a diverse society that cherishes and recognizes the primacy of human dignity, which involves the rights and duties of the human being not only in the local community but also globally. LOVE IS OUR MOST PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The society we conceive is the one where everyone is treated with UNIFYING AND respect, where diverse cultures engage peacefully, where different fields endeavor to enrich one another, and above all, where love, faith, EMPOWERING COMMON and reason intersect and blend in hopeful and inspiring ways.

Today, the so-called clash of cultures is often defined along religious lines. In SPIRITUAL DENOMINATOR. Lebanon, for instance, it is Muslims versus Christians or Sunnis versus Shiites. This means that local universities have a unique opportunity and responsibility THE MORE WE IGNORE to engage in the exercise of what is called ‘inter-religious understanding and appreciation,’ the objective of which is to help those diverse communities learn to tolerate and love one another, and move beyond the hostilities that mark their ITS POTENTIAL TO BRING shared histories and drive toward reconciliation.

GREATER BALANCE AND This ideal can only be achieved through education. Why education? Through education, we help our society evolve. Through education, we help our religious communities forget the bloodshed and DEEPER MEANING TO aspire for the more profound values–those of love, peace, hope, and faith. HUMAN EXISTENCE, THE Through education, we make Lebanon a safer place in which to live. LOVE AND EDUCATION In our Mission Statement, we speak of Liberal Arts education and of promoting “diversity, respect for human dignity and rights, and concern MORE LIKELY WE ARE THE WAY FORWARD for the common good.” Our aspiration is to “prepare our students to be future leaders, who can exercise reason upon knowledge and shape a TO CONTINUE TO DEFINE world of truth, justice, love and freedom.” The Christmas Season is once again upon us. Such a commitment means that our students’ education should include HISTORY AS ONE LONG learning that deepens their spiritual search and intensifies their intellectual journey. The true spirit of Christmas INGLORIOUS RECORD OF was born when “…the Word was “Education,” says Cardinal Newman, “implies an action upon our made flesh, and dwelt among mental nature, and the formation of a character…” This means that it is our us (and we beheld His glory, the responsibility as educators to help students acquire knowledge and skills, MAN’S INHUMANITY glory as of the only Begotten and to internalize that mental capacity, which enables them to develop a of the Father), full of grace and transforming power through love and understanding so that they can find TO MAN. truth” (John 1:14). their place in the ever-increasing complexity of life and build a better society.

The real message behind May the birth of Jesus bestow the boundless radiance of love, Christmas is to understand God’s through the intercession of His mother, the Virgin Mary, and may He fill Aberjhani incredible plan for our lives, which your hearts with peace and joy throughout 2014. (American historian, columnist, novelist, poet, and editor) Father Walid Moussa O.M.M. President President’s Visit to the AFNDU

On March 2, 2013, as a way to jump-start the new AFNDU, D.C. Chapter and begin recruitment ef- forts, AFNDU, D.C. organized a dinner with Fr. Moussa for all NDU Alumni and friends in the D.C. area.

Secretary Suad Wanna Nakamura and Treasurer The Lebanese Taverna in Wash- Emile Haddad with Fr. Moussa.

ington, D.C., a popular Lebanese PRESIDENT’S NEWS restaurant and longtime supporter of AFNDU was chosen to host the grateful to the President for taking and Haley Kalil, D.C. Office Coor- event at a private banquet room in time out of his busy schedule to dinator. Their presence was to cre- their Bethesda, Maryland location. attend. ate awareness for NDU and the The goals of the dinner were to AFNDU in D.C. and around the generate awareness for ANFDU, NAM Convention U.S.A. recruit new friends and members, and show AFNDU’s support for From July 3–7, 2013, represen- AFNDU’s attendance at the con- NDU, and highlight Fr. Moussa’ s tatives of Notre Dame University- vention included an exhibit table unique leadership role in advanc- Louaize (NDU) and the American where brochures and various Uni- ing the University toward better Friends of NDU (AFNDU) Chapter versity literature were put on dis- education and a better Lebanon. participated in the annual National play and made available for inter- Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) ested parties to take home. Kalil Over 20 people attended the Convention in Tampa, Florida, and Dirani were also on hand at the successful event. The event be- U.S.A. The NAM is the official lay exhibit table to answer questions gan with guests socializing and apostolate of the Maronite Church about NDU and AFNDU and make sharing drinks, followed by a of the U.S.A and the only lay apos- new connections with Lebanese- few words from ANFDU, D.C. tolate of its kind in the Maronite Americans. Fr. Moussa spoke on Chapter President Chadi Dirani, World. Established in 1964, the behalf of NDU at the NAM Direc- and a short speech delivered by NAM has held a national conven- tors meeting on Saturday, July 6, Fr. Moussa. After dinner, guests tion every year since. The conven- 2013, and announced new schol- were able to submit their propos- tion is a mixture of clergy and la- arship opportunities for students als for strengthening AFNDU’s ef- ity, young and old, Lebanese and to study at NDU for a semester. forts to establish itself in the com- American-born, and people of munity, as well as to take photos several other ethnic backgrounds, The convention was a great with the President. who have become a part of the success, with many connections Maronite Church. made and NDU’s presence rec- It was a great occasion, ognized by all in attendance. We which achieved many goals. Ev- Representing NDU at the NAM look forward to continued success eryone in attendance and espe were NDU President Fr.Moussa, at next year’s convention in Pitts- cially members of AFNDU were AFNDU President Chadi Dirani, burgh, Pennsylvania! PRESIDENT’S NEWS

President of AFNDU Chadi “The NDU booth at the 2013 NAM Dirani and Fr. Moussa. Convention in Tampa, FL” ISSUE 59 8

Academic and Student Activities ISSUE 59 10

COUNCIL FOR by the CRVP team, during 2013. stories of creation that contradict RESEARCH IN These activities and projects includ- each other. The first story narrates ed international scholars visiting the creation of all things from VALUES & NDU; Faith and Science lecture se- the earth and the sun to all living PHILOSOIPHY ries; exchange programs; Lebanon: things, and Man (male and fe- Land of Dialogue among Civiliza- male), within seven days. , In the Summary Report 2013 tions and Cultures (LDC) Initiative; story that follows, however, the HONORÉE CLARIS EID and much more in the pipeline! order of creation changes, as God starts by creating man, followed and the Department of Political Sci- It was a miraculous day; the by animals, and finally the wom- texts saw that they were differ- The Director and Research As- DR. FRED DALLMAYR from ence at the UND. new pope, Francisco I, was elect- an. Dr. Hajjar then asks, what if of ent stories and put them together sistant of the Council for Research the UND visits CRVP-NDU ed on that day at 8.00 p.m. the two stories neither is “right” on purpose since the stories are in Values and Philosophy (CRVP) He visited the President of supposed to complement one an- at Notre Dame University-Louaize NDU to discuss future cooperation series at NDU titled “Stories of other, and we just have to read it (NDU) are pleased to provide you Dr. Fred R. Dallmayr, Professor between NDU and UND. We hope Creation: The Bible &The Big the right way. The text addresses with a summary of the activities Emeritus in the Faculty of Political to reap the fruits of this visit soon. Bang.” More than 70 students Are The two problems: that of formless- and different projects organized Science at the University of Notre and faculty members attended ness, and emptiness, which the Dame (UND), was happy to visit the interesting lecture, includ- Best text begins to answer. On the the CRVP at Notre Dame Univer- FAITH & SCIENCE ing many NDU deans. Our two SCIENTISTS first day, God creates the realm of sity-Louaize (NDU) on March 21, LECTURE SERIES NDU professors spoke to us from time, “God called the light “day,” 2013, to give a seminar on his pa- diversified backgrounds and at- RELIGIOUS? and the dark “night.” Thus, eve- per titled “Religion and the World - tempted to provide us with some ning came, and morning followed; ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES The Quest for Justice and Peace.” The Faculty of Natural and Ap “keys” to unlock the rooms hence, the first day.” So, the term The main subtitles discussed dur- plied Sciences (FNAS) and the where “Faith & Science” not only “day” does denote time and du- ing the lecture included the follow- Faculty of Humanities (FH) incol- met but also entered into “mean- ration, but it can never mean a ing themes: Politicized Religion; laboration with the Council for ingful dialogue;” they highlighted 24-hour period since the sun and Privatized Religion; Manicheism Research in Values and Philoso- how the different stories of cre- moon are not yet created. Dr. Dr. Edward J. Alam (Director) and International Politics; and To- phy (CRVP) at Notre Dame Uni- ation do not contradict but rath- Alam then goes on to describe ward Peace and Justice. versity-Louaize (NDU) organized er complement each other. The Does how during the first three days, a three-month long Lecture Se- conclusion was that neither story God filled up the formlessness by Dr. Dallmayr is a political theo- ries in honor of Pope Benedict’s is “right” or “wrong”, but differ- SCIENCE creating the realms of time, space, rist, specializing in modern and special prayers for the peoples ences lie in the interpretations of Contradict and life, and filled the emptiness contemporary European thought of the Middle East and especially these stories. of those realms on the three fol- with an additional interest in com- the region’s “youth,” and in com- FAITH? lowing days. Dr. Alam then points parative or cross-cultural philoso- pliance with the desire of NDU out that there is nothing in the phy. He holds a joint appointment President Rev. Fr. Walid Moussa’s Summary of First Lecture text that contradicts geology, if in the Department of Philosophy initiative to engage NDU students (MS. FRANCISCA ANKRAH, one looks at order. The passages, and faculty members in impor- NDU Student) therefore, do not necessarily con- Members of the discussion group: Dr. Dall- tant timely questions, regarding or “wrong” but simply being read tradict science. mayr (seated at head of table), Dr. Alam on his the role of Faith in the Modern the wrong way? left, then from left to right: Dr. Doumit Salameh; World, during the “Year of Faith.” Dr. Roger Hajjar points out at As I thought about the lecture, Ms. Honorée Claris Eid Mr. Mahmoud Youness; Dr. Chady Rahme; Fr. (Coordinator) Boulos Wehbe; Dr. Eugene Sensenig-Dabbous; Special thanks to the participat- the start of the lecture how the Dr. Edward Alam proceeds to I understood how much people and Dr. Nader el-Bizri. ing Deans: Dr. George Eid, Dean book of Genesis contains two explain that the author of these have been misinterpreting the lan- of the FNAS, and Dr. Mary-Angela Willis, Dean of the FH, who made this event a resounding success.

First Lecture (March 13, 2013)

Dr. Roger Hajjar, scientist, physicist, and astronomer, and Dr. Edward J. Alam, philosopher and theologian, gave the First Lecture in the “Faith & Science” lecture ISSUE 59 12 13 DECEMBER 2013

guage of the Bible to make it seem as if it contradicts science; while in reality, when read and studied carefully and correctly, texts such as Genesis can prove to comple- ment science and maybe even add to it. In my opinion, it is impor- tant for scientists to delve deeper into mysteries of religion to find where faith and modern science converge, and invest more in strengthening the relationship of both seemingly contradictory is- sues. It should also be made clear that neither religion alone nor sci- Dr. Joseph Yaacoub, Dr. Chady Rahme, Fr. Boulos Wehbe, Dr. Eugene Sensenig- ence alone is the origin of final Dabbous, Dr. Guita Hourani, Honorée Claris Eid and Fr. Charbel Souaid knowledge, since one cannot truly move forward in either one with- out considering the other. Summary of Second for “flashes of existence,” which is Lecture (DR. RICHARD what electrons or photons in fact KHOURI, LAU Professor of are – perfectly matched with the Second Lecture Philosophy) White headian notion of “throbs of ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES (April 3, 2013) experience.” Biology brings forth holistic conjoinings of feedback As points of departure, let us loops such that life is an integral Dr. Richard Khouri, an engi- imagine man stripped naked by process in which neither producer neer and expert in the Philosophy mechanism in a consequently nor product can be distinguished. of Science from the Lebanese- spiritually and aesthetically arid Then there is good old Goedel. In- American University (LAU), gave tuition and the imagination are now world faced with a stern and re- Our Friends from the Maronite Mariamite Order (OMM) also participated in the the second “Faith & Science” mote God. With this set up, we PART of scientific thought at the interesting lecture series on “Faith & Science.” lecture titled “Contemporary Sci- can mark out how far we have highest level. ence as Bridge between Mat- come from a condition brought ter and Spirit: The Opening up about by radical secularists in con- BUT – intuition and the imagi- of transcendence/immanence. mythology, philosophy in the best Mary Unites Lebanon of ‘Reason to the Imagination junction with Churchmen (Catho- nation were also our way, from Humans authentically grounded in sense, and (mostly mystical) reli- and Intellectual Intuition’, and of lic and Protestant alike!) back in mythopoetic cultures onwards, the Origin do not need faith in its gion (or religion insofar as it heeds ‘Faith to Connectivity’.” the 16th and 17th centuries. to an integral view of the Sacred stark sense. Faith is “softened” culture, in short, Catholicism in The CRVP participated be- and Divine, of immersion in the into the experience of living the best sense). tween March 25 and 26, 2013, at Dr. Richard Khouri was impressed Mechanical reason has been Origin or Mysterium Tremendum. what gives rise to it in the first the 2013 Beirut Conference titled with the interaction of NDU students blown open by key developments Through the Aesthetic (properly place. “Towards an Economy Serving to the extent that he exchanged e- in 20th century physics, mathemat- understood), the possibility is Third Lecture Mankind,” which was held under mails with them, promising to invite ics, and biology. Quantum theory open for connectivity with the On this view, (stark, say Calvinist (May 22, 2013) the patronage of His Excellency them to LAU to participate in simi- forces us to posit an extra-spatio Noumenal and the dissolution or Fideist) faith and (mechanis- the President of the Republic of larly themed conferences. temporal world that acts as potential of the standard dualistic view tic) reason are hypothetical poles Lebanon General Michel Sleiman. bridged by connectivity and the in- For our participants interest- More than 500 Muslim and Chris- tellectual intuition plus imagition. ed in gaining more information tian business leaders from differ- A rich Middle Ground is restored, about various religions and their ent backgrounds and cultures at- not “mechanically” in the mid- relations to Faith and Science, our tended to spread their belief that: dle, but a living continuum that third “Faith & Science” lecture - The human being is the core and animates everything in the world was given by Dr. Nader el-Bizri, an purpose of any socio-economic life; and enlightens us toward the am- architect, philologist, and modern - Reconciling economic success bit of the Origin. Contemporary philosopher, who is also the Di- and human dignity in corporate science is being drawn out of its rector of the Anis Makdisi Pro- business is possible. mechanistic seclusion back into gram in Literature at the Ameri- One major activity on the first day this “imaginal” realm (Ibn ‘Arabi’s can University of Beirut (AUB). of the conference was the gather- neologism) and realm (Ibn ‘Arabi’s His lecture was titled “Faith and ing of the Muslim-Christian com- neologism) and as such is the oth Reason in Islamic Traditions: An munity around the Virgin Mary, the er side of the coin minted by Art, Overview”. Queen of Peace. ISSUE 59 14 15 DECEMBER 2013

Denise Milan Visits CRVP and LERC Robert Fisk’s handwritten feedback on NDU students’ participation in the “Nature Ms. Denise Milan, the world famous Brazilian artist of Lebanese descent, visited Lebanon from May 1-14, of Freedom” seminar. 2013, to discover her family roots and visit her hometown. Dr. Guita Hourani, Director of the Lebanese Emi- ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES gration Research Center (LERC), and Dr. Edward Alam, Director of the Council for Research in Values and Phi- losophy (CRVP), introduced Ms. Milan to the Lebanese culture and connected her to the Brazilian community in Lebanon. Dr. Youssef Rahme (CI) enjoyed hosting her at the Cedars Institute for a weekend, and Ms. Milan was excited about forming a probable collaboration on a project regarding a museum of art at the Cedars of Lebanon. Ms. Milan was impressed with Lebanon’s historic sites and natural reserves, especially Jeita Grotto, the Faqra Ruins, “Intercultural/Interreli- Baalbek, Beirut, Byblos, and Harissa. The Gibran Museum, the Cedar Grove, and Qadisha, the Holy Valley of the Saints, gious Dialogue Reflections also amazed her. She promised to return one day and live in the mountains of Lebanon, because she felt that was on the Nature of Love and where she belonged. Forgiveness” at NDU

The LERC team gave Ms. Milan a guided tour of Lebanon Migration Nucleus Museum at NDU and helped her find her hometown, Kfarkaab, in Mount Lebanon. They were also able to find her family tree. She belongs The Council for Research in to the third generation of immigrants. The CRVP team took her to her beautiful village. She was delighted to Values and Philosophy (CRVP) at arrive to the home of her grandparents and to meet the mayor of her village. Ms. Milan took a little rock and Notre Dame University-Louaize some soil from the ground where her ancestors lived and where her parents were born and raised.Ms. Milan (NDU) organized the Fetzer Advi- had a great time in Beirut with her Lebanese friends. Following Ms. Milan’s visit to Lebanon, Dr. Alam was also sory Council on the Humanities invited to participate in a conference at the Gibran Khalil Gibran Museum in Brazil in July 2013. Ms. Milan and Dr. Alam Symposium 2013 titled “Inter- had the chance to prepare for future international projects in Lebanon and Brazil. cultural/Interreligious Dialogue: Reflections on the Nature of Love and Forgiveness” where Dr. Robert Fisk Visits NDU 13 international scholars from Belgium, China, the U.S.A., and Happy Two Years for the CRVP! Lebanon participated with four Venerable Dr. Yifa demonstrates the importance of the Net in Buddhist beliefs and participants presenting aca- explains why it was such a great idea to use this as a logo for the Symposium. The renowned multiple award-winning English journalist and author, demic papers on different sub- Dr. Robert Fisk visited NDU on May 27, 2013, for a dialogue with his themes such as: friend and colleague, Dr. Edward Alam, on the “Nature of Freedom” in • A Reading in Foundational profound Catholic perspective and the modern world. The Public Relations Office, the Mass Communica- • Love & Forgiveness in the Shi’ite Literature. Venerable Dr. Yifa, a Buddhist nun, tion Department in the Faculty of Humanities, and the Council for Re- Sunni Islamic Tradition: presented a fascinating eastern search in Values and Philosophy (CRVP) co-organized this event in honor An Overview; The rich diversity of partici- perspective. of the World Press Freedom Day. • The Tender Heart and the pants made for an extremely valu- Kingdom of God: On Chris able symposium with Dr. Nader Alongside academic papers The hour and a half talk cannot be summarized in one page; how- tian Love and Forgiveness; el-Bizri, explaining the Sunni per- and fruitful open discussions, ever, if you would like to have access to the full video, you can request • The Culture of Co-existence spective and Sheikh Shafīq Jarādī the program included powerful it from Ms. Honorée Claris Eid at [email protected], or call in Buddhism, & What is explaining the Shi’ite perspective. personal testimonies, book re- extension 2405. Love?; Dr. Jeffrey Bloechl presented a views, and film commentaries by ISSUE 59 16 17 DECEMBER 2013

Alexandra Asseily, Assaad Chaf- Monastery, and the museum tour, Residence and Gardens, Diman, tari, and Ramez Salameh; subjects lunch with the Maronite Mariamite Gibran Khalil Gibran Museum, the which transcended forgiveness. priests and brothers attending Cedar Grove, the Holy Valleys of Cultural-based excursions enriched the lectures served to give this Qadisha and Qannoubine, Baal- the program by elevating the value Symposium a wonderful fraternal bek, Anjar, Ksara (wine- tasting), and power of love and forgive- aura. The speakers were treated and Sidon, which offered them ness from theory into practice and to visits to St. Anthony of the a splendid and very Lebanese living. The Jeita Grotto, the OMM Desert, Kozhaya, the Patriarchal experience.

Second Lecture (October 30, 2013)

Jeffrey Bloechl, an Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Phi- losophy at Boston College, and

Honorary Professor of Philosophy ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES at the Australian Catholic Universi- ty, gave us Christian perspectives on Love & Forgiveness.

Unless it is possible to over- come an offense by some distinct and superior force, we are left to decide between merely submitting to it or seeking vengeance.

Forgiveness is said to tale nei- The monks from the OMM blessing our seminar on ther of these paths, and thus to Love and Forgiveness depart from the economy of vio- lence. Christians trace the possi- bility of forgiveness to the propos- of the literature of Islam and its the ruler, and ultimately that for- First Lecture al of a love that knows no enmity intellectual history. These found giving is a Divine matter that is (October 29, 2013) and a goodness that overcomes their most explicit manifestations shrouded with its own mysteries evil, and they identify this love in the context of the mystical in connection with God’s attri- and goodness with a God who of- Nader el-Bizri, an Associate traditions, especially in terms of butes of mercy and compassion. fers it to us in Jesus Christ. Professor in the Civilization Se- addressing the phenomenon of The manifold modes of exegesis quence Program at the American love and its ontological and theo- and hermeneutics of the Holy This reminds us of a conflu- University of Beirut (AUB), and logical bearings and significance Qur’an and of the Hadith tradition ence between the rejection of the Director of the Anis Makdisi through poetical verses. The tack- of the Prophet Muhammad ori- such a God and arguments both Program in Literature, provided ling of forgiveness was less po- entated the historical unfolding that forgiveness may be impos- an overview on the Sunni under- etic than it was the case with the of these various expressions of sible and that some offenses may standing of Love & Forgiveness. meditation on love in Islam. Love & Forgiveness in Islam. In be unforgivable offenses. Forgiveness was more closely view of this, we examine in his His lecture can be summarized connected with the affairs of talk some selected verses of the We nonetheless ask whether a as follows: the community and the legal Qur’an that evoke ‘love’ and ‘for- desire to forgive and a mission to frameworks of jurisprudence giveness’ by way of offering pre- promote forgiveness still call for ‘Love & Forgiveness in Is- (fiqh) as they were linked to liminary meditative prolegomena some notion of God. We propose lam: A Philosophical Exegesis of the practicing of justice in law to thinking about these notions to extend this line of thinking back Selected Qur’anic Verses’. The and governance, wherein par- in relation to the Islamic faith to notions that are in themselves notions of Love & Forgiveness doning was seen as a matter to and its multifarious confessional quite old and familiar. figure in variegated expressions be determined by the jurist or expressions. ISSUE 59 18 19 DECEMBER 2013

Third Lecture (October 30, 2013) Fourth Lecture (October 31, 2013)

Sheikh Shafīq Jarādī, Founder and Director of the Sapiential Knowl- Venerable Dr. Yifa, a nun belonging to the religious order Fo Guang edge Institute for Religious and Philosophical Studies, present the Shi’ite Shan, which was founded by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in Taiwan, reflection on Love & Forgiveness. gave us a Buddhist view for Love & Forgiveness.

What is love? Love is a creative reality, an existential impulse, Her paper seeks to make Buddhist practice relevant to contem- pervading all beings, and motivating their striving towards perfec- porary life and intends to explore that, from a Buddhist cosmological tion. Of its derivations is “tolerance”, a term which has its peculiar perspective, not only the human being but also all sentient beings are lineage within western thought. In this context, it was intertwined inter-connected and co-exist. From the recognition this culture of co- with, and instrumental for, the development and consolidation of vari- existence, the essay explores how one should practice loving kindness ous trends (humanism, individualism, pluralism, etc.) which were to and compassion toward other sentient beings, especially in the con- shape the cultural and political discourse. In the Islamic realm, the flict areas nowadays. term is related to the notions of “excuse (al-‘afw)” and “faithful hope (ar-rajā’)”. Its genealogy goes back to the Name of Allāh, the All-Ex- cuser (al-‘afuww), but also to His Name “the All-Powerful (al-Qadīr)” ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES since “excuse, or pardon, is to be given once in the position of power (al-‘afw ‘ind al-maqdirah)”. Excuse and hope, inasmuch as they are to be asked of God, are to be exercised on earth. As such, there are, ultimately, ethical, social and political ramifications, most relevant to- day as the term can be utilized to combat takfīr and takfīrī tendencies. ISSUE 59 20 21 DECEMBER 2013

Powerful Personal February 2000. He also prepared different communities. This was Testimonies on Love and a documentary called: You and I the beginning of a series of meet- Forgiveness - Knowing Each Other’s Religion, ings that took place year after year visited many schools and univer- and which gathered together an Breaking the Cycle of Violence in sities, and NGOs to share his ex- increasing number of Lebanese Lebanon and Beyond: A Review perience of change, and has been from all factions.” invited many times abroad for the – ALEXANDRA ASSEILY same purpose. Website: www.iofc.org

As witness of the pain of the Mr. Chaftari is currently Mem- civil war in Lebanon, Alexandra As- ber of Moral Rearmament-Leba- seily decided to explore her own nese Chapter, Member of an orga- responsibility for war and peace nization called Ila Assalam Ser and and became a psychotherapist. is Vice-coordinator for Wahdatouna Her focus is conflict resolution Khalsouna, working for civil peace —whether in the individual, fam- in Lebanon. Since 1994, he has not ily, tribe or nation. In l997 Asseily had any political commitments. was profoundly moved by a vision concerning the repetitive nature Website: www.iofc.org of conflict — that consciously and unconsciously held grievances are The group in Downtown Beirut at the Beyond Forgiveness:

Garden of Forgive ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES received by each new generation Film/Commentary through an ancestral “contract” that can only be released through Forgiveness: Party and the Lebanese Forces – RAMEZ SALAMEH forgiveness and compassion. A Personal Testimony (LF) and was chiefly responsible for the security and intelligence Ramez Salameh is a well- This vision inspired numerous – ASSAAD CHAFTARI services of the LF. known successful Beirut lawyer projects including the Garden of and a leader in the Initiatives of Forgiveness in Lebanon to which Assaad Emile Chaftari was He co-negotiated the Tripartite Change (IofC) movement in Leb- Asseily has been committed since born in Beirut in 1955. He com- Agreement on behalf of the LF, co- anon. His long and consistent 1998. pleted his elementary, comple- created the LF Executive Commit- commitment to building bridges mentary and secondary studies at tee in Zahle in 1986, and co-Cre- between Christians and Muslims Alexandra is a founder and the Collège du Sacré Coeur des ated the WAED – National Secular is exemplary and inspiring. Mr. board member of the Centre for Frères des Écoles Chrétiennes. Democratic party in 1990. Salameh is known for leaving his Lebanese Studies at St. Antony’s He pursued his education in Engi- Christian militia in order to re-es- Oxford University, and a trustee of neering Studies at ESIB-Faculty of He met a team of the Moral Re- tablish links with Muslims on the the Guerrand Hermes Foundation Engineering in St Joseph Univer- armament movement (also known “other side” of the “Green Line,” for Peace. sity (USJ). as Initiatives of Change) in Zahlé during the long war in Lebanon. and had a change of heart. He Website: www.healingwound- He took an active part in the then wrote a public letter of repen- In his own words, “One day, in sofhistory.org civil war as part of the Phalange tance and apology to his victims in a moment of prayer, I perceived that God had a more important battle than the one I was fight- ing. I asked Him what to do to join that higher battle. And the thought came to me that I should give away my military gun, which I did. Later I had a thought to go across the dividing line in Beirut and meet Muslim friends whom I hadn’t met for a long time be- cause of the war. It was a danger- ous move, but I obeyed. Much lat- er, a thought came — again during a time of quiet and prayer in the morning — to call for a meeting of dialogue between Lebanese from ISSUE 59 22 23 DECEMBER 2013

Enriching Cultural Excursions During the Love and Forgiveness Seminar

Visiting the OMM Museum followed by lunch with the Abbot of the Order Father Boutros.

Visiting Baalbek, Anjar, and the Ksara (wine-tasting). Tarabay, the NDU President, Father Walid Moussa, and the OMM monks. ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES

The Inspirational Cedars Special thanks to Father Institute. Roger Chukri and Brother Ralph Chamoun, who gave the participants a tour of the special museum and recounted its history. ISSUE 59 24 25 DECEMBER 2013

BAU EXCHANGE Law and Political Science (FLPS), prepare for their presentations for and Dr. Maha Mouchantaf, Chair- the final day. This event culminat- PROGRAM REPORT person of the English, Translation ed in a reflection session on the and Education department at the third day, Friday, May 17, where H.C.E Faculty of Humanities. NDU and BAU students interacted interchangeably and exchanged The event co-organizers at contacts to stay in touch; students The Council for Research in BAU were Dr. Omar Houri, Assis- presented their findings and rec- Values and Philosophy (CRVP) in tant Dean of the FLPS and Direc- ommendations for future coopera- collaboration with the Protection tor of Human Rights Center, and tion between the two universities. Project team organized a student Mr. Ayman Ali Hasan, Coordinator and Faculty exchange project of the Human Rights Center. This program gave the stu- between Beirut Arab University dents and faculty members of (BAU) and Notre Dame Univer- On the first day of the project, both universities a chance to get sity-Louaize (NDU) based on the Monday, May 13, BAU students along and, together, bring down shared interests of both universi- and faculty visited NDU Main the walls between the two cultur- ties in doing a common project on Campus and attended classes al backgrounds, and get a clearer a theme related to Religion and with NDU students. The day end- understanding of “the other’s” Human Rights. ed with a cultural visit to Harissa. points of view. The project ended On the second day, Tuesday, May with a formal dinner held for the The event co-organizers at NDU 14, the same exchange program presidents of BAU and NDU and were Dr. Elie el-Hindy, Chairperson happened at BAU main campus the organizing committee team ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES of the Political Science department where NDU students attended consisting of three Faculties and at the former Faculty of Political courses at BAU. A cultural expo- two research centers, which Science, Public Administration sure to Horsh Beirut provided stu- opened new doors for prosperous and Diplomacy, now the Faculty of dents with a great opportunity to future cooperation.

Participating students and faculty members from BAU and NDU

Dr. El-Hindy introduced BAU students to NDU as they arrived on the first day. Dr. Mouchantaf introduced the agenda of the day, leading the groups to their different classrooms. Dr. Houri from BAU encouraged stu- dents to show their generosity in class participation and to benefit from the time to socialize with the others. ISSUE 59 26 27 DECEMBER 2013

Students’ reflections: 20 MOST IMPORTANT LEARNINGS: I’ve rated the exchange experience highly to encourage such ntuitions. I think that support has been offered to students where a meaningful dialogue developed. This activity has improved our ability to communicate by offering us some ground rules for discussion and engaging us with comfortable simple discussion topics • Developing social interaction on deeper levels, freedom of speech, No prejudices; - Manar Mansour, B.A. Mass Communication, BAU • Raising awareness to the common respect we have to each others’ rights; • Building bridges and capacities with others based on common points; The program was excellent, beautiful interaction, plus the discovery of a new area in Lebanon. I learned to forget political opinions, Be easy going, Common living, Interaction and forget cultural and religious differences • Acquiring knowledge, skills of interaction and communication; - Elias Whaibe, B.A. International Affairs and Diplomacy, NDU • Knowing that communication starts by listening to the other and opening up for the rest of the world; • Respecting the others even when disagreeing with them or misunderstanding them; Dialogue and sitting to talk is a great weapon with which we can save Lebanon • Sharing opinions with others to know more about their thoughts; - Mouaaz al-Ajami, B.A. Law, BAU • Enjoying living together not only “tolerating” but fully embracing the others; • Widening knowledge about other religions and accepting different ideas and perspectives; This program is great. I believe what makes this project successful is the fact that it aims to an interesting topic and it makes us know the differences and point out the similarities between different cultures • Being proud of our university and respect other universities; - Raymond Nouneh, B.A. International Affairs and Diplomacy, NDU • Enrich academic programs by more exchange experiences with other students in different universities; • Appreciating diversity, human rights and women’s rights; Always be friendly. Always get out of your comfort zone. Stereotypes are overrated. Religion does not • Importance of dialogue for solving problems; have to be a barrior. We are all equal. • Importance of freedom of expression in dialogue; - Lynn Kamal Habbal, B.A. English Literature and Language, BAU

• Importance of tolerance in the freedom of expression; ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES Human rights incorporate everything, not just safe topics. Freedom of expression is less exciting in some • There is dire need to communicate even if we are different. Difference means not conflict; places than in others. Women’s rights are topics of interest everywhere. We all aspire to achieve a better country • Diversity does not have to lead to dispute. Coexistence and respect; - Mary-Joe Alavalas, B.A. International Affairs and Diplomacy, NDU • What matters is our knowledge and behavior regardless what we believe in; • Visiting horsh Beirut for the first time; This was a great experience, because Lebanon needs a way to break down the culture and religious • Learning about Islamic Law and Catholic Social Theory/Christian Teaching. segregation and this was a start - Serge Mechrek, Dentistry, BAU The students thoroughly enjoyed the tours around both universities and wished that the program had lasted longer than a week. They all loved the cultural interreligious aspect of the exchange. It was really important to get to know other people from other cultures and environments. I got to know Lebanon in a way that I never knew before. Do not miss it; it is an important experience - Chalita Sadek, B.A. Economics, NDU

The exchange program was an interesting experience and a great opportunity to meet new friends and for the development of interaction between us in our community. It added up to my values on accepting differences and cherishing similarities. My advice for future exchange students is to be more open to the other and eliminate all previous barriers they had built, let go of past judgments and ideas they had took before as un-negotiable facts. I encourage them on further interaction and friendships - Lara Al Deeb, B.A. Law, BAU The second day at BAU started with a campus visit after which NDU students joined the BAU class sessions in BAU Beirut Campus.

The students thoroughly Cultural exposure to Horsh enjoyed the tours around both Beirut, May 14, 2013. universities and wished that the program had lasted longer than a week. They all loved the cultural interreligious aspect of the ex- change. ISSUE 59 28

Group C: Group of F. U. N. (Fighting University Nazis). They tackled freedom of belief and hu- man rights because this estab- lishes common grounds between religions. They admitted that this experience had a great impact on their personal growth. They didn't have any religious barriers in their group. They said that they created “life-long bonds.”

Third day Presentations at BAU, Debbieh Campus, and certifi- Group D: It was a friendly and cate distribution, May 17, 2013: fresh experience. Similarities are much more significant than Students presented their findings and reflections in seven differences. They communicated groups. Five to seven students in each group were chosen in a very civilized way that paved randomly from both universities. They spent time together to the way for accepting the others produce valuable presentations. the way they are. It is a cultural exchange and not a religious exchange. They are going to stay in touch for sure. ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES

Group A: This group acknowl- Group E: They needed more edged that they had a good experi- time to interact. They learned that ence. They tackled different issues it is good to listen to the other in both religions such as the Hijab actively. They got the chance to and the Holy Spirit. They read meet new people. Respect was prayers from Islam and Christianity predominant in this experience. and related the similarities between They asked for future encounters. the two: prayers start with praising God in Heaven, then asking for His will to descend to Earth, then asking earthly food and security, and finally, both prayers end with asking God to forgive the enemy.

Group B: They discovered that Group F: This group chose to the differences between the two talk about the status of Leba- religions were superficial. The es- nese women especially when it sence is the same. They wished came to nationality rights. They the longer duration of this expe- went over women's rights in rience. They developed deeper- Islam. BAU and NDU students intercultural knowledge. They both enjoyed the classes. They learned to tolerate the dissimilari- thanked the organizing commit- ties between them. They learned tee for bringing them together how to respect and accept the for this enriching experience. other no matter what background They realized that their values are he/she came from. similar especially when it comes to human rights.

ISSUE 59 30 31 DECEMBER 2013

Group G: This group talked LEBANESE ”Exagger- centers are still lacking in both about women's rights. They were EMIGRATION countries when compared with reluctant at the beginning but got ating the the LERC. to know each other really well. RESEARCH CENTER The experience was enriching number of and they wished it had lasted Moroccan and Tunisians longer. They talked about the dif- Foreign Affairs Delegates Lebanese MA student Tara Mikhael ferences not the similarities be- Visit the LERC – expatriates Seeks Information on cause that’s what lies at the core YOUSSEF EL-HELOU Lebanese in London – of ongoing struggles. They think demeans YOUSSEF EL-HELOU that this way, they will preserve their their different identities and one A delegation from the Moroc- cannot really understand the oth- can and Tunisian Foreign Affairs achievements Ms. Tara Mikhael, a former ers without knowing them. They Ministries visited the Lebanese Notre Dame University-Louaize wish that this experience can be Emigration Research Center (LERC) and over- (NDU) student, visited the Leba- repeated. at Notre Dame University-Louaize shadows nese Emigration Research Center (NDU) on July 3, 2013. (LERC) at NDU on July 24, 2013, In attendance were: Mr. Jaafar Deb- their initia- to request from the LERC’s Leb- A closing dinner for BAU and NDU Presidents, the participating deans, barh of the Department of Coopera- tives. This anese Emigration Archives and and student-faculty exchange project steering committee: tion, Studies and Prospective, and Database (LEAD) material for her Mr. Bakkour Hafid of the Service is a crime MSc. Dissertation on “Remitting Rev. Fr. Walid Moussa, President of NDU, at the head of the table, Section for the Moroccan Commu- against Behavior of Lebanese Migrants in ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES Prof. Dr. Amr Galal El Adawi, President of BAU, on his right-hand side, nities in the Arab World, Mr. Fadhli London in addition to their Devel- Dr. Chahine Ghais, Dean of former FPSPAD and Dr. Edward Alam, Amor of the Division of Economic them.” opmental Impact.” Director of CRVP, follow respectively. On the President’s left-hand side Activity in Tunisia and Mr. Bilel Abidi, is Dr. Omar Houri, Assistant Dean of FLPS and Director of the Human of the Office of Tunisians Abroad the The LERC Staff warmly received Rights Center at BAU, Prof. Dr. Hafiza El Hadad, Dean of FLPS, Dr. Studies’ Section in Tunisia. In addi- Ms. Mikhael, who held a productive Faten Hawa, Professor at the FLPS, and Prof. Dr. Maysa El Nayal, Dean tion to Mr. Hussein Abed Asater, Re- concerning Lebanese migration meeting with Dr. Guita Hourani, of the Faculty of Arts. sponsible for Cultural Affairs at the worldwide. Director of the LERC, who in turn General Directorate of Emigrants helped her with her research. After- and Ms. Diana Younes, from the In- In response to a question ward, Ms. Mikhael went to work on ternational Centre for Migration Poli- about the exact number of Leba- researching her subject with the as- cy Development (ICMPD), Dr. Salwa nese expatriates in the world, sistance of Mrs. Liliane Haddad. Karam, an Associate Researcher Dr. Hourani said, “The impor- at the LERC, as well as the LERC tance of Lebanese emigrants is Ms. Mikhael promised to give members of staff, and interns, and not measured by their number, the Center and NDU due credit University staff members. which ranges from six to eight for their support and promised to million; rather, by their effective send a copy of her project to the Mrs. Liliane Haddad, Chief In- contribution toward the coun- LERC once completed. dexer and Archivist, initiated the tries in which they reside, on so meeting by providing an in-depth many levels, ranging from poli- introduction on the history of Leba- tics and medicine to art and other nese emigration and the reasons diverse fields. Dr. Hourani also behind the founding of the Center. added:”Exaggerating the num- Mrs. Haddad then listed the essen- ber of Lebanese expatriates de- tial elements for research, which in- means their achievements and clude the largest collection on Leb- overshadows their initiatives. anese migration around the world, This is a crime against them.” a specialized library, a museum and archives, totaling more than 40,000 Members of the delegation indexed documents and includ- also expressed their willingness ing visual and auditory material. to exchange expertise with the Dr. Guita Hourani, Director of the Center, given its unprecedented LERC, began her lecture by provid- and profound experience in the ing the audiences with an overview field of migration. For their part, (from left) Mrs. Liliane Haddad and Ms. of the continuous efforts and con- the Tunisian and the Moroccan Tara Mikhael at the LERC (July 2013). tributions that the Center makes delegation noted that migration ISSUE 59 32 33 DECEMBER 2013

Assistant Professor Michael Malek Najjar from the University of Oregon Young Descendents of Lebanese in Argentina visit the Visits the LERC – LERC – MARITTA SISLIAN Youssef el-HELOU

Dr. Michael Malek Najjar, who is an Assistant Professor of The- atre Arts at the University of Or- egon in Eugene, Oregon, U.S.A, visited the offices of the Leba- nese Emigration Research Center (LERC) at Notre Dame University- Louaize (NDU) on July 24, 2013.

Ms. Maritta Sislian, LERC Staff, gave Dr. Najjar a guided tour of the Lebanon Migration Nucleus Museum, showing him the various collections and items on display and providing him with Dr. Michael Malek Najjar at the Lebanon ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES in-depth explanations, which de- Migration Nucleus Museum (July 2013). lighted him. Church, South Africa. Mrs. Liliane Story. He discussed with Mrs. Mrs. Liliane Haddad, LERC Haddad introduced the LERC and Haddad the achievements and ac Staff, assisted Dr. Najjar, who is provided them with a tour of tivities of the Lebanese Commu- writing a book on Arab-American the Lebanon Migration Nucleus nity in South Africa. drama, by, helping him find infor- Museum. During that visit, Fr. mation on his topic. One chapter Habche donated to the Center’s Fr. Habche again visited the of his book focuses on early Arab- Library a book titled People of the LERC on Thursday, August 1, American writers such as Gibran Cedars. 2013, and donated yet another (from left) Patricio Oliviera Abdala, Mariel Karam, Diego Abou Jah Jah, and Guillermo Tanios at the Lebanon Migration Nucleus Museum (September 2013). Khalil Gibran, Mikhail Naimy, and book titled Saad, The South Afri- Ameen Rihani, in addition to the Fr. Habche again visited the LERC can Story. He discussed with Mrs. history of Arab theatre. Dr. Najjar on Thursday, August 1, 2013, Haddad the achievements and ac- Representatives from the Lebanese-Argentinean Cultural Union, JU- Ibrahim Hussein Zoghbi also requested to study LERC’s re- and donated yet another book tivities of the Lebanese Commu- CAL (Juventud Unión Cultural Argentino Libanesa), traveled to Lebanon Visits the LERC – MARITTA cords in his quest to discover his titled Saad, The South Afri can nity in South Africa. this summer to attend the World Lebanese Cultural Union Youth Meet- SISLIAN family roots given that his grandfa- ing. The JUCAL is a 350-member organization that aims to gather Leba- ther migrated from Lebanon to the (from left) Mrs. Liliane Haddad with Fr. nese youth in Argentina. United States of America in 1902. Habche, and Mr. and Mrs. Abrasie. Mr. Ibrahim el-Zoghbi together The Lebanese Emigration Research Center (LERC) Liaison Officer to with Mr. Roberto Khatlab, LERC Toward the end of his visit, Dr. Argentina Dr. Walter Muller also invited the representatives to visit the Liaison Officer to Latin America, Najjar met with Dr. Guita Hourani, LERC. visited the Lebanese Emigration Director of the LERC. Research Center (LERC) to better The LERC’s Ms. Maritta Sislian escorted the JUCAL representatives, understand the Center’s Role and Patricio Oliviera Abdala, Mariel Karam, Diego Abou Jah Jah, and Guill- Mission. El-Zoghbi was previous- Reverend Charbel Habche ermo Tanios, to the Lebanon Migration Nucleus Museum. The group ly a Lebanese expatriate residing of South Africa Visits the admired the Argentinean collection and was amazed to see so many in Brazil. The love for his country LERC – Maritta SISLIAN familiar faces. encouraged him to return and settle in Lebanon in 2008. He is a Afterward, the LERC’s Ms. Liliane Haddad explained the purpose main partner in the Zoghbi Group, In May 2012, Fr. Charbel and the Mission of the Center and finally presented the group with the which presents one of those Habche visited the Lebanese Em- Lebanese Emigration Archival Database, which concluded the two-hour most prominent success stories igration Research Center (LERC) long visit. of a Lebanese family organiza- along with Mr. Raymond Abrasie, tion founded in Brazil by the late who is a Member in the Board of In turn, the group presented to the LERC two copies of their JUCAL- Hussein Mohamed el-Zoghbi in Trustees in the Maronite Catholic sponsored publications. 1949. The Zoghbi Group today ISSUE 59 34 35 DECEMBER 2013

is a reputable organization with visit, served as the translator of migration issue from a scientific 63 years of achievements in Brazil, the event. perspective. operating in the fields of education, agribusiness, real estate, and inter- Following the presentation, a Following the coffee break, national trade. short time was allotted for a Q & the delegation headed to the A session with Dr. Hourani. The Lebanon Migration Nucleus Mu- El-Zoghbi was the catalyst in audience was impressed with the seum. Emotional stories were re- encouraging the Zoghbi Group to great effort the Center has put in Gold medal donated to the LERC by the Lebanese- counted when one of the young Uruguayan Association. The medal was issued to invest in the Prime Center in the during its 10 years of service in commemorate Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara visitors pointed to an exhibited Bekaa Valley, Chtaura, Lebanon. terms of broaching the Lebanese Boutros al-Rahi’s visit to Uruguay ( October 2013). photograph of his ancestors. The Zoghbi Group created the Prime Center, which has private clinics, private offices, serviced of- Lebanese–Brazilian one of her paintings titled Interfen- many art-related courses, exhibitions, fices, polyclinics, and laboratories Painter Beth Abi Donates ica, which reflects the intersection and events. She has been awarded in addition to commercial stores a Painting to the LERC – between reality and fiction. prizes for her work in the artistic field and meeting and cultural facili- MARITTA SISLIAN (Modern Arts Museum in Resende- ties, with the aim of introducing to This painting will be exhibited RJ 2004; Portinari Prize, 2001; and Lebanon the best Brazilian innova- in the Lebanon Migration Nucleus Housing National Bank Prize, 1984). tions in the multifunctional space Ms. Beth Abi who is a Leba- Museum. management business. nese–Brazilian painter visited the BrasiLiban, the Brazilian Cultur- Lebanese Emigration Research Abi (Elizabeth Abbud) was born in al Center in Lebanon, held an ex- ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES To learn more about this enter- Mr. Ibrahim el-Zoghbi at the LERC Center (LERC) along with Mr. Ro- São Paulo and has two Master’s de- hibition, featuring Ms. Abi’s paint- prise visit: http://prime.secure- (September 2013). berto Khatlab, the LERC Liaison grees: One in Arts and the other in ings, titled Raízes, which ran until hostsite.biz/Default.aspx Officer to Latin America, to donate Architecture. She has taken part in November 9, 2013.

Lebanese Descendants from Argentina and Uru- guay Visit the LERC – MARITTA SISLIAN

A delegation, comprising 17 Argentinean and Uruguayan citi- zens of Lebanese descent, re- cently visited the Lebanese Emi- gration Research Center (LERC) at Notre Dame University-Louaizé (NDU). Ms. Guita Hourani, Direc- tor of the LERC, welcomed them to NDU and commended their role in the Diaspora. She has also acknowledged the cooperation of the CAIIL (Argentine Center for Research on Lebanese Immigra- tion), which Dr. Walter Muller, the LERC Liaison Officer to Argen- tina, administers.

Ms. Liliane Haddad, the LERC Chief Indexer and Archi- vist, welcomed the delegation and presented through the La- serFiche program the Lebanese Emigration Archival Database. The Argentinean and Uruguayan delegation at the (from(from left) left) Mr. Mr. Roberto Roberto Khatlab, Khatlab, Dr. Dr.Ghazi Ghazi Asmar, Asmar, Ms. Beth Abi, and LERC (October 2013). Ms. Yvette Ennaisi, who accom- Ms.Dr. Guita Beth HouraniAbi, and (OctoberDr. Guita 2013).Hourani (October 2013). panied the delegation on their ISSUE 59 36 37 DECEMBER 2013

Dr. Hourani, Dr. Sensenig- attend the launching conference the Arab States.” Dabbous Participate in of the Migration and Governance the MAGNET Conference Network (MAGNET) in Kuwait. The mandate of the research net- in Kuwait – LERC STAFF work is to collect data on key labor Established by the ILO and migration indicators from the coun- (from left) Ms. Liliane Haddad, Mr. Roberto Khatlab, Dr. Guita Hourani, H.E. Dr. Martha Inés Pizzanelli, Ms. Beth Abi and Dr. Ghazi Asmar (October 2013). financed by the Swiss Agency tries of the region and conduct The International Labor Organi- for Development and Coopera- analysis to feed into policy formula- zation (ILO) invited Dr. Guita Houra- tion (SDC), MAGNET has recent- tion. The network would steer ac- ni, Director of the Lebanese Emi- ly launched two projects in the tivities based on emerging needs gration Research Center (LERC) Middle East titled respectively of the scientific community, policy at Notre Dame University-Louaize “Improving the Governance makers, as well as Arab institutions (NDU), and Dr. Eugene Sensenig- and Protection Mechanisms for and communities. Dr. Hourani and Dabbous, Associate Professor at Labour Migration in the Arab Dr. Sensenig-Dabbous were asked the Faculty of Law and Political States” and “Regional Advoca- to serve as members of the re- Sciences at NDU and an Adjunct cy Strategy on ILO’s Domestic search network and both have ac- Associate Researcher at LERC, to Workers Convention No. 189 in cepted with enthusiasm. ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES

LERC Attends the General Directorate of Emigrants Website Launch – LILIANE HADDAD

The Lebanese Emigration Research Center (LERC), represented by Ms. Liliane Haddad, recently attended an event organized by the General Directorate of Emigrants, and consisting of a panel of all figures concerned, at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Verdun, Beirut, to announce the launch of gdoe.activeweb.info, a new web portal in French, English, and Arabic developed in cooperation with the International Center for Migration Police and Development (ICMPD).

Dr. Hourani and Dr. Sensenig-Dabbous with the organizers and attendees at the ILO MAGNET Conference in Kuwait (October 9, 2013). The pilot project

Uruguayan Ambassador Roberto Khatlab, LERC Liaison LERC offices and the Lebanon Mi- “Outreaching to the Lebanese Diaspora Through the Development of the Web Portal of the Lebanese Visits the LERC – Michel Officer to Latin America, Brazilian gration Nucleus Museum. General Directorate of Emigrants” aims at specifically enhancing the capacity of the General Directorate GHANEM painter Ms. Beth Abi, and Dr. Gui- of Emigrants through the Development of a new web portal to promote efficient communication and inter- ta Hourani, Director of the LERC. Dr. Pizzanelli praised the efforts institutional coordination among institutions, dealing with Migration and Development nexus and to ensure of the LERC staff, and she was im- maximum outreach toward the Lebanese Diaspora by using social media tools, forums and regularly providing The new Ambassador of Uru- Dr. Pizzanelli’s visit included pressed with the wealth of material them with the latest news, contacts, events, and studies published by the Directorate General of Emigrants guay to Lebanon Her Excellency discussions, ranging from en- and data currently available, which and any actor involved in the field of Migration and Development. Dr. Marta Inés Pizzanelli recently hanced cooperation between the encouraged her to want to contrib- visited the Lebanese Emigration two countries and the impact of ute material such as commemora- H.E Ambassador Abdul Mawla el-Solh, Regional Representative of the ICMPD in the Middle East, gave the Research Center (LERC) at Notre Lebanese migrants in Uruguay to tive stamps and pictures. The LERC opening remarks and was followed by Ms. Monica Zanette, Coordinator of the Dialogue sur la Migration de Transit Dame University-Louaize (NDU). discussions on specific projects seeks to further solidify its relation- en. Méditerranée (MTM). Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour was also present to offer support for the Also present were Dr. Ghazi As- previously completed, as well as ship with the Uruguayan Embassy project, describing the Lebanese Diaspora as an “asset” and a “source of pride.” Mansour did not fail to thank mar, Assistant Vice-President for plans for future projects. Dr. Piz- by building more social and cultural those who contributed to the launch of the new website. He also called upon the Lebanese abroad to register their Academic Studies at NDU, Mr. zanelli was also given a tour of the bridges between the two countries. names in their embassies to preserve their right to cast their ballots during the next legislative polls. ISSUE 59 38 39 DECEMBER 2013

Dr. Rafaella Greco of the The ICMPD project’s aim is to Dr. Hourani gave Dr. Greco a brief European Commission strengthen and capacitate institu- history of the Center, its mission Visits the LERC on ICMPD tions on migration and develop- and accomplishments. She also Project – JASMIN LILIAN ment, as well as enable them to expressed the Center’s interest in DIAB have a link with their diaspora cooperating with the ICMPD and communities. This realm also in- other initiatives. Dr. Greco, who cludes enlarging national policies was then given a tour of the cen- Dr. Rafaella Greco, European on migration and development. ter’s library, and a briefing of the Commission Consultant, visited center’s collection and database by LERC on November 18th, 2013 Throughout her meeting with Chief Archivist Ms. Liliane Haddad. with the purpose of evaluating the LERC Director Dr. Guita Hourani, project being implemented by the Dr. Greco inquired about the ser- A tour of the LERC’s library ICMPD, the International Center vices provided to the diaspora of concluded the visit where Dr. for Migration Policy Development, Lebanon, as well as those offered Greco was exposed to the LERC’s as well as further discussing the to emigrants who wish to return collections from Lebanese nation- visit of both Moroccan and Tuni- to their country of origin. She als living around the world. Former sian delegations from the respec- also inquired about the extent to LERC Research Assistant Ms. tive Ministries of Foreign Affairs to which this migrant community as- Maritta Sislian was the tour guide LERC in July of 2013. sists their “families back home”. for that day. ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES

(from left) Mr. Elvis Alam, Ms. Chantal Alam, Mrs. Louisa Malkoun, and Mr. Raphael Malkoun (October 2013).

Elvis Alam of the Domini- can Republic Visits the LERC – MARITTA SISLIAN

Mr. Elvis Alam, Lebanese Emi- the Lebanese in the Dominican Re and invited others to contribute gration Research Center (LERC) public. He has also donated sev- to the Center by donating any Liaison Officer to the Dominican eral magazines and documents of valuable old document or photo- Republic, visited the LERC with Lebanese associations in the Do- graph, or cultural material, which his daughter, Chantal Alam, and minican, dating to the 1920s. their grandparents who immigrat- two Lebanese expatriates: Mr. ed might have kept. The guests and Mrs. Raphael and Louisa Following the visit to the LERC, promised a group visit comprising Malkoun. Ms. Sislian escorted the guests to of Lebanese descendants from the Lebanon Migration Nucleus the Dominican Republic next sum- Mr. Alam presented the LERC Museum. The guests videotaped mer and expressed their pride with new data to add to the Leba- their tour at the museum while ex- and joy for having the LERC as a (from left) Ms. Haddad and Dr. Greco at the LERC Offices nese Emigration Archival Data- pressing how inspired they were safe haven and considered it “the (November 2013). base, which includes a directory of by the exhibited cultural material home of Lebanese Diaspora.” ISSUE 59 40

Michel Ghanem, Another FACULTY OF Winner of the Kozhaya ARCHITECTURE, ART, Akiki Grant at the LERC – JASMIN LILIAN DIAB & design LeBAM Hold Two Mr. Michel Ghanem is com- Workshops at NDU pleting a three-month internship DR. LOLA BEYROUTI at the Lebanese Emigration Re- search Center (LERC) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) The Department of Music at the after being selected as the win- Faculty of Architecture Art and De- ner of the Kozhaya and Nora Akiki sign (FAAD)-Notre Dame University- Internship Grant. The Internship Louaize (NDU) hosted two separate Grant is a US$1,000 endowment workshops (Summer 2013 and Fall provided by Mr. Kozhaya Akiki for 2013), which the Lebanese Band local Lebanese students to intern Association for the Promotion of at the LERC during the transition Music (LeBAM) organized. period between graduating and (from left) Mr. Ghanem and finding employment. Mr. Kozhaya Akiki. LeBAM is a non-religious, Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) Mr. Kozhaya Akiki has been a and Office Coordinator and Re- opportunity to intern at the LERC founded by Lebanese MP Ghassan ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES friend of and believer in the LERC search Assistant successfully and acquire immense experience Moukheiber and the late MP Ghas- since he first visited the Center. performing all his duties and re- from his internship period. san Tueini and the late Dr. Walid sponsibilities. His main task was Gholmieh. This association seeks His annual visits to Lebanon to conduct literature reviews and Dr. Kodama Ohba of the Graduate to promote the development and from Tupper Lake in New York, develop push and pull factors on School of Global Studies at Sophia dissemination of music in Lebanon U.S.A., with his late wife always the influx of the Syrian refugees to University in Japan sought the by teaching free-of-charge wind and included a stopover at the LERC. Lebanon. help of the Lebanese Emigration percussion instruments to youths Because of the close connection Research Center (LERC) at Notre aged between 12 and 18. Partici- that Ms. Hourani and the Akiki Dr. Kodama Ohba of So- Dame University-Louaize (NDU) pants are organized in community- family share, Mr. Kozhaya Akiki of- phia University in JAPAN in her quest to gather information based harmonic bands and other fered to contribute funds to estab- visits LERC – JASMIN and references, pertaining ensembles, particularly in rural and hold a Christmas concert in Lebanon music at NDU attended the camp lish a grant for the LERC’s intern- LILIAN DIAB to her work on the Lebanese and poor areas, and use instruments do- every year. The LeBAM develops co- to experience ensemble music ship program. Syrian emigrants to Argentina. nated from different sources. operative relationships with foreign and study the actual instruments music schools and similar bands to and their effective ranges, which During his internship period, Mr. Ghanem is grateful to the Dr. Ohba’s research is con- Dr. Gene Aitken, Director of the encourage the exchange of experi- is invaluable for their instrumenta- Mr. Ghanem worked as Project Akiki family for giving him the cerned with the adaptation pro- LeBAM International Summer Band ence for the benefit of students, tion studies. International music cess of the Lebanese and the Camp, solicits donations from the music teachers, and conductors. instructors and visiting profes- Syrian emigrants to Buenos Aires U.S.A. as well as from international sors from the U.S.A. and Europe, between 1880 and 1920. She is re- American schools such as the ACS LeBAM organized the two as well as Lebanese instructors searching their arrival, integration, in Beirut, various schools in Dubai, workshops at NDU in Summer (most of them band directors) led and development within the con- and the LeBAM purchases the re- and Fall 2013 respectively in part- the workshop (Figure 1). Issam text of national and identity build- maining instruments from its funds. nership with the FAAD titled “The Fares Hall at NDU was opened for ing in Argentina in comparison with LeBAM runs its music programs in 4th International Summer Band rehearsals and performances, and the Italian and Spaniard emigrants. four active centers, which are: Beit Camp” and “The Teacher Training the bands delivered beautiful con- Merry, Baskinta, Jdeideh, and Baak- Workshop.” The newly completed certs. A concert that included all Dr. Ohba’s interest in Argentina leen. The Lebanese National Higher FAAD premises at NDU and its participants in grouped different stems from the continued claim of Conservatory of Music, through an Department of Music, which in- bands was held at the Patriarch Argentineans that they are more agreement with the LeBAM, pro- cludes 13 studio/ensemble rooms, Rahi Theatre at NDU at the close Europeans than Latin Americans, vides music teachers to give instruc- were used for both events. of the workshop, which testified while her interest in the Lebanese tion while international band teach- to the effective teaching methods and Syrian communities is trig- ers are solicited for workshops. The International Band Camp adopted by the LeBAM (Figure 2). gered by the special position that took place from July 26 to August members of these two communi- LeBAM teachers and stu- 4, 2013, and attracted 306 stu- The “Teacher Training Work- Dr. Ohba (November 2013). ties played in the political, business, dents perform in many concerts dents from across the Middle East shop” took place from Saturday, and cultural life of the country. both locally and regionally, and and Lebanon. Many students of October 5 to Sunday, October ISSUE 59 42 43 DECEMBER 2013

6, 2013, at the main rehearsal FACULTY OF Jacques Harb, Civil Engineering In his address, Dr. Hayek said, rooms of the FAAD (Level -3). Ms. EMGINEERING Department Chairperson; faculty “The Faculty of Engineering at NDU Alisa Jimenez, a famous Ameri- members; and students. strives to graduate engineers who, can school band director, held an not only excel academically speak- intense workshop for about 60 Lea Ghalieh Awarded Since the scholarship was ing but also possess the right skills trainees, including the LeBAM the “Sarmad Rihani introduced in 2007, Ghalieh, to let them feel at ease in the profes- instructors, the Lebanese army Scholarship” who hails from Mizyara in North sional environment later on. Those band, instructors from the Leba- Lebanon, is the first female in skills are the results of four or five nese National Higher Conserva- its seven-year history to win this years of hard work in an academic tory of Music, instructors from Mr. Sarmad Rihani, President prestigious recognition. The mer- environment that we are trying to the Department of Music at the of the Structural Engineering In- it scholarship, which is based on make one of the best on both local FAAD, and music instructors from stitute, awarded on Tuesday, Oc- academic excellence, irrespec- and regional scales despite the vari- various other associations. Ms. tober 8, 2013, Ms. Lea Ghalieh, a tive of gender, religion, social ous challenges we face on regular Jimenez gave participants price- Civil Engineering student at Notre background, or race, is granted basis… On behalf of Department of less advice and introduced them Dame University-Louaize (NDU), to one outstanding civil engineer- Civil and Environmental Engineering to advanced teaching methods, in- performed by Ms. Dolcy Lawoun The concert featured students with the Sarmad Rihani Scholar- ing student, who has attained and the entire Faculty of Engineer- volving group work, instrumental on piano, the Baritone Fady Jeam- and teachers from the Music De- ship (totaling US$3,000), during a the highest cumulative Grade ing, I would like to congratulate Lea music, and theoretical demonstra- bart and the pianist Ms. Dolcy partment, playing a concert of both ceremony held at the Faculty of Point Average (GPA) among his/ on her achievement. I would like tions (Figure 3). Lawoun performed Schubert’s Ave classical and popular works. Fr. Engineering (FE). her student peer. Since she also to congratulate her family and Maria, while Mr. Jihad Zeidan sang Walid Moussa, President of NDU, The main objectives of the train- a self-composed Christmas song. Mr. Suhail Matar, the Vice-Presi- ing were: (1) to involve new local The students then joined in for a dent for Cultural Affairs and Public ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES teachers from Lebanon to develop medley of holiday songs accom- Relations at NDU, and Dr. Jean- new branches of the LeBAM, (2) panied by the jazz band. Students Pierre Asmar, Dean of the FAAD, to enhance teaching methodolo- and teachers also played a few so- and the audience all heartedly ap- gies, and (3) to increase students’ los and duets. Overall, the concert plauded the musicians, who put abilities to learn music (Figure 4). was a resounding success. on an excellent performance.

Participants in both workshops Department of Music Holds unanimously agreed that the contri- First Concert in a Series of bution to the music activities at the Concerts Slated for 2013-2014 Department of Music was extremely DR. LOLA BEYROUTI valuable. The visiting professors and conductors, furthermore, were im- pressed by both the level of profes- The Department of Music at sionalism they witnessed at NDU the Faculty of Architecture, Art and the unique facilities that NDU and Design (FAAD), Notre Dame has worked so hard to establish. University-Louaize (NDU), is orga- nizing a series of concerts for the Academic Year 2013-2014. The first concert took place on Mon- Department of Music day, November 25, 2013, and last- Christmas Concert ed from noon to 1:00 p.m. DR. LOLA BEYROUTI

The Department of Music at the Faculty of Architecture, Art and Design (FAAD), Notre Dame Uni versity-Louaize (NDU), held Mr. Sarmad Rihani awarding Ms. Lea Ghalieh the “Sarmad its Christmas concert on Monday, Rihani Scholarship.” December 16, which lasted from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Present were Fr. Walid Mous- enrolled as a Fres 2009, Ghalieh friends who are with us today. sa, NDU President; Dr. Antoine she has maintained a cumula- Finally, allow me to express the Inspired by the season’s vibrant Farhat, Interim Vice-President tive GPA of 3.91 and has been on Faculty’s appreciation to Mr. Sar- spirit, the program was mainly jazz of Academic Affairs; Dr. Michel the Dean’s Honor List every mad Rihani for his generosity and based. Following a holiday tune Hayek, Dean of Engineering; Dr. semester. continuing support.” ISSUE 59 44 45 DECEMBER 2013

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES

NDU 7th International Student Film Festival “Power of Youth” Closing Ceremony ROUBA EL-HELOU

For his part, Mr. Rihani said, and the far-reaching dreams and vocational skills they will need in The closing ceremony of the 7th Annual International Student Film Fes- “Lea, you and your colleagues at aspirations of the Lebanese peo- a globalizing world but also the tival (ISSF) titled, “The Power of Youth”, took place on November 17, 2013, NDU, who will soon be graduating ple. There is hope because of values attributed to those skills at Issam Fares Hall in Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU). Organized as the new engineers in our soci- people like you, Lea, who have within a liberal learning and pro- by the Department of Mass Communication at the Faculty of Humanities ety, will play a key role in shaping excelled in their work and have fessional education environment. (FH), the ISSF, throughout the week before the closing ceremony, intro- the future of Lebanon. Lebanon, become the natural promise for duced audiences to a variety of films through screenings, workshops, and today, is in desperate need of the future. Lea, you can dream The merit scholarship is a gen- events. Eleven universities from across Lebanon partook in the festival. real reform. A genuine and true big and make a positive impact erous contribution to the growth The guest of honor at the event was Princess Melanie-Antoinette, Baron- reform that is insensible to the on our future generation. A fa- and reputation of NDU by Mr. Ri- ess de Massy of Monaco. ongoing political disputes that we mous American once said, ‘I like hani, one of the leading experts continue to witness. You, Lea, can the dreams of the future better in the world of structural engi- The closing event was filled with acclaim, applause, and awards in and should be an essential part of than the history of the past.’ We neering. Rihani is currently the recognition of home talents and praise for the continual improvement of this transformation. A transforma- must all start dreaming of a better president of the Structural Engi- the local film industry. tion that will result in a better civil Lebanon, a Lebanon that reveals neering Institute, the first Leb- ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES society in which we live. A trans- its strength and great character, anese-American to ever occupy This year, Kristian Abouanni (IESAV- University) won the first prize Mary-Angela Willis, Dean FH and formation that will yield a basic without boasting of it; and a Leb- such a position in the organiza- for his 20-minute movie The Comeback of a ‘Has-been.’ The short NDUIFF Board Member, delivering the Opening Ceremony Speech. infrastructure that is essential for anon that respects the strength tion. The Structural Engineering movie features the story of Nina Bassoul, who was once a child televi- the average Lebanese citizen. A of others, without fearing it… Institute is a national American sion prodigy in the 1970s. After a 40-year absence, she prepares for a transformation that will bring im- Lea, this is a well deserving rec- organization of more than 22,000 “comeback” in a new Lebanese series. proved and safe roads. A reform ognition and scholarship. I, as a members operating under the that will start making a positive Lebanese and an American, am umbrella of the American Society The second prize went to Aline Ouais (Al-Kafaat University) for her impact on the ever-deteriorating proud of you, and so is your fam- of Civil Engineers. Rihani has solid 17-minute movie Under the Bed, featuring the story of a young girl, condition of our natural environ- ily and so are your friends and experience in structural engineer- living in her room, until one day a light under the bed leads her to an- ment. A reform where each of colleagues. I wish you the best ing, as he had been the lead en- other place. The third prize went to Chantal el-Habr (USEK University) for the four million Lebanese citizens of luck with your postgraduate gineer in more than 700 projects her 22-minute film In Extension, which reveals little Malak’s (11 years becomes educated and a believer studies. Most importantly, I long worldwide from the Middle East old) struggle to overcome her fear and accept her fate. Nadim Mas- in the benefits of treating our nat- for the day when we will all learn and Australia to Argentina and the sihi (ALBA University) was awarded the Emile Chahine Prize for his film ural resources, like the air that we about your positive deeds and United States of America. Eternal Nightmare. breath, the water that we drink or resulting impact that you have Mary-Angela Willis giving the Festival’s swim in, and the nature that we made for Lebanon. That day will Clapper to Princess Melanie-Antoinette, enjoy, as our second home. Next indeed be a wonderful day!” Baroness de Massy of Monaco. year, Lea, you will receive a di- ploma on which will be inscribed Fr. Moussa then took the po- your Bachelor of Science degree dium and delivered his address Hiba Tawaji (IESAV), winner of the Bank Of Beirut in Civil and Environmental En- in which he congratulated Ms. “Public Vote” prize. gineering. Who better than our Ghalieh and thanked Mr. Rihani young graduates in this field to for his staunch support, saying champion the march for the wel- how much he appreciated en- fare and safety of our civil society couragement of this nature for and our environment and ensure a the benefit of NDU students. better living place for all our future He also encouraged others to generations?” come forward to support fur- ther promising students at NDU. He added, “Despite all the chal- Fr. Moussa went on to say how lenges and setbacks that Lebanon NDU takes great pride in steadily Fr. Bechara Khoury, awarding a trophy to has witnessed and suffered from pursuing its distinctive and chal- one of the directors of WAYNON. during the past 38 years, there lenging Mission to provide its is hope for this country. There students with quality education is hope because of the resilience destined to enhance not only the ISSUE 59 46 47 DECEMBER 2013

It is essential to mention that of their sons, brothers, husbands or ies Department said, “The Festi- FACULTY OF LAW & during the ISSF inaugural, actors lovers… who went missing during val has become an annual cultural POLITICAL SCIENCE and staff from WAYNO (Void) were the Lebanese civil war. hub, serving NDU’s Mission State- honored. The film is a NDU produc- ment.” Lahoud also announced tion, directed by seven students Addressing the audience at the “Film Cinergy,” a union of inter- “Dialogue, Truth and from the University. The feature end of the ceremony, Sam Lahoud, national Film Festivals, which was Democracy” film depicts the story of six Leba- the ISSF Founder, Director, and created to promote filmmakers in FLPS Students and nese women, waiting for the return Chairperson of the Media Stud- film festivals around the world. Lecturers Participate in CISH Byblos Autumn School 2013 - SHEREEN MAHSHI

Six graduate and undergradu- ate students from the Faculty of Law and Political Science (FLPS) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) participated from November 4-8, 2013, in the Byblos Autumn School 2013 themed “Dialogue, Truth and Democracy,” which was held at the UNESCO-associated In- ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES International guests. ternational Center for Human Sci- ences (CISH) in the city of Byblos. The Autumn School aims to create Additional Prizes a platform for academic dialogue focused on contemporary issues related to the social sciences and Sam Lahoud announcing the Film BEST ART DIRECTION: humanities, as well as to the de- Festivals Cinergy. Studio Beirut, directed by Mokhtar Beyrouth, Saint Joseph University of Beirut velopment of research tools and critical dialogue approach among BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY researchers. of the Autumn School, then communication developed. I Call It Love, directed by Elsy Hajjar, USEK University. explained the reason behind this Dr. Elie el-Hindy, Chairperson of On the opening day, the CISH year’s theme, referring to the im- the FLPS, discussed the changing BEST DOCUMENTARY Director, Dr. Adonis Akra, present- portance of the media with relation role of Arab NGOs, starting from Rezz a Koko, directed by Imad Achkar, USEK University. ed the Center’s activities, which to democracy and the change that a historical overview of NGOs are based on implementing the has taken place in our lives and the to the common characteris- BEST ANIMATION roadmap established by UNEES- fate of the nations. tics they share in the difference Une Famille Pas très Ordinaire, directed by Marilyn Haddad, CO and the Lebanese Ministry of countries and contexts of the ALBA University. Culture. Dr. Akra explained about During the five-day gathering, Arab world. the activities, which include the op- the main issues discussed fo- BANK OF BEIRUT PUBLIC VOTE AWARD portunities offered at the Autumn cused included the following: The The remaining ideas and dis- The Rope, directed by Hiba Tawaji, Saint Joseph University of Beirut. School to gather information and evolution of the notion of democ- cussions were the impact of the discuss subjects of interest to stu- racy in the 20th century, and the global digital revolution on civic BEST SCRIPT dents and lecturers, as Lebanese rebellions in society and when did and political participation, on the People Disappear All the Time, directed by Cyril Nehme, Saint Joseph citizens, and to then disseminate they start. Dr. Eugene Sensenig- media, which shapes public opin- University of Beirut. this information for the benefit of Dabbous, Professor at the FLPS, ion, foreign affairs, and the legal promoting democracy and facilitat- discussed the indications that framework where civic and politi- SPECIAL JURY MENTION ing the evolution of Lebanon and refer to the start of a rebellion cal participation is achieved in the Machrou’ Sayd, directed by Elio Ghanem, Lebanese-German University. the Arab world. He stressed on the whether it is through globalization, digital age today. role of the media and social media, the colonial experience, or with BEST OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE which has now become a part of the aid of the media. It is important to note that Samara Nohra in The Comeback of a ‘Has-been,’ directed by Kristian Lebanese culture in which the me- that all documents, lectures, and Abouanni, Saint Joseph University of Beirut. dia has become an integral part of Another discussion that took discussions will be published in establishing humanity. place was on transparency books, which will be distributed Kristian Abouanni (IESAV), first prize winner. SPECIAL JURY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE and democracy and how good to universities in Lebanon and the In Extention, by Joya Said, USEK University. Dr. Mufti, the Coordinator gernance in the age of instant Arab world. ISSUE 59 48 49 DECEMBER 2013

Arbitrary Arrest, Lengthy tention. She said that after intense 2nd Human Rights Trivia The three top schools were Pre-trial Detention, and research done by ALEF on this top- Competition ranked as follows: Long Delays in Trial: ic, it was clear that Lebanon needed Students of 12 Schools • College des Apotres: 1st Roundtable Workshop at to improve different legal practices Competing at FLPS place; the FLPS and regulations to apply better hu- MARIA NOUJAIM • Champville: 2nd place; MARIA NOUJAIM man rights protections and practices • Jesus and Mary: 3rd place. in the Lebanese system. The aim of the roundtable was to engage rep- The Notre Dame University- • Sagesse High School; • Dr. Karim el-Mufti: Director At the end of the competition, The Faculty of Law and Politi- resentatives of non-governmental Louaize (NDU) Department of • Saint Joseph School. of the Human Rights Clinic the results were announced, cer- cal Science (FLPS), in collaboration organizations, judges, lawyers, and Government and International Re- at Sagesse University; tificates were distributed to all par- with Act for Human Rights- ALEF, academics to be aware of the sever- lations at the Faculty of Law and The Competition is formed of • Mr. Jean-Pierre Katrib: ticipating students, and recogni- and the European Union (EU), ity of the issue and to take part in Political Science (FLPS), in col- two main rounds. The first round Activist and Expert in Human tion shields were distributed to all hosted on December 17, 2013, minimizing its practice. laboration with the Human Rights was a written evaluation in which Rights – Foundation of the participating schools and judg- at Abou Khater Auditorium on The roundtable was divided Club, organized on December 6, all competing schools had to Human and Humanitarian es, and finally the top three prizes the Main Campus of Notre Dame into two main working groups and 2013, for the second consecutive answer the same 50 questions Right; were distributed to the three win- University-Louaize (NDU) a round- discussions. year, a “Human Rights Trivia Com- (10 from each topic specified) • Mr. Julien Courson: Activist ning teams. The FLPS hosted a table titled, “Promoting for a Bet- petition” on the occasion of Inter- and provide their answers to the and Expert in Human Rights dinner afterward for the adminis- ter Mechanism Against Arbitrary The first working group was national Human Rights Day. The judges. The second round was an • Act for Human Rights – trators of the participating schools Arrest, Lengthy Pre-trial Detention about Legal Reform, and all the competition targets high school oral evaluation in which the five ALEF. and/or their representatives. and Long Delays in Trial .” amendments needed in Leba- students (first- and second-year schools with the highest scores nese laws to close the gaps and secondary classes) to help them competed for the top three posi- In his welcome speech Dr. Bou flows, which permit for Arbitrary raise their awareness and test their tions by answering ten additional ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES Saber, Dean, FLPS, highlighted the Detention. Judge Dr. Chadi Hajal knowledge on basic human rights. and more complex questions. concept of “the presumption of in- was the reporter of this work- In the second round, the teams nocence” and noted the main gaps ing group; whereas, the second Twelve schools participated were given the license to choose that allow the misapplication of this working group was about the in this year’s competition, which the topic they wished to answer concept. Dr. Saber emphasized the Rule of Law and the Application was held at the Issam Fares Audi- questions on and the judges grad- role of the Faculty in hosting such of the Existing Laws. Dr. Dany torium, NDU Main Campus. Each ed their answers on the spot. events and in providing a sane aca- Ghsoub was the reporter of this school chose a team of students demic environment, which links working group. and prepared them over a period The five topics for this year’s academia to civil society and the of two month; while the NDU or- competition were: judiciary. He welcomed the par- After the working groups’ ses- ganizing team was providing assis- • The Evolution of Human ticipants in the name of NDU and sion, the information obtained tance, references, clarifications, Rights and the Universal wished them a fruitful workshop. and the results of the discussions and any other types of assistance Declaration; were presented in a plenary ses- requested. Teams were encour- • The International Humanitar Ms. Dima Wehbe, Programs sion, and followed by a concluding aged to visit NDU, benefit from ian Law and the Geneva Manager, ALEF, then delivered her session moderated by Dr. Elie el- its human rights library, and ask Conventions; lecture, explaining the context of Hindy, consisting of a general dis- lecturers questions on any topic • The International Courts and the workshop as part of a three-year cussion and concluding thoughts or issue of interest. They were Tribunals; EU-funded project on arbitrary de- of all participants. also encouraged to visit NGOs for • Human Rights Treaties and more information. Follow Up Mechanisms; • Human Rights in Lebanon. The schools that participated included the following (in alpha- A team of five judges was betical order): formed to steer the competition, • Antonine Sisters School- prepare the questions, and correct Ghazir; the answers. • Antonine Sisters School- The Judges were: Jamhour; • Dr. Nidal Jurdi: UN Office of • Brumana High School; the High Commissioner of • Champville (College des Human Rights, Instructor at Frères Maristes); AUB; • Colleges des Apotres – • Dr. Omar Houri: Assistant Jounieh; Dean of the Faculty of Law • Jesus and Mary; and Director of the Human • Monsif National School; Rights Center in Beirut Arab • Notre Dame Louaize; University; ISSUE 59 50 51 DECEMBER 2013

Informative Meeting with tidirectional traffic of people, ideas, goods and services, and broader Judge SIR DAVID cultural influences. BARAGWANATH, President of the STL In this context, our experts divided their talks into six panels on the two days.

The Faculty of Law and Politi- The first main paper was by Sebastiano Maffettone’s (Luiss Univer- cal Science (FLPS) hosted on De- sity) on “Religion and Political Liberalism.” The first panel,“Religion(s) cember 5, 2013, a closed meeting & Civil Society – Theorizations,” included Scott Paeth (DePaul with Judge Sir David Baragwa- University), Iselin Frydenlund (Independent Scholar, Oslo), Alex Cistelecan nath, President of the Special Tri- (New Europe College), and Gorazd Andrejc (Woolf Institute, Cambridge). bunal for Lebanon (STL), during his latest trip to Lebanon. The second panel, “Religion and Civil Society in the Arab World,” included Dara Salam (London/IRNRD), Meryem Akabouch (Luiss Univer- The meeting included the law- sity), and Georges Labaki (NDU). yers, university professors, and Judge Sir David Baragwanath, President of the STL. students involved with the Out- The third panel, “Globalization & Civil Society,” was formed by Antonio reach Department of the STL in Cerella (UCLAN) and Edward J. Alam (NDU), who unfortunately was not various programs, including Judge The meeting discussed the de- the latest news and how the dif- present; however, his paper, “A World Political Authority and Global Justice: Riachi Vice-President of the STL, velopment of the tribunal and sev- ferent bodies of the court are pre- Reflections from Lebanon,” was read and well enjoyed by the participants. and Ms. Olga Corvan, Director of eral of its important achievements paring for the beginning of the trial the Outreach Lebanon Office. since its establishment, including in mid-January, 2014. The second day started with the presentation of Zaid Eyadat’s (Univer- sity of Jordan) main paper, “The Arab World and Civil Society: Future(s) of the Arab Spring.” The fourth panel, “Democracy & Civil Society in Religion and Civil Society: modern idea of civil society and the societal influence of religions is a the MENA Region,” consisted of Tania Haddad (American University of In the Vortex of Globaliza- complicated one. On the one hand, certain conceptions of religion are in Beirut), Valentina Gentile (Luiss University), Eugene Sensenig-Dabbous tion and Tradition conflict with this idea. On the other hand, various religiously motivated (NDU), and Elie el-Hindy (NDU). International Academic movements and groups — such as Faith-Based NGOs — intensively Conference Organized by contribute to the dynamics of civil society in different countries in the The fifth panel,“The City,” which included Rebekka King (MTSU), FLPS and CRVP West and on the global scene. Paul Cortois (KU Leuven), and Peter Losonczi (KU Leuven/University of Oslo), followed Neera Chandhoke’s (ICSSR, New Delhi) main paper, The so-called post-secular situation in the West, the open-ended and “Civil Society and Violence.” Faculty of Law and Political Sci- complex developments in the post-revolutionary Arab World, and recent ence (FLPS), in partnership with developments in the countries of South and Southeast Asia in the same Finally, the sixth panel, “Religious Perspectives on Politics,” was the Center for Research on Values way and in multiple forms indicate the complicatedness of the contem- formed by Chady Rahme (NDU), Nader el-Bizri (American University of and Philosophy (CRVP) and the In- porary situation. The conditions and variances of religious contributions Beirut), Bashir Saade (American University of Beirut), and Kevin Gray ternational Research Network for to the formation of civil society are vectored by the particular localities (American University, Sharjah). Religion and Democracy (IRNRD), within these contexts. At the same time, these dynamics are largely held from December 11-13, 2013, influenced by the multiform processes of globalization, namely the mul- Valentina Gentile’s book release, From Identity-Conflict to Civil the 6th Annual Conference of the Society: Restoring Human Dignity and Pluralism in Deeply Divided International Research Network Societies, closed the session. on Religion and Democracy at Notre Dame University-Louaize Without a doubt, coffee and lunch breaks allowed further social gath- (NDU), Main Campus. erings for academic, cultural, and social discussions. In addition, tour- istic excursions to Zouk’s historic souk, Jounieh, Harissa, and Byblos The conference titled, “Reli- were organized on the eves of the 11th and 12th. gion and Civil Society: In the Vor- tex of Globalization and Tradition,” The third day of the conference included an excursion to Downtown hosted 25 international and Leba- Beirut in order to visit the different religious centers (Maronite; Greek nese experts, who discussed and Orthodox; Jewish; Sunni) and get to know the tradition and social in- provided an inter-disciplinary fo- teraction that Lebanon presents. Lastly, all the participants enjoyed a rum to talk about the consequenc- session of Lebanese wine-tasting that took place in the Zouk Michael’s es and prospects of these devel- historic souk. opments, putting great, but not exclusive, emphasis on the devel- Altogether, the conference presented a unique opportunity bring aca- opments in the Islamic world. demics together in a timely setting to discuss religion and civil society in Indeed, the nexus between the general, and the context of the Arab Spring specifically. ISSUE 59 52 53 DECEMBER 2013

FACULTY OF Grandparents’ Day NATURAL & APPLIED JACQUELINE DOUMIT, PH.D. SCIENCES Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences (FNHS) at Notre Dame Univer- volunteer work. Research Activities Dr. Carole Bacha’s talk sity-Louaize (NDU), in collaboration with the NGO Kibarouna celebrated (Spring 2013). Department of Grandparents’ Day at the Palais des Congres in Dbayeh on June 28, 2013. Their participation brought joy Mathematics and and happiness to everyone. Ki- Statistics and Actuarial Sciences. In Fall Wednesdays at 10 a.m. in the Sci- About 1,000 seniors across several organizations attended and par- barouna honored all participating Faculty of Natural and 2012, the Department of Math- ence Conference Room of the ticipated in this event. Through the FNHS and the Community Service organizations, including NDU stu- Applied Sciences ematics and Statistics began to FNAS. Office (CSO), NDU students contributed to the success of this special dents and the Faculty. host monthly seminars. day. The students were Carina Khoury, Ivon Barakat, Justin Abi Assaf, Gabriella Abou Jaoudeh, Tamara Najjar, Jean Antoun, Toni Khalifeh, Tam- I would also like to thank Mrs. The Department of Math- Website, News, and er Bou Hadir, Hisham Sharafeddine and Daniel Slika. Henriette Haddad, the Head of ematics and Statistics under the Goals of the Monthly Events the Association, along with all Faculty of Natural and Applied Seminars The students demonstrated dependability and enjoyed the inter- members of their community ser- Sciences (FNAS) at Notre Dame active experience. I, as an event coordinator, would like to thank all vices, for their contribution to the University-Louaize (NDU) is one In Fall 2012, A “news and of them for their contribution to social services and for engaging in improvement of the quality of life of the largest Departments in These monthly seminars are events” tab was added to the among the elderly in Lebanon. our University. It is home to 16 intended to keep faculty members Department of Mathematics full-time faculty members and nu- abreast of the latest development in and Statistics webpage. All pre- The Ministry of Social Affairs merous part-timers, whose fields Mathematics, as well as to encourage vious and upcoming seminars, sponsored this media-covered ACADEMIC & STUDENT ACTI V ITIES of interests include but are not research among faculty members. conferences etc. are announced event. The news was published limited to Algebra; Analysis; Dif- there. To access this page from in several newspapers and web- ferential Equations; Differential the NDU website: Academics sites such as Al-Wassat, the Geometry; Information Theory; Time, date, and place > FNAS > Dept. of Mathemat- National News Agency (NNA), Number Theory; Topology; Funda- ics and Statistics > News and lebanonfiles.com, and civicboard. mental Mathematics; Operations Events, or simply http://www. com. Research; Time Series Analysis; During Fall 2013, the Mathe- ndu.edu.lb/academics/fnas/ Statistics; Financial Mathemat ics; matics seminars are scheduled on dms/news.htm It was indeed an encouraging, relevant, and enchanting experi- ence to participate in this unique Seminars Schedule for Fall 2013: day. It is also noteworthy to men- tion that the Ministry of Social Af- fairs has set Grandparents’ Day on the last Sunday of June.

Date Speaker University Title of the Talk Affiliation

October 23 Dr. Joseph Malkoun NDU, Lebanon “Differential Forms and Applications”

November 20 Dr. Rami El Haddad USJ-Mansourieh, “Stratified Monte Carlo for Lebanon Integration and Simulation”

December 18 Dr. Martin Bright AUB, Lebanon “The Local-Global Approach to Diophantine Equations”

January 22 Dr. Youssef Rafoul University of Dayton, “Difference Equations and Ohio, U.S.A Applications I”

February 26 Dr. Youssef Rafoul University of Dayton, “ Difference Equations Ohio, U.S.A and Applications II”

ISSUE 59 54

Summer Camp in Ajaltoun to Help the Elderly JACQUELINE DOUMIT, PH.D.

The Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences (FNHS) at Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU), in collaboration with Saint Joseph University (USJ) and Kibarouna, a NGO dedicated to improving the quality of social life for the elderly in Lebanon, organized a Summer Camp for those suffering from socio-psychological problems and living in poor areas of greater Beirut: Nabaa, Sin el-Fil, and Karm el-Zeitoun.

Fifty seniors participated in this event, which took place from Sep- tember 2-6, 2013, at the Saint Joseph Convent in Ajaltoun. In order to provide the elderly with a healthy, enjoyable, and animated environment, NDU and USJ volunteers, Mrs. Marie NDU students contributed in organizing the following recreational, pre- Assaad, Former Minister Layla al- Solh ventive, and educational activities: Card games; backgammon; balloon Hamade, and Mrs. Henriette Haddad. games; singing; praying; visiting Sainte Rafka in Himlaya and visiting the Bzebdine village; handcraft activities; throwing a party; and hair-dressing NORTH and manicure sessions.

Our students, Christelle Ghandour and Ivon Barakat, had an emotive and unique experience. LEBANON

In their words, “Other than the experience we gained that helps us in our major, we benefitted psychologically. We understood the meaning CAMPUS of caring. Making others happy gives you internal happiness, peace, and joy. Being there made them enthusiastic. And listening to them made them relax. Playing simple games thrilled them. We discovered the beauty of the simplicity of their souls while joking, playing, and talking. All participants in “Summer They treated us like their grandchildren, which obliged us to treat them Camp for the Elderly-2013.” like our grandparents. We lived as a family up there. They told us about their children, grandchildren, and lives. We enjoyed activities we never thought would be fun. We listened to their stories, and we learned from their experiences. We loved them with all our hearts. And the most important lesson we learned was, ‘Treat other the same way you would want them to treat you.’”

Mrs. Marie Assaad, Mrs. Henriette Haddad, Dr. Jacqueline Doumit, Ms. Ivon Barakat, and Ms. Christelle Ghandour. ISSUE 59 56

Opening Mass of the Academic Year 2013-2014 Reverend Fr. Walid Moussa, President of Notre Dame Uni- versity-Louaize (NDU), Fr. Samir Ghsoub, Director of the North Lebanon Campus (NDU-NLC), and Dr. Antoine Farhat, the IVPAA, instructors to cater to students, Fr. Ziad Antoun, Director of Ad- the NLC staff, faculty members, especially those in need of Recruitment Day ministration at NDU, celebrated and students of various faiths, at- more academic motivation. A at NLC the Opening Mass Ceremony of tended the Opening Mass. small gathering was held in the the Academic Year 2013-2014, Conference Room at the end of Recruitment Day at Notre which was held at the Amphithe- Fr. Moussa in his sermon the Mass where the reverend Dame University-Louaize North atre, NDU-NLC, at noon on Friday, welcomed the new NLC students fathers and faculty members en- Lebanon Campus (NDU-NLC) was October 11, 2013. and stressed on the role of joyed lunch together. organized on October 21, 2013,

to introduce new students to the L EB anon campus NORTH various Clubs on Campus and to motivate them to join. Many ac- tivities formed part of this event, including rap music, dancing, and motorcycle competitions.

In his speech, Fr. Samir Ghsoub, Director of NDU- NLC, stressed on the importance of inter-club collaboration, which is of great value to both the University and its students. He also noted that the University’s main concern is the student, which is why NDU seeks to pro- vide its students with high-quality education and an environment conducive to learning. Those Director of NLC goals not only help students to self-develop but also provide Visits Sunnite them with a significant competi- Mufti of Tripoli tive edge to pursue a professional career in the future. Fr. Samir Ghsoub, Director of Notre Dame University-Louaize North Lebanon Campus (NDU-NLC), vis- ited on Friday, October 25, 2013, the Sunnite Mufti of Tripoli and the North Lebanon Dr. Malik al-Shaar at his resi- dence in Tripoli on the occasion of the Al-Adha Feast and on the occasion of his safe return from abroad. The Mufti said that unity, tolerance, and under- standing among the Lebanese were the only means to save the country. For his part, Fr. Ghsoub stressed his long-term friendship with the Mufti, wishing him good health and com- mending his efforts toward achieving unity and peace. ISSUE 59 58 59 DECEMBER 2013

NLC Students Visit Eggs Competition and proceeded to hoist three students from each club in a metal work WILCO at NLC box to the University’s roof level. Dr. Marie Tannous escorted An event titled “Eggs Compe- Students rushed to their respective classroom rushed to the win- on Wednesday, December 4, tition” was held on November 7, dows, gaping in awe as they watched the unusual ascent of their class- 2013, the Notre Dame University- 2013, at Notre Dame University- mates. The event kicked-off with the three students, throwing their Louaize North Lebanon Campus Louaize North Lebanon Campus handmade egg containers from roof level to the ground below. Once (NDU-NLC) Science students to (NDU-NLC). The NLC students they were done, the crane brought them back down and began lifting the WILCO poultry and meat farm from different clubs participated other sets of three students at a time to throw their egg containers. in Chekka, North Lebanon. in the competition. They set up Down below, two judges inspected the egg containers and announced speakers and started playing mu- their verdict on the amount of damage sustained by each container. The Mr. Tony Boutros and Mr. Wil- sic to create a lively atmosphere. Music Club, the winning team with the least amount of damaged eggs, liam Boutros, Business Develop- Moments later, a crane drove in was awarded a sum of US$ 300. ment Managers at WILCO, cor- NDU group to the WILCO labo- dially welcomed the NDU group ratory, where the students had an and introduced them to Ms. Marie opportunity to see the practical

Boutros, WILCO’s Quality Control side of what they had learned in L EB anon campus NORTH Manager, who gave the students theory on how poultry should be a tour of the entire farm and plant. cleaned, tested, and processed Ms. Boutros accompanied the before being distributed.

Notre Dame University-Louaize were in tears. One of Natacha’s North Lebanon Campus (NDU-NLC) best friends delivered a speech say- organized on Wednesday 10, 2013, ing, “‘Under my smile there is a Diabetes Public a special and touching tribute in world of pain,’ was the last status Lecture at NLC memory of Natacha Khalil, an NDU Natacha posted, and it meant ex- student, at the seminar room. actly what she felt. Natacha woke up one day at three o’clock in the On the occasion of the World A member of the Arts and Music morning and texted me, telling me Diabetes Day, the Faculty of Nurs- Club began the memorial by screen- that she was suffering a lot and ing and Health Sciences (FNHS) ing a video collection of many of Na- thought that she did not have much at Notre Dame University-Louaize tacha’s pictures from infancy until time left. I told her to stop thinking North Lebanon Campus (NDU- the day of her funeral. The music so negatively and wake up from NLC) organized a public lecture playing in the background as the im- that bad dream, but later that day, on November 20, 2013, delivered NDU-NLC Tribute ages rolled was moving experience. the heavens gained a new angel.” by Dr. Antoine Aoun, Assistant in Memory of The pictures selected for the video Professor, FNHS. In his lecture Natacha Khalil accurately captured the sorrow felt That speech was truly emo- titled “How to Prevent Diabetes: by all those present. tional. Finally, Fr. Ghsoub, Director An Evidence-Based Approach,” of NLC, stood up to give the final Dr. Aoun discussed the causes The images of Natacha then homily, stressing on how good a behind the increase in the preva- morphed into filmed messages of person Natacha was and how he lence of diabetes — a worldwide Natacha’s friends, telling her how always respected her smiling face epidemic — as well as the ef- much they miss her and remem- even though her mind was saying fects of diabetes on patients and bering the good times they spent something else. He proceeded by the prevention of pre-diabetes. together. The scene then cut to a thanking everyone for their pres- Dr. Aoun concluded that seri- poem recited by her mother and ence, especially her relatives. Fr. ous measures and precautions a recording of her father’s speech, Ghsoub then presented on behalf should be taken to delay its onset bidding her farewell at her funeral. of the University to her family a given that there is such a signifi- gift especially created for the me- cant increase in this widespread When the video ended and the morial tribute before announcing epidemic, which is even affecting lights were turned back on, many the close of the gathering. younger patients. 61 DECEMBER 2013

Opening Ceremony for Academic Year 2013-2014 at SC

Notre Dame University-Louaize the Lebanese national anthem. Fr. Fr. Francois Akl and Fr. Walid Shouf Campus (NDU-SC) celebrat- Francois Akl, Director of NDU-SC, Moussa then presented honor- ed the start of the new Academic delivered the welcome speech, ary awards in recognition of aca- Year 2013-2014 on October 25, urging students to be responsible, demic excellence and outstanding 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at its Confer- serious, and dedicated to their achievements to two students,

ence Room. Fr. Walid Moussa, studies to achieve academic ex- Mr. Hadi Sarieddine and Ms Nour SHOUF campus President of NDU, Fr. Francois cellence and contribute positively al-Hassanieh, who graduated from Akl, Director of NDU-SC, and the to building a better society. NDU-SC with flying colors. entire NDU-SC community, con- sisting of faculty members, staff, Fr. Walid Moussa then took the po- Mr. Sarieddine graduated from and students were present to dium and addressed the audience, the Faculty of Engineering; he launch what they hoped would be expressing his joy at the chance to was chosen as the Class 2013 a successful and productive aca- be with the NDU extended family Valedictorian and spoke on be- demic year. in the Shouf. He thanked all the half of all three Campuses, dur- faculty members and administra- ing the graduation ceremony. Ms. A pair of musicians (an organ- tors for their hard work and sup- Al-Hassanieh graduated summa ist and a violinist) opened the cer- port, and wished the students a cum laude from the Faculty of emony by playing a live version of successful year. Business Administration and Eco- nomics. She spoke on behalf of the honored students, thanking the administration and the faculty members for their valuable con- tribution to the process of equip- ping the students to meet the challenges of the real world.

In closing, everyone sang the NDU anthem to the tune played by the musical duo, and left the ceremony hoping for peaceful, fruitful, and rewarding Academic Year.

SHOUF CAMPUS ISSUE 59 62

"Club Day" at SC The Student Clubs at Notre Dame University-Louaize Shouf Campus (NDU-SC) celebrated two days of fun activities, competi- tions, and gift giveaways between November 20-21, 2013, at the Main Court of the Shouf Campus. The Clubs worked and planned the “Club Day” under the theme “Lebanon’s 70th Independence Day Anniversary.” The two-day event was not only one of fellow- ship and constructive club rivalry but also an opportunity for the NDU-SC students to pay tribute to the Lebanese army, which fought for our independence and protect- ed it for more than 70 years.

The 10 clubs at NDU-SC as well as the Student Union set up indi- vidual stands that were decorated with the Lebanese flag and other symbols that reflected the Inde- pendence Day theme. There were games and competitions; students were offered treats and refresh- ments; music was playing in the background while singing talents contributed to the joy of the day.

Overall, it was an event to re- member, because almost everyone took part. Faculty, staff, administra- tors, and students all got together forgetting — at least momentarily — the hustle and bustle of homework, projects, and research papers, all in the name of building strong bonds and lasting friendships.

On Thursday, November 21, 2013, at noon, everyone sang the Lebanese national anthem and gathered for the raising of the flag ceremony, which was like a vow GENERAL that the NDU-SC Clubs and stu- dents took on that day to stay faith- ful to their country and safeguard NEWS its interests and serve their Univer- sity in the best way possible.

Good luck Clubs. May this year be active, fruitful, and filled with well-planned events. ISSUE 59 64 65 DECEMBER 2013

our future will not be an extension of the past; rather our success will come from developing new meth- ods and strategies that will help us all attain the highest possible level of achievement.

It is in this spirit, and by God’s grace, that we fervently pursue our distinct and oftentimes task-

ing Mission, which, among many GENERA L NEWS A view from the top: Fr. Bechara Khoury oversees The greenhouse. other notable goals, aims at: construction work from a crane on the Main Campus. - Providing our students with quality education within a liberal learning and professional educa tion environment; - Gaining international accredita tion from the New England As sociation of Schools and Colleges (NEASC); and - Constructing ideal and beautiful Campuses of which our staff Building a and students can be proud. University of the Turning back to the central Future Today theme of this message, we con- Fr. Bechara KHOURY tinue to exercise great efforts to serve the NDU community of stu- dents, Faculty, and staff in every phase of life on Campus by pro- “The ideal viding them with a variety of high- quality, effective, modern, and and the commercial services. These elite beautiful services help to make our Cam- pus an exciting, harmonious, and are iden- connected place to study, work, and live. The new Cafeteria build- tical; the ing also houses the Landscaping, ideal cor- Maintenance, and Cleaning Servic- Going green Proposed blueprint for the artificial lake on es units. In fact, it is a full-service responds the NDU Main Campus. station especially created to serve to the our community. Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) is committed to excellence in of NDU; and idea, and every facet of its Mission, and to succeed, we must acknowledge that • Construction plans for the future. In addition to the services of- the race for excellence has no finish line. Our past and present achieve- fered on Campus, we strive to meet beauty ments embody our spirit—a sprit that seeks nourishment and continual First, however, I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the your safety needs at all times, be- to form; renewal despite all obstacles. thinking behind our many successes and vision for the future. cause your security is of major con- cern to us. Highly trained security hence, idea Based on such an inspiring outlook, this article will focus in brief on Today, we stand at the threshold of a new age, dawning upon NDU officers are on the grounds around- and sub- the following: and the world. This era is marked by great changes and even greater the-clock to ensure that you are challenges spurred on by technology, politics, economics, and globaliza- protected. Closed-circuit security stance are • Our sophisticated Campus services; tion. As a University of the Third Millennium, we are actively preparing cameras are installed throughout cognate.” • Safety and security; to meet these shifting dynamics through dedication, innovation, and all our Campuses to help with our • Auxiliary support aids and services for those with disabilities; continual growth on all fronts. Campus-wide patrol efforts and se- • The creation of a green and healthier workspace environment; curity checks at the main gate. In Victor Hugo (1802-1885) • Our new and beautifully appointed Cafeteria on the Main Campus While our spiritual heritage remains unchanged, we recognize that short, nothing is left to chance. ISSUE 59 66 67 DECEMBER 2013

In terms of auxiliary support aids and services for those with disabilities, we strongly believe that it is our Through its design and function, the Cafeteria offers an international standard obligation to provide everyone with the right, without discrimination, to receive a high quality education. To of service and a varied, delicious, hygienic, and reasonably priced menu. date, we have put in place some measures to cater to the needs of those suffering from the restriction of different abilities, due to physical or sensory impairment. Long-term goals also include the acquisition or modi- We would like to thank each person who worked so hard to bring fication of equipment and aids, and the incorporation of services that facilitate the learning process of people from drawing board to reality all our contemporary and welcoming spac- with disabilities in a healthy environment. es, which have now become a part of our legacy.

Speaking of environment, NDU is committed to our going green project by continually increasing the surface The aforementioned achievements, however, are only a drop in the area of our verdant spaces. The reason? We are certain that everyone thrives and works better in fresh, inviting, ocean. Bigger and better things are currently being planned such as the and beautiful spaces, just as God intended. Before long, we hope to further augment the natural beauty of NDU construction of:

by constructing an artificial lake near the new Faculty of Architecture Art and Design (FAAD) building. Through our GENERA L NEWS Campuses, we hope to play a small role in helping to preserve our country’s truly exceptional natural splendor. - A new library; - New research facilities, Our new Cafeteria at NDU reaffirms our dedication to our core beliefs, which serve as the foundation for - A specialized research medical center and a hospital; and setting and achieving such ambitious goals and high standards. Every aspect of the Cafeteria’s architecture - New sports fields and facilities. boasts superior attention to detail and a coziness and warmth that one can only find at home. Large floor- to-ceiling tempered glass panels were purposely installed to bring the outdoors in and provide breathtaking In addition, our Regional Campuses — Barsa in the Koura and Deir views of Beirut and the Mediterranean Sea. Even the unique design of the food court encourages social inter- el-Kamar in the Shouf — will also witness some major developments in action while simultaneously respecting an individual’s privacy. the near future.

Furthermore, our Cafeteria is certified by HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), which In the words of Nelson Mandela, “After climbing a great hill, one only stipulates strict rules for every aspect of the Cafeteria (ranging from food production and ovens to chairs). finds that there are many more hills to climb.”

Partial view of the new Cafeteria (interior).

ISSUE 59 68 69 DECEMBER 2013

F arid & Moussa Raphael Observatory at NDU PROF. ROGER HAJJAR

The hum of the small computer and camera fans… click! The shutter opens… red and green LEDs flicker in the dark… 400 kilograms of steel and glass rotate delicately, to the precision of a ballerina, following a star dancing away in the sky… Suddenly, this inverted bowl, called a dome and pulled by its wheels, swings showing the way up, helping its big eye GENERA L NEWS on the sky fixated on its enduring love…and music suddenly reverber- ates, the screen brightens, and the face of a star cluster smiles to the astronomer lost in reverie surrounded by the cool familiar dark of a night at the Observatory.

If this sounds enticing, you could live this experience not far from home; not on a mountaintop, or a faraway land, but only a few hun- dred meters away from the main gate of Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU). You can see it from the Dog River valley, from a carefully se- lected room at Le Royal, from the hills of Dbayeh and Metn, facing the Main Campus.

External view of the Farid & Moussa Raphael Observatory at NDU.

A white dome atop a concrete building sits at the tip of the NDU hill, watching guard over a historical valley, and suddenly coming alive at night when it opens its doors to the heavens. This stargate, known as the Farid & Moussa Raphael Observatory, blossomed within the Cam- pus thanks to a generous gift by Ambassador Gilbert Chaghoury and is on the verge of entering full scientific service.

Our Observatory is the best-equipped in a region that spans Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, and all the Gulf Arab states. We now have the largest Observatory in the Arab Middle East. With a range of scientific instru- ments to analyze starlight, including one of the most sensitive cameras in the region, we are in to leave a trace—a strong one at that!

The story of the Observatory goes back years, too long to recount here—a dream now transformed into reality. This dream started its jour- The telescope. ney into the real world in early November, 2010, at the signing ceremo- ny of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between NDU and the Saint-Joseph University (USJ). In Spring 2011, a proposal landed on the desk of Fr. Walid Moussa, President of NDU, signed by the astronomers of the Department of Physics & Astronomy. This is when Ambassador Chaghoury came on board and offered to fund the construction of the Observatory.

Work started in late 2012, and the dome was finally mounted and hoisted into place on April 11, 2013. The next day, the Planewave CDK- 24 on its Astro-Physics 3600GTOPE was bolted onto the top of the con- crete pier in the center of the white inverted bowl that now reverberates with music playing in the dark, barely broken by the flickering LEDs and the buzzing reverie of a half-asleep astronomer. 71 DECEMBER 2013

add 10 more children to reach his BUSINESS Bite-size ultimate goal of a 100-strong brood, news from according to the Khaleej Times. He Christmas, Still the Most already has 50 grandchildren. Al- Profitable Time of the Year? around the Balushi first married at the age of 19, but given that Shariah Law lim-

world… its him to only four wives at a time, The exchanging of gifts is one OFFBEAT he found a loophole: marrying and of the core aspects of the modern (compiled from then divorcing his wives to wed to Christmas celebration, making it the various sources by new ones. Two of his new wives most profitable time of year for retail- MARIO NAJM) are currently pregnant and are ex- ers and businesses, and inadvertent- pected to give birth next month, ly the most stressful time of the year LEBANON taking the number of children to 92. for gift-buyers. Yet, despite the woes Only eight more kids to go! of the global economy, consumers Christian Population in are set to increase their Christmas Lebanon Forecast to spending in 2013, and it’s not due to Increase the buying of more gifts (or receiving them for that matter), rather, it’s due to inflation. Merry Christmas! A recent demographic study con- ducted by the Lebanese Information Center and reviewed by Statistics Lebanon, found that the Christian population in Lebanon, excluding immigrants, remained stabilized in WORLD 2011 at 1,024,038 (34.35 percent) vs. 1,951,669 Muslims (65.47 per- Organic Food Set to cent). According to the study, pop- Revolutionize Our ulation growth among Lebanon’s Eating Habits Christians is expected to increase in the future due to a drop in migration, equal numbers of Christian and Mus- According to the New York Times, lim migrants, and a low birth rate the global organic food industry has ENTERTAINMENT among Muslims. The Christian popu- been growing rapidly over the last 21 lation residing in Lebanon is project- years, bringing in 20 times the profit Ziad Doueiri Says He ed to reach 1,802, 529 in 2030 and it made 21 years ago; it is now a bud- Risked Jail to Film in 2,215,029 in 2045, the study found. ding $30-billion-a-year industry. As Israel more and more compelling evidence points to the dangers of eating con- ventionally- grown foods (through Lebanese-American director current traditional farming and ranch- Ziad Doueiri said recently that he ing methods), demand for organic was willing to face jail to film his products has skyrocketed, promot- award-winning movie The Attack ing the giants in the food industry in Israel, flouting Lebanon's laws such as Coca-Cola, Cargill, ConAgra, against entering the neighboring General Mills, Kraft, and M&M Mars Jewish state. He told an audience to jump on the bandwagon for a slice at the Frankfurt Book Fair that it still MIDDLE EAST of the lucrative pie. bothered him that the movie, re- leased this year, had been banned Super Dad wants 100 in the Arab world. The film, adapt- OFFBEAT Children! ed from a novel by Algerian writ- er Yasmina Khadra, portrays the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through Mohammad al-Balushi, a 63-year- the eyes of a Palestinian doctor old Emirati, who is married to 17 with Israeli citizenship who discov- wives and father of 90 children (60 ers that his wife carried out a sui- sons and 30 daughters) plans to cide bombing in Tel Aviv. Lebanon ISSUE 59 72 73 DECEMBER 2013

and the 22-member Arab League 1912. The violin is believed to have have since banned the film. been recovered with his body more than a week after the ship sunk into the north Atlantic. Hartley and the band reportedly continued to play the hymn “Nearer, My God, To

Thee” among other tunes after it hit OFFBEAT an iceberg, cumulating in the great- est maritime disasters of all time.

SPORTS “Hand of God” Goal pecially the commercial variety) Charles Yakhoob Kairouz and his makes it at as unhealthy as soda. wife Margaret Taouk, who were Several recent case studies have both Maronite Catholic immi- Diego Maradona's “Hand of shown that sugar is the major cul- grants from Lebanon. God” effort is one of the most con- prit in the obesity crisis and juices troversial goals in soccer history. In are a primary source. Calorie for During the early period of Argentina’s 1986 World Cup quar- calorie, 100 percent orange juice is his profession, Danny was still a terfinal match with England, Mara- SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY worse for you than sugary sodas. struggling entertainer who could dona (The Golden Boy) displayed Over the past 30 years consump- not support a family with his cho- the brilliance of a player at the peak Skull Discovery Suggests New App to Motivate You tion of fructose — the sugar in sen career. He visited a church in OUT OF THE ORDINARY of his powers and those street ur- Early Man was Single juice —has more than doubled. A Detroit and prayed to St. Jude. chin tendencies that characterized Species typical children's juice box contains "Show me my way in life and I will Great White Shark That him throughout his career. Near- Ever suspect that you do more about 17 grams of sugar, the equiv- build you a shrine." Couldn't 'Seal' The Deal ing the goal, a cunning Maradona housework than your spouse alent of more than four teaspoons. reached it with the outside of his A stunningly well-preserved does? Wonder why certain tasks Something to watch out for. A few weeks later, Danny left fist, knocked it beyond the skull from 1.8 million years ago of- raise your blood pressure? Think landed a regular job at a Chi- For a heart-stopping moment, goalkeeper, and into the net. Inex- fers new evidence that early man that you sleep more lately, or think cago nightclub. Later, Danny a seal was inches from being perienced Tunisian referee Ali Bin was a single species with a vast that carbs are making you fat? founded St. Jude Hospital in crushed in the jaws of a great white Nasser and his linesman did not array of different looks, research- Turns out, there is an app to test Memphis, U.S.A, which be- shark off the South African coast. see the infringement and the goal ers recently said. With a tiny brain all of that. Advancements in wear- came the world's premier The plucky creature evaded a gory stood. Maradona later claimed that about a third the size of a modern able body sensors, mobile appli- institution for the study and death after balancing on the shark's the goal had been scored “a little human's, protruding brows, and jut- cations, and other gadgets mean treatment of catastrophic snout, slipping back into the sea with the head of Maradona and a ting jaws like an ape, the skull was that nearly everything we do can childhood diseases. Today, and swimming to the safety of the little with the hand of God.” That found in the remains of a medieval be captured, logged, and analyzed. largely because of discover- shore. Wildlife photographer David was how the goal would come to hilltop city in Dmanisi, Georgia, said And everyday consumers are ies made at St. Jude, more Baz Jenkins captured this death-de- be known in history. the study in the journal Science. The jumping at the chance to conduct than 70 percent of children fying and incredible moment. Great researchers compared the variation their own experiments. Industry diagnosed with certain forms whites can be up to six meters long CULTURE in characteristics of the skulls and watchers say these kinds of data- of leukemia survive compared to and weigh up to 2,268kg. found that while their jaw, brow, driven apps are finding their place the only 5 percent survival rate be- Titanic Violin Sells for and skull shapes were distinct, their in a market that has struggled to Sons of the Soil fore founding St Jude. More Than US$1.4 million traits were all within the range of profit from advertising. what could be expected among DANNY THOMAS members of the same species. A violin that was apparently HEALTH played for passengers as the Ti- Danny Thomas (born Amos tanic sunk sold for US$1.45 million Think Before You Order Muzyad Yakhoob Kairouz; January at an auction in Wiltshire, England, Another Fruit Juice 6, 1912 – February 6, 1991) was U.K., after just ten minutes of bid- a Lebanese-American nightclub ding. According to the BBC, Titanic comedian, television and film ac- bandleader Wallace Hartley's name Fruit juice might seem like a tor, and producer, whose career is engraved on the instrument. He healthy choice. But according to spanned five decades. One of died along with some 1,517 oth- obesity experts, the high sugar nine children, Thomas was born ers who were on the ship April 15, content in many fruit juices (es in Deerfield, Michigan, U.S.A., to 75 DECEMBER 2013

NDU Advertising Club Attends IAA “Apprentice Con- ference” in Dubai

HASMIG BOYADJIAN E V ENTS

Notre Dame University- • Jacob Thomas, Sales & Marketing Solutions MENA at Linkedin; Louaize (NDU) was represented • Nassib Boueiri, Managing Director of Wunderman network in the by a group of 14 graduates and MENA region; senior students, who traveled to • Pierre Choueiri, Chairman and CEO of Choueiri Group; Dubai, U.A.E, on November 7, • Rayan Karaky, StarCom Media Strategist; 2013, to attend the launch of the • Cath Sutherland, author of the book Creating Brand Energy, inaugural regional International • Michael Readman, CEO/Managing Partner at ID COMMS; Advertising Association (IAA) • Scott Hicks, Client Partner at Facebook MENA; “Apprentice Conference,” which • Oliver Eills, Regional Director at Publicitas; was held between November 8 • Gina Johnson, Editorial Director at Motivate Publishing; and 9, 2013, under the banner • Marc Aubry, Vice-President of Marketing Middle East & Africa at “Graduating? What’s Coming Western Union; Next?” • Ricarda Ruecker, Vice-President of Leadership and Organization Development at MCN; Melhem Rechdan, Advisor • James Hewes, Publishing Director at Gulf News, to the IAA Advertising Club and • David Smith, Broadcasting Lecturer at ECU, School of Instructor at NDU, led the NDU Communications and Arts. delegation that showcased a doc- umentary on the timeline and con- tinuous collaboration of the IAA with NDU and its IAA Advertising EVENTS Club, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Many advertising minds, cre- ative forces, and digital brains gathered at the two-day event in order to exchange knowledge and expertise under one roof at the Emirates Aviation College. The media and communication speak- ers and experts covered many topics, including career expecta- tions, personal branding, jobs in the new landscape, motivation, networking etc.

Michael Lee, Managing Direc- tor of the IAA, and Faris Abouha- (from left- front row): Karl Diab, Cybel Dirassayan, Christian Kady, Melhem Rechdan, IAA mad, Chairman and World Presi- President Faris Abouhamad, Stephanie Dagher, and Joelle Basbous. (From left- back row) Vice-President of the IAA Saad el-Zein, Christelle Chabli, Elly Rahme, Elissandra Gharayeh, dent of the IAA, opened with Sarah Khattar, Naim-Elie Safi, Maya Akra, and Hasmig Boyadjian. inspiring and enlightening words for students, aiming to guide their careers into the right direction.

Many interactive talks were delivered during the two-day pro- gram, including talks by: ISSUE 59 76 77 DECEMBER 2013

EUREKA! Club goal of science and biology turned A Snapshot of “At Christmas, I no more its Biology Department and booth Christmas 2013 desire a rose Than wish a Chasing After Science: into a small scientific community in snow in May's new-fangled which the purpose of each member at NDU Ayam Al-Ouloum 2013 was to employ their breadth knowl- shows, But like of each edge on biology and pass it on to Batoul performing blood typing The Christmas spirit was evident thing that in season grows.” E V ENTS the visitors. This was a little step for on visiting students. throughout the Main Campus at WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE Serge Notre Dame University-Louaize explaining students, the Biology Department, (NDU). The Campus was brim- the goat and NDU to get some exposure and NABILA CHAYEB - “As a first thymus to ming with Christmas cheer and emphasize the value of its teaching, time participant in Science Days, I Science goodwill, and pretty Christmas Days especially as a science institute. had such a great time. Presenting “We consider Christmas as the encounter, the great en- visitors trees, ornaments, and lights filled information to the children not only counter, the historical encounter, the decisive encounter, (NDU every corner of the grounds. immune These interactions made these gave me joy in spreading science, between God and mankind. He who has faith knows this mascot on three days a memorable and learn- the wall). but also gave me a feeling of ful- truly; let him rejoice.” ing experience for NDU students. fillment, because I succeeded in POPE PAUL VI Here are some of the volunteers’ stimulating their inborn curiosity.” For the fourth consecutive year, thoughts on this occasion. the Eureka! Club at Notre Dame ROUMI MATAR - “It was a love- University-Louaize (NDU) partici- JOEY GHANIMEH - “Science ly experience to get to present such pated in “Science Days,” which Days helped me see all the poten- an important field in biology, the was held from October 24-26, tial that Lebanese students have immune system, to students from 2013, at the Hippodrome de Beirut. for scientific and technological ad- different reviews and backgrounds. This year, under the supervision of vancements. I have high hopes for The aim was to raise awareness on NDU professors, Club members Lebanon in the future.” the importance of the immune sys- were put in charge of organizing tem in an interesting way to attract the preparations for Science Days. JOSEPH SAHAKIAN - “Chil- the visitors’ attention and to edu- Through the hard work, commit- dren are natural scientists; unfor- cate them in a fun way.” ment, dedication, and passion of tunately, most of them lose this these participants, the three-day interest and curiosity as they grow SERGE SAMAHA - “Science event was a resounding success. up due to passionless teachers or Days offered me a great opportuni- other influences. This science fair ty to communicate facts about biol- The topic chosen was the im- was a great opportunity to intro- ogy and the immune system with a mune system, which included a ba- duce children and adolescents to practical twist. I enjoyed the expe- “I will honor Christmas in sic introduction about the immune the wonders of biology, more spe- rience and I am looking forward to my heart, and try to keep it organs, the mechanisms, the cells cifically to the immune system, participating again next year.” in action, and blood typing. and get them more excited about all the year.” things that they can’t see.” VANESSA HLEISS - “Although CHARLES DICKENS “Christmas is a neces- On the one hand, the experience not everybody was interested in sity. There has to be brought the participants closer to MARIA HAJJE - “It was my first Science Days, those who were, each other by providing them with year participating in the science showed great enthusiasm and in- at least one day of the the opportunity to work together to- fair, and it was a great experience. terest. I think that we were able, year to remind us that ward a single purpose: Transmitting Unfortunately, the students visit- in those few days, to put a few fu- we're here for some- all the information they had to chil- ing were really young and are yet ture scientists on the right track.” dren, adolescents, and even adults. to tackle the biology field, but we thing else besides On the other hand, visitors enjoyed did our best! We tried to spread BATOUL MOHSEN DARWISH ourselves.” the explanations they received and our passion for biology, especially - “As a biology student, I was ERIC SEVAREID became more familiar and excited the immune system, to students privileged this year to have partici- about biology generally and the im- and maybe future scientists.” pated in Science Days. I found it mune system specifically! really beautiful how kids were ea- ger to learn about something new, Furthermore, the Club suc- and that I was part of the team, ceeded in making a great name assigned with giving them this “Christmas waves a magic for NDU, where students eagerly new knowledge. I felt that it was wand over this world, and participated in the little projects the important and interesting in the Club had to offer and took home sense that I felt a belonging to a behold, everything is softer with them NDU-branded pencils. hardworking scientific community. and more beautiful.” The Club’s passion for the common To add, it was just simply fun.” NORMAN VINCENT PEALE Joseph (front) and Romy (Back), preparing the playdough models of the different immune cells.

79 DECEMBER 2013

Obituaries

It is with deep regret and sorrow that we announce the deaths of the following individuals: socia l

- MR. LEONARD WILLIS, father of Dr. Mary-Angela Willis, Acting Dean, Faculty of Humanities;

- MR. VICTOR RIZK, brother of Mr. Elias Rizk and uncle of Mrs Nancy Rizk Diab;

- NDU student MS. NATASHA KHALIL;

- The mother of Miss. Elite Feghaly (SYLVIE), Administrative Assistant – Library;

- ISSAM NASSIF, brother of Fr. George Nassif;

- JEANETTE, mother of Ms. Rita Orfali, Admissions, and Mr. Charbel Orfali, PT Member Shouf Campus;

- MR. GEORGE Y. SFEIR, brother of Mr. Antoine Sfeir, part-time member at the Faulty of Humanities;

- SANA’ HENRI MELKI, sister of Mr. Habib Melki – full-time member and ex-Dean, FAAD BIRTHS

May all the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace. We are happy to announce the birth of Carelle Akiki (Friday, August 2, 2013). Carelle is the daughter of Brigitta Kassis Akiki, Web Developer, Division of Com- puting Services and e-Learning Announcements Center at NDU. May God bestow his blessings on Carelle. The Assembly of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops in Lebanon in its 47th Session re-elected Fr. Fadi Bou Chebl for a third term as the Chaplain General of University Pastoral Work in Lebanon.

We congratulate Fr. Bou Chebl for this renewal of trust in his Ministry. We are proud of his successful work and thankful for his dedication to our youth.

SOCIAL ISSUE 59 80

OPINION AND CULTURE ISSUE 59 82 83 DECEMBER 2013

Architectural When designing on paper, one studios, architects can be crazy A Night To Design vs. Real- transcends gravitational reality, enough to express their deepest Remember floating in a world without gravi- desires. In reality, however, dif- Life Experience ty—a world where everything is ferent elements are taken into

JOE CHAMMA TURE possible. While in reality, things consideration, and that is where TERRY BITAR change. Different concepts should the constraints start. The budget be taken into consideration. Noth- and the context, and many other “Class of nineteen ninety-sev- When a person decides to en- ing can be achieved as perfectly elements are to be considered. It en, you may now raise your caps!” ter into the field of architecture, drawn on paper. is high time to teach aspiring and I dreamed to hear these words we intend to teach him/her all the young Bachelor architects what ar- during the Commencement Cer- steps necessary to become in- When applying the design in chitecture really is about, because emony at the American Academy sane—not in the bad sense of the reality, many factors have to be it differs in all dimensions! Nicosia (AAN), Cyprus. It was not Joe Chamma posing in front of the Class word, rather how to become in- considered such as the context. to be; however, as I was set to re- of 1999 AAN Reunion poster. sanely creative. One learns how to For instance, the ground type (dif- turn to Lebanon in July 1993 for a

be crazy, inspired, open-minded, fering from rigid soil to unstable) different life. Tears filled my eyes OPINION AND CU L and imaginative. New students has to be considered. We could as the plane took off for Beirut, are encouraged to tap into and be designing applicable elements knowing that I would miss all my express the deepest recesses of with structures and everything friends and wondering if I would their imaginations. that goes along with it, while the ever see them again. soil pressure and capacity is not For the first few years, archi- defined. When defining these In my past articles, I have men- tecture seemed like a free and constraints it will definitely change tioned how I embarked on a quest creative design field, where ev- the structure. (It will change the to relocate my old classmates erything — and I mean everything type of structure used and/or may- from the AAN. My trips back to — was possible. Nothing was im- be change the calculation; thus, Cyprus started in 2012 with the possible! We created generated needing a bigger and/or more Lebanese Judo Federation and The entire Class of 1999 at the AAN concepts that were “relatively” structure.) So the design on paper continued in 2013. Now that most celebrating the reunion. adequate to what we produced is mainly affected by the contex- Terry has a Bachelor’s degree in of my classmates and I are regu- and, we were tempted to believe tual constraints such as soil, sun, Architecture from NDU. larly in touch via social networks that we understood the “creative” wind, climate, etc. such as Facebook and Twitter, it The luggage later arrived on an walk. Later, I found out that Tyler, approach that we followed. was about time that we all planned evening flight and was sent to me my classmate’s son was also into Not only is context a constraint, a “Class of 1997 Reunion.” to the Asty Hotel in Nicosia where judo, so I became interested and For me, Architecture is a lit- rather the whole application in re- I was staying. went with Georgia to watch him eral insanity! When I started, ev- ality differs. While drawing some- Planning for the reunion started train. After the class, I had a small erything seemed colorful. I used thing on AutoCAD, we think that back in 2011, but an exact date was My old classmate, Vasilis Kou- chat with Tyler’s trainer, Sensei to generate models, using differ- the application is as simple as the never set. In 2013, we planned it faris, had organized to send me a Spyros Spyrou, who is also the ent colors and ideas. Everything drawing; rather in reality, the en- right this time. The date was finally driver to take me from the airport Cyprus Team National Coach. seemed so nice, as if we were liv- tire conceptual approach takes on set for a Friday evening on Septem- to the Asty Hotel, while another ing in a Utopian paradise. new factors such as time, cost, ber 13, 2013. When the date was old classmate, Stallo Hinnis, had Finally, the big day arrived. Me- space, etc. The parts drawn will confirmed, I immediately booked booked a room at the hotel for lina Charalambous, who organized After the third year, however, shift from being a simple stroke of my flight to Cyprus through Nadia me. I spent the days before the re- the reunion, asked me to help Da- things began to change. We start- pen on paper to actual elements Travel. Everything was on course union with friends, either walking nae Apeitou at the entrance with the ed designing elements with struc- with sizes and shapes. That shift for a night to remember. around the capital or meeting at checklist. The reunion was held in ture. And that’s when the creative will have a cost that mainly tack- the hotel. The hotel organizes a the Baroque Lounge at the Cleopa- approach started to diminish in les another interesting approach, Leaving Beirut for Larnaca in Cypriot Open Buffet every week tra Hotel. Classmate after classmate terms of choices. The design took which is the financial aspect of the early hours of September 10, for all its current guests. I met a started to arrive. Seeing each other on meaning and the concept was the project. As many of us know, 2013, my heart started to beat nice group from Austria that night. again was a great joy for all present. more relevant to the architectural we live in a world ruled by money. faster as I wondered how I would I also met up with Andri Katsouri, It really was a special occasion. features. Then, I thought that I Thus, money is a main concern react upon seeing all my class- my former Cypriot neighbor, who had acquired everything I had to when it comes to economizing. mates, whom I had last seen in once lived in Lebanon for a short The evening began with a wel- learn, and I thought that I could Even some of the best architects 1993. While I was waiting for my time, and spent a great morning. come drink, followed by the request- design whatever I pleased. That in the world cannot achieve their luggage at Larnaca Airport, along ed buffet. I brought with me old was when I was received my first creative potential due to financial with a few other Lebanese, we While walking around Nicosia, class photos, which I enlarged espe- shock. I discovered for the first constraints. discovered that some of our bags I noticed a judo class in progress cially for the occasion, as everyone time that the things we design in were not on the plane. We in- through a window dojo. I had a enjoyed taking a trip down memory class could not be applied in real And that’s where things change formed the officials at the airport short look at the action inside from lane. The smiles clearly showed on life situations. in reality! On paper, in design and left for our respective hotels. the outside before continuing my our faces and the laughter echoed ISSUE 59 84 85 DECEMBER 2013 in our voices, as we were all caught The last two days were filled friends is special and they mean Has Technology Ruined the Joy of up with each other’s memories and with football, friends, and driving so much to me. Cyprus is truly an Christmas and Family Gatherings? news, which were many. around Larnaca, and visiting the island to keep in your heart. Ancient Kition, the Natural History MAROUN EL-RAYESS, CHRISTINE RAMBAJAN A DJ was present to provide Museum of Larnaca, Tomb of Saint I would especially like to thank entertainment, but only a few of Lazarus in a Byzantine Monastery, all my friends from the AAN; no- us, me included, got up to dance and finally swimming in the Cyprus tably, Melina Charalambous, for throughout the evening. The oth- sea. I also met up with George’s making the reunion possible; Stallo ers were busy socializing with boys, who kept the atmosphere Hinnis for booking me at the Asty each other while a group went alive before returning at the airport. Hotel,; Vasilis Koufaris; Georgia wild dancing on the dance floor. Jocson; Nick Panayiotou; Danae Our photographers for the evening I arrived early to the airport only Apeitou; Alex Michael, for keeping were Brendan Jocson and Geor- to hear that my flight has been de- an eye on me during my stay; the gia Jocson. Brendan got a little layed for an hour, which meant staff and management of the Asty drunk given his delight with the more time in Cyprus. I quickly fin- Hotel; Rikkos Pattichis; George reunion. After a special and magi- ished all the airport formalities and Troullias; Elias Boutros; Roni Bou cal evening, everyone started to passed through checkpoints, and Chebel; and Marie-Yvonne Aad. leave with a huge smile on his or sat waiting for my flight. Luckily, her face, and I returned to the Asty due to the delay, I met up again My final “thank you” goes out Hotel for my last night’s stay there. with Danae Apeitou at the airport to Dr. Simon Abou Joude and Mrs. before boarding the plane, as Rose Mady, who have both taught I had breakfast the next morn- she was also traveling. I was so me through working with them ing, and went up to my room to pleased to see her again. the importance of the Alumni Af- pack my luggage. Before check- fairs and the need for reunions. For ing out Nick Panayiotou passed by To recap, it was the most amaz- without this experience with them, and took me for a small drive to ing trip I have experienced in many I may not have been encouraged to Maroun El-Rayess buy a small souvenir. Vasilis also years, and it was well worth it. Of join my class reunion, which made passed by to see me, and as we course, I would visit Cyprus again. me see first-hand how beautiful decided to go and grab a cup of The bond I have with my Cypriot such reunions can really be. Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world and the Word made flesh, had coffee somewhere, the taxi driver the same needs and experienced the same emotions common to all hu- arrived to take me to Larnaca and man beings. The birth of Christ was humble. He is the Son of God, yet frustrated our plans. He was not born in a modern-day hospital but in a manger.

I said my goodbyes and thank Jesus lived His infancy and childhood as any ordinary child. Unlike yous and was off to Larnaca where today’s youth, however, Jesus did not possess a smartphone or laptop, I would spend the next three days He did not have a Facebook or Twitter account, yet His friends were in Cyprus. On the drive, I con- countless. Jesus did not go to a university, yet when He grew up, He tacted a friend, Rikkos Pattichis to had great knowledge and wisdom. "And the child grew and became see where we would meet. A few strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him" weeks before my visit to Cyprus, (Luke 2:40). Jesus was a hard worker, active, patient, and kind. He was Rikkos was in Lebanon for a Tae- respectful and obedient to his parents. Reminiscing old times. kwondo workshop organized by the Louaize Club. We celebrate Christmas in December to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is a holy season filled with joy and family gatherings. I met up with Rikkos, toured Lar- Today, however, technology has taken over our lives and is negatively naca, and had lunch with him and affecting the joy of Christmas and the way we once celebrated with our his wife, Maria. Rikkos was so kind families. In previous decades, when people were less distracted by Christine Rambajan to take me to another friend, George their smartphones, iPads, iPods, or laptops, they used to gather around Troullias. George was preparing for the newborn child almost every night during the Holy season and sing a fundraising festival event that day with joy and happiness. and wanted me to help him out with it. George had set up an astronomy Nowadays, youngsters have no control over the rapid rate of tech- stand. It was a great event-filled day. nological advancement. They compete to own the latest technology but After the event, George took me to never compete to sit with their parents on Christmas Eve. Their mission a Cypriot tavern called Kokos Tavern is focused on constantly staying connected with their friends, sharing Pervolia. I made few friends at the pictures, thoughts, and moments with the entire world. Their fear of event and at the tavern. being disconnected has led them to forget that there are people a Joe Chamma, wearing his old AAN school tie, with old classmates. ISSUE 59 86 87 DECEMBER 2013

stone’s throw away who care about them and love them more than The 11th Anniversary Session of the anyone else in the world. World Public Forum “Dialogue of The youth have become obsessed with technology and their addiction Civilizations” – WPF/DC has led them to develop new phobias. They use their mobiles while TURE eating, drinking, and even driving to the point where one might FR. BOULOS WEHBE mistakenly assume that the device is an extension of their body. Their minds are always distracted, planning for the entire week ahead and For the eighth year in a row, I was invited to partake in the 11th sometimes the entire month! They no longer know how it feels to sit Public Forum of the World Public Forum “Dialogue of Civilizations,” without holding their devices. They consciously sit with their parents but which is held annually in Rhodes, Greece. This Forum gathers thinkers, are unconsciously far away from them. They have mastered the art of intellectuals, clergy, politicians, professionals, and the like from many online chatting but have lost that same art of chatting face to face and countries and faiths of the world to discuss and deliberate on issues socializing with family and friends within their midst. that the world faces or issues that are important for the current and future status of the world. This year, around 550 people from around 65

At this blessed and Holy time of the year, let us all reflect on the reason countries were present, three from Lebanon included. Participants vary OPINION AND CU L for this joyous season and appreciate our loved ones around us. Let us each year, some of them are repeatedly invited, such as myself, while celebrate Christmas away from everything that distracts us from being others are selected according to a screening process, which prompts present with the ones we love. Let us reflect on how humble the life of the organizers to re-invite old participants or choose new ones. Jesus was and practice His modesty among ourselves. The Forum meets in plenary sessions as well in working-group ses- WE WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY, SAFE, AND JOYFUL CHRISTMAS. sions, which are organized according to topic or focus. The topics range from politics and economics to religion, global ethics, or specified issues of special interest. This year, one of the novel features was a workshop on “Religious Minorities in the Middle East and Africa,” which I was asked to moderate. I objected to the use of the term “religious minorities,” stating my opinion in my written intervention, and called for dealing with the Chris- tians in those counties as citizens and an integral part of their make-up.

The annual Forum is a meeting place and an excellent opportunity for debate and encounter. The WPF/DC is branching out to many countries and areas around the world, with its International Central Committee (ICC) based in Vienna, Austria. I recently had the privilege to be selected as a Member of the ICC, which I consider an honor for my University and country - a Forum to which our President Fr. Walid Moussa had been invited to and attended more than once. I have called for, with his Editor’s Note: These beautiful illustrations by Maroun el-Rayess are creative and approval, to establish a link between the WPF/DC and Notre Dame Uni- inspiring. Great work, Maroun! We versity –Louaize (NDU). I will try to work for this to happen. encourage all aspiring artists at NDU to contact NDU Spirit if they have any works they would like to publish in future issues. ISSUE 59 88 89 DECEMBER 2013

T he Shepherds and shepherds do, and the Magi were Third, both groups experienced St. Joseph's First Washington Street, whose markets the Magi – A Com- star worshipers. light, for Christ said that He was Maronite Church offered the burgeoning community the light of the world. Luke says a pathway for trade. By the turn of mon Narrative Our Lord spoke to the shep- that “the glory of the Lord shone Cornerstone in the 20th century, the Americans herds while they were shepherd- around them” (Luke 2:9), and the the U.S.A named this Lower Manhattan area TURE FR. BOULOS WEHBE ing, and spoke to Magi through one way of the Magi was illuminated by Uncovered Among “Little Syria.” It is necessary to of the stars they worshiped. God the light of the star, which is today the Ruins of the mention that the Syria of the 19th Today the Virgin gives birth to speaks to us from within our lives, proven scientifically to have been a World Trade century corresponded to the Siryak Him who is above all being, and the because He is present in every de- comet. It is this light, which we are Center Civilization more commonly known earth offers a cave to Him whom tail and moment of it, and uses our called to experience in the midst of in Arabic as Bilad al-Suriyanne. no man can approach. Angels with own experiences to elevate us to our daily affairs, not necessarily in DR. GEORGES LABAKI country under the shadow of shepherds give glory, and Magi jour- Him from within the mundane and a hermitage or any remote place. the Statue of Liberty, St. Joseph ney with a star. For unto us is born ordinary. In the case of the shep- being the first Maronite Church Little Syria, “Too many fragments of a young Child, the pre-eternal God. herds, He interjected into their Fourth, both were filled with established in the United States Manhattan the spirit have I scattered in 1

routine affairs, while in the case awe; the Magi “worshipped Him” of America. OPINION AND CU L Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, of the Magi, He used a star, similar (Mathew 2:11) and “the shep- these streets…” – has shone upon the world with to those which they encountered herds returned, glorifying and Gibran Khalil Gibran (1883-1931) Resting near the docks on the Maronites, along with other the light of knowledge: for thereby every day, to point them to Him. praising God for all they had heard Lower West Side of Manhattan, immigrants from the Middle East, they who adored the stars through and seen” (Luke 2:20). Any per- St. Joseph’s was once a vibrant settled in Lower Manhattan in a star were taught to worship Thee, son who is not filled with awe in and lively ground for the Maroni- large numbers in Little Syria from the Sun of Righteousness, and to being with our Savior is a person te community where freshly ar- the late 1880s to the 1940s. know Thee the Dayspring from on who should strive to rise from riving new Maronite immigrants Little Syria stretched from Bat- high. O Lord, glory to Thee. where he or she is and experience to America gathered. New York tery Place up to Cedar Street and the presence and work of God in was the gateway through which from Trinity Place to West Street, (From the Nativity Liturgy in the his or her daily affairs. God, after immigrants entered the United with Washington Street, serving Orthodox Church) all, as a recent book described States. Beginning in 1856 with as the Main Street of Lebanese Him, “is the God of small things,” the arrival of Antonios Bechalany immigrants. This Middle East- The Gospels according to and it is in the mundane where He to America, immigrants, mostly ern enclave overlapped with the Mathew and Luke are the only works most. All the signs of our Christians from Mount Lebanon or site of the World Trade Center. two gospels that recount aspects Lord were done in this domain. the Ottoman wilayats (administra- It declined as a neighborhood or parts of the Nativity Story of tive districts) in the Middle East, as its ethnic population, includ- our Savior, though each of the two Fifth, and perhaps not last, began arriving in New York, lured ing Maronites, became success- mentions narratives that the other the Magi and the shepherds both by the promise of a better future in ful and gradually moved to other does not. Mathew tells of Magi, “returned” to their abodes after America. Once clearing the immi- areas, especially Atlantic Avenue worshipers of the stars and planets, witnessing the wondrous birth of gration process on Ellis Island, the in Brooklyn, and disappeared who were guided unto the man- our Lord—a birth that itself took Maronites and other immigrants when most of Lower Washington ger where the Infant Jesus was place in the mundane, in a man- from the Middle East headed to Street was demolished to build born (though no number is given of ger. A person who experiences In October 2002, rescue work- those Magi, contrary to popular be- the presence of the Redeemer in ers working in clearing away the Selling cool drinks in the Syrian Quarter lief that they were three). Luke, on Second, both were faithful to- Him is called to go to his or her en- rubble of the World Trade Center Library Of Congress the other hand, speaks of an angel ward which they were engaged tourage and to become a transmit- made a phenomenal discovery. of the Lord (and the word angel, an- in – being shepherding or star ter of this experience —not only a The rescue workers extracted gelos in Greek means messenger), worship. I believe that this is a transmitter, but also a messenger, from the ruins of the September appearing to shepherds at night, vital condition, which the Lord de- for, in the Biblical sense, the word 11 attacks the cornerstone of St. heralding the birth of a “savior.” mands from those He is engaged messenger denotes “that who is Joseph's Maronite Church, which with. Our Lord abides in clean identical [in orientation and fervor] bore the following inscription: There may seem little in com- hearts, in ready minds. Our Lord to the one who sent him.” As the Sancti Josephi Ecclesia Maronita mon between the two narratives, did not ask them for certificates commemoration of the nativity of Catholica Romana (St. Joseph Ro- though I claim otherwise, and I will of doctrinal belief or for their af- our Lord approaches, are we ready man Catholic Maronite Church). venture to cite these commonalities. filiation. The Magi were star wor- to have Him be instilled in us, as He The cornerstone was from the shipers, people who were not became flesh in the womb of the St. Joseph’s Maronite Church, First, both groups were en- monotheistic in their belief, yet he Virgin, and be born from among us originally located on Washington gaged in something very ordi- used a very star they worshiped and given to the world, as He was Street in Lower Manhattan, and nary, pertaining to their normal to point them to Him. The shep- given by her to mankind? then moved to Cedar Street, a few daily affairs: The shepherds were herds were vigilantly watchful, blocks away. This discovery was a “keeping watch over their flock by and He used their vigilance to at- This is the message of the shep- reminder of the great history of the night” (Luke 2:8), which is what tract them to Him. herds and of the Magi. Maronite Odyssey in Uncle Sam’s

1 Dr. Georges Labaki, History of the Maronites of the United States, NDU, University Press, 1993. ISSUE 59 90 91 DECEMBER 2013

the entrance ramps to the Brook- dents such as Gibran Khalil Gibran in Manhattan. the daughter of Ghattas Faris lyn-Battery Tunnel. Relics of old New York. At Battery Place. Homes of and Ameen Rihani, who were be- The official name of the church Matar from Arbaniyeh, Lebanon, Greeks and Syrians, ca. 1930 hind the revival of Arab Literature was Saint Joseph Maronite Catho- and Afeefi Alhilweh. Fr. Khairallah The overwhelming majority Museum of the City of New York and who both wrote in English and lic Church. In a letter to the Ma- Stephen performed the baptism of the residents of the enclave Arabic, championing religious plu- ronite Patriarch, Father Korkmaz on May 19, 1906, and the first TURE were Christians from the Middle rality and freedom. informed his Beatitude that he marriage was that of Frederic Cu- East. They lived on Washington was providing spiritual services nard and Miriam Rouhana, which Street to the south of the site of By the 1920s, the Lebanese- for the Maronites of New York. the same priest performed on Oc- the World Trade Center, where American community began to The first Maronite marriage in the tober 15, 1910. they established there business- move to the Atlantic Avenue area church was celebrated on Sep- es and churches, namely, the St. of Brooklyn. The declines in the tember 5, 1890, between Saseen The Maronites then living Joseph Maronite Church and the Middle Eastern population in- Daher from Beskinta, Lebanon, in Brooklyn were mostly from St. George Chapel of the Melkite creased after World War II. About and Suzanne Mosallem. The first Aleppo, while the Maronites in Rite. In addition to the Lebanese, all that survives today with con- Maronite baptism was that of Manhattan were predominantly

many other ethnic groups lived in nection to the old neighborhood Miriam, daughter of Salim Elias, from Lebanon. The urban planning OPINION AND CU L this diverse neighborhood, includ- is the six-story building at 105-107 on November 23, 1890; however, renovation projects in Manhattan ing Greeks, Armenians, Slovaks, Washington Street. When the cor- it was indicated that this baptism forced Maronites to begin moving Poles, Hungarians, Lithuanians, nerstone was laid for this build- took place in a Latin Church. The from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Ukrainians, Czechs, etc. ing in 1925, the New York Times next baptism, the first to be held in wrote, “Wall Street financiers Saint Joseph’s Maronite Church, Meanwhile, on April 13, 1904, In 1899, around 3,000 Leba- rubbed elbows with Nordic, Slav, was that of Miriam, daughter of Fr. Francis Wakim arrived to minis- nese residents lived in the Lower and Levantine neighbors in color- Abdullah Chamoun, on February ter to the Maronites of St. Joseph. ful crowds, which packed Wash- 22, 1891. As of 1893, Fr. Gabriel It was agreed that Fr. Wakim ington Street.” Korkmaz and Fr. Stephen Kork- would be in charge in New York Manhattan area. A reporter de- maz, Fr. Boutros Korkmaz’s neph- City while Monsignor Khairallah scribed them as immigrants who did The construction of the Brook- ews joined him and began swiftly Stephen become the Pastor of the not "leave all their quaint customs, lyn-Battery Tunnel approach traveling across the United States Maronites in Brooklyn. Fr. Wakim garments, ways of thinking at and Battery Parking Garage led to provide spiritual service for the opened a parish school on June home," nor did they become "or- to destruction of the remain- Maronites and to establish other 22, 1909, to teach Arabic. dinary American citizens," but in- ing residences and stores. The Maronite parishes. stead "just enough of their traits, construction of the World Trade On March 16, 1910, the Ma- dress, ideas remain, no matter how Center dealt the final blow to the In 1900, Fr. Boutros Korkmaz ronite community of St. Joseph long they have been here, to give neighborhood. returned to Lebanon. During the Church purchased at auction the the colonies they form spice and a same year, Fr. Khairallah Este- property located at 57-59 Wash- touch of novelty." Noting "a number phen arrived in New York as the ington Street, Manhattan for of amazingly pretty girls," a reporter new pastor of Saint Joseph’s US$60,250, of which US$42,000 described Little Syria near the turn St. Joseph- Church, which had moved by that was to be in the form of a mort- of the 20th Century as a mix of so- Manhattan, the time to 81 Washington Street, gage carried by the estate. cial classes.2 First Maronite Manhattan. In 1902, Fr. Ste- Church in America phen raised US$600 to which he The Maronite population of Little Syria was an enclave in added US$2,000 from his own Manhattan, however, was de- the New World where Lebanese purse to purchase a large brown- creasing as the immigrants pros- first peddled goods, opened their In 1889, the Maronite Patriarch stone house at 293-295 Hicks pered and moved out of the area. own stores on which they wrote Yuhanna el-Hage requested per- Street in Brooklyn to create a By World War II, St. Joseph’s had their own names, and published mission from the Apostolic See in second church for the Maronite a very small congregation of Ma- many newspapers. In 1898, Rome to investigate the condition community, which had moved to ronites in the immediate neighbor- Naoum and Salloum Mokarzel cre- of the growing numbers of Ma- Brooklyn. The Certificate of Incor- hood of the church, and was what ated the publication Al-Hoda (The ronite immigrants, who settled in poration of “The Roman Catholic the parish priest called a “candle Guidance), the first Arabic news- America. Accordingly, Fr. Boutros Church of Our Lady of Lebanon” factory,” because during the Holy paper in America. “Several other Korkmaz arrived in New York on was recorded in the Office of the Week thousands of English-speak- newspapers were published in- August 3, 1890. He resided first at Clerk of King’s County on March 3, ing Latin Rite business people in cluding the Syrian World, an Eng- Saint John’s College at Fordham 1903. Spiritual services started in the area were attending religious lish-language journal headquar- University, and then moved to 8 Brooklyn in 1904. The church was ceremonies. The Lebanon Restaurant, 88 Washington tered on Lower Greenwich Street. Carlisle Street in Manhattan. After located on the main floor while the Street (1936) raising some meager funds, he rectory was in the first floor. The On February 5, 1946, the City New York Public Library Furthermore, the neighbor- opened a church in a rented mod- first baptism at the Brooklyn par- of New York acquired title to the hood included many talented resi- est hall on 127 Washington Street ish was that of Adele Faris Matar, 57 Washington Street property,

2 Little Syria, Wikipedia, accessed on December 12, 2013. ISSUE 59 92

for the construction of the Brook- in America. The Bishop of the Ma- lyn Battery Tunnel. St. Joseph’s ronite Church in the Eastern Unit- Church was moved again to the ed States, Gregory Mansour, has property located at 157 Cedar offered to allow the Museum to Street (the corner of Cedar Street display the cornerstone of St. Jo- and the West Side Highway). Mon- seph’s so long as the “vibrant life signor Wakim paid US$250,000 of the congregation and commu- for the property to make it suit- nity is also shown and noted. He able for worshiping. The new St. said, “The absence of any men- Joseph Church was open to wor- tion of ‘Little Syria’ could be seen shipers by May of 1949. as discriminatory and as a lost op- portunity to communicate essen- Meanwhile, back in Brooklyn, tial, sustaining values of New York Chorbishop Khairallah Stephen City and the United States.” returned to Lebanon in 1928 and was succeeded by his nephew, Fr. Mansour Stephen. On De- cember 8, 1943, Fr. Mansour Stephen purchased the former Congregational Church of the Pil- grims located at the Northeast Notes corner of Henry Street and Rem- References | sen Street in Brooklyn Heights, 1 . abcde Dunlap, David W. "When an Arab Enclave Thrived for US$70,000.00. The Maronites Downtown", The New York Times, August 24, 2010. officially took possession of the Accessed August 25, 2010. property on February 9, 1944, the 2 . O'Brien, Jane and Botti, David. "Altered States: Preserving Feast of Saint Maron. Our Lady of New York City's 'Little Syria'" BBC News Magazine Lebanon Church and the Brooklyn (7 February 2012) parish flourished throughout the 3 . (July 14, 2009) 1950s and 1960s. 4 . Childe, Cromwell. "New York's Syrian Quarter", The New York Times, August 20, 1899. Accessed August 25, 2010. 5 . "City Room: Little Syria (Now Tiny Syria) Finds New On the other hand, Bishop Advocates" New York Times (January 1, 2012) Francis Zayek sold the St. Joseph 6 . Federal Writers' Project. (1939) New York City Guide. Maronite Church to the Latin Dio- New York: Random House. ISBN 0-403-02921-X (Reprinted cese of New York on April 28, by Scholarly Press, 1976; often referred to as WPA Guide to 1969, putting an end to the great David W. Dunlap/The New York Times New York City), pp.76-77; Two other sections of New York Maronite epoch in New York City. were singled out as particularly Syrian in 1939, "the Syrian shops and coffee houses with their Arabic signs, on Atlantic Avenue" in South Brooklyn (p.463) and "a small Arabian and The need to Syrian quarter" on Thatford Avenue near Belmont in acknowledge a Brownsville, Brooklyn (p.498). great history In the aftermath of the Sep- tember 11 attacks, the National September 11 Memorial and Mu- seum at the World Trade Center had integrated the history of life in the surrounding area along with various objects found in the rubble. The Memorial Center, however, refused to include any reference to the Lebanese and Middle Eastern neighborhood or St. Joseph’s. A big campaign is currently underway to acknowl- edge this great Lebanese history ISSUE 59 94 95 DECEMBER 2013

David W. Dunlap/The New York Times Carl Antoun

Here is a story of a typical David W. Dunlap/The New York David W. Dunlap/The New York Times In the vestibule of Our Lady of Lebanese business in Lower Man- Times 105-107 Washington Street Lebanon Maronite Cathedral, 113 Remsen Street, in Brooklyn Heights, is the hattan: “Ganim & Sadallah was a cornerstone of St. Joseph’s Maronite Church from Little Syria. business in Little Syria at the turn of the 20th Century. Tanus Sadal- Mr. Antoun was born in 1991, as a miniature historic district.”3 non Maronite Cathedral in Brooklyn lah's great-grandson, Carl Antoun, a full century after his forebear ar- Heights, where the cornerstone of St. is leading an effort to preserve rived in Manhattan. But he talks Finally, for Msgr. James A. Joseph’s is displayed, and this discov- what is left of the downtown en- about Little Syria as if he can recall Root, rector of Our Lady of Leba ery are a sign that God is still present.” David W. Dunlap/The New York Times clave. In 1891, Yusuf Sadallah ar- it himself. “I always get a deep chill rived in Lower Manhattan from down my spine,” he said the other the town of Baskinta, in the part day outside what used to be St. of the Ottoman Empire that is now George’s, near Rector Street. The Lebanon. Going by the name of Jo- building’s facade was designed by seph Sadallah, he set up a trading a Lebanese-American draftsman, shop on Washington Street, where Harvey F. Cassab; the church is other immigrants from the Levant now an official landmark. — Syrians, Lebanese and Palestin- ians — had created a vibrant Arab “I kind of freeze in time,” said quarter known as Little Syria.” Mr. Antoun, a junior at St. Francis College in Brooklyn. “In the back of Other villagers who had jour- my mind, I envision peddlers from neyed to New York had let those here down to the water. I see tene- in Baskinta know: “There’s a great ments, with mothers screaming out place to make money; you don’t to their children to come to dinner.” have to worry about the Turks col- lecting taxes or drafting you into He has a lively imagination. the Turkish army” — or words to that effect, said Mr. Sadallah’s In recent years, the building housed great-great-grandson, Carl Anthony the True Buddha Diamond Temple. Houck Jr., who goes by Carl Antoun It is now empty. It is owned by Pink to emphasize his Lebanese roots. Stone Capital Group, which also owns a cleared site, 111 Washing- Mr. Antoun’s great-grandfather, ton Street, at Carlisle Street, where Antonio J. Sadallah, whose name it is planning a tower more than 50 at birth was Tanus, ran the family stories tall, with rental apartments business — importing and export- and stores. The company has not ing dry goods, notions and jew- announced its plans for the 105- elry — at several locations along 107 Washington Street parcel. Washington Street. Much of their trade was with Central and South The old community house and America. The family has kept some a tenement at No.109 are buildings Demolition on Greenwich Street of the calling cards, ledgers, invoic- that Mr. Antoun, together with Todd April 18, 1947 es, correspondence and ephemera Fine and Norah Arafeh, would like to Museum of the City of New York from the early 20th century. see preserved, alongside St. George’s,

3 Dunlap, David. "An Effort to Save the Remnants of a Dwindling Little Syria" The New York Times. (January 2, 2012) p. A18. Retrieved December 3, September 2013 ISSUE 59 96 97 DECEMBER 2013

Fall 2013 Spiritual Retreat

FADIA EL-HAGE TURE In keeping with our annual tradition, each semester the Administration Poor Clares, which is a religious end the conflicts of the Crusades. After the introduction to St. Francis’ life, we were given a half hour cof- of Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) invites the community to attend order for women, as well as the Hereafter, the Franciscan Order fee break, and resumed the next part of activities, which in this case was a spiritual retreat. This year, Fr. Fadi Bou Chebl, the University Chaplain Order of Brothers and Sisters of had grown to such an extent that the screening of a documentary film about the life of two priests of the General, decided to invite us to the Capuchin Order, so as to get better Penance or the Third Order. its primitive organizational struc- Order: Fr. Thomas Saleh (1879-1917), and Fr. Leonard Melki (1881-1915). acquainted with other Orders in the Catholic Church. ture was no longer sufficient. He St. Francis spirituality stated four returned to Italy to organize the Both men were from Baabdat, and were sent to St. Stephano, Turkey, On December 7, at around 9:15 a.m., we arrived at the Monastery of steps to unite/become one spirit Order. In 1223, Francis arranged to begin their studies as brothers in the Order. In 1904, they were St. Antoine de Padou, a part of the Capuchin Order, in Baabdat. We were with Jesus Christ: for the first Christmas manger ordained priests, and were sent to Mardine in Turkey to preach and about 100 persons. Fr. Majed Moussa, the priest responsible for the re- scene. In 1224, he was the first serve the Christians. They then served several places in Turkey. Lat-

treatants and Member of the Capuchin Supreme Council, welcomed us - Jesus Christ became flesh and recorded person to bear the er on in 1914, WWI started, and they were captured, tortured, and OPINION AND CU L and explained to us about the Capuchin Franciscan Order. loved us; he was born in a wounds of Christ's Passion. He commanded to renounce their faith, but they did not. They were mar- poor nativity and loved us unto died on October 3, 1226, while lis- tyred in 1915 and 1917 respectively. The Catholic Church is currently St. Francis of Assisi (Italian: San Francesco d'Assisi), born Giovanni Death; tening to a reading of Psalm 140. studying the files of the priests martyred during wars, and will soon di Pietro di Bernardone, and nicknamed Francesco (meaning the French- - Jesus Christ was glorified in beatify them. man), was born in 1182, and passed away in 1226. He was an Italian glory and justice; On July 16, 1228, Pope Greg- Catholic preacher. He founded the Men's Order of Friars Minor; the Wom- - Jesus Christ is present in the ory IX proclaimed him a saint. St. Around noon, The Superior General of Maronite Order of the Holy Vir- en’s Order of St. Clare; and the Third Order of Saint Francis for men and Holy Eucharist; Francis is known as the patron gin Mary, Fr. Boutros Tarabay arrived unexpectedly and greeted us. We women who were unable to live the lives of itinerant preachers followed - Jesus Christ is born in our saint of animals, the environment, later celebrated Holy Mass with Fr. Fadi Bou Chebl and Fr. Ziad Antoun. by the Order of Capuchin Friars Minor of the Capuchin Poor Clares. hearts and we became and is one of the two patron saints During Mass, we were each asked to choose a name among those in faithful to Him. of Italy (with Catherine of Siena). the group and pray for this individual during the following week. Francis' father was Pietro di Bernardone, a wealthy silk merchant. Fran- The Catholic Church observes Oc- cis lived his life as a typical prosperous young man, even fighting as a Both St. Francis and Padre Pio tober 4 as Feast Day. He is also We were then invited to a delicious lunch at the monastery. We left soldier for Assisi. In 1204, he was heading to war and had a vision that suffered great pains to unite with known for his love of the Eucha- around 2:30 p.m. armed with important information to help us improve directed him back to Assisi, where he lost his taste for worldly life. In Jesus Christ and attain a pure rist, his sorrow during the Stations our daily lives. Rome, he joined the poor in begging at St. Peter's Basilica, and this ex- and innocent spirit. of the Cross, and for the creation perience moved him to live in poverty. Francis returned home and be- of the Christmas Nativity Scene. MAY JESUS CHRIST BE BORN IN YOUR HEARTS ALWAYS. gan preaching, and followers began to abide with his sermons. Pope In 1219, St. Francis traveled Francis was one of the most reli- Innocent III authorized his Order in 1210. He then founded the Order of to Egypt to convert the Sultan to gious figures in history. WISHING EACH OF YOU A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The retreatants at the Monastery of St. Antoine de Padou (Capuchin Order).

Fadia el-Hage in the Monastery’s church. ISSUE 59 98 99 DECEMBER 2013

World Expo 2020 potential partnerships, ultimately characterized by ethnic features and Central gathering space of the Dubai World Dubai: resulting in a legacy of innovation. was awarded a gold prize. The Expo Expo 2020. does not include any direct transac- “Connecting tion, a practice that was inherited by Minds, Creating Select History of the following Expos. The 1851 Expo the Future” the World Expo was held in Hyde Park in London. The pavilion was constructed with COMPILED BY M.N. To some extent, the Industrial steel and glass curtain, so it was call Revolution gave birth to the mod- the “Crystal Palace”. Biggest, tallest, largest are just ern World Expo, as the original some of the adjectives that best intent of the World Expo is to dis- The 1900 Exposition Uni- describe Dubai's ambitious strides. play the achievements of different verselle in Paris was called the Dubai’s victory in winning the right countries’ Industrial Revolution. “Evaluation of a Century”, which to host the World Expo in the year The 1851 London World Expo is inherited the technology-centered 2020 under the theme “Connect- universally recognized as the first tradition of the Expo and displayed ing Minds, Creating the Future” is modern World Expo, which was the technological achievements of a remarkable achievement. called the “Great Exhibition of the the 19th century. The Expo attract- Works of Industry of All Nations.” ed an unprecedented audience of It was the fruit of a nearly two- 48.10 million, exceeding the num- year-long campaign led by some Ten countries were invited to ber of visitors in previous Expos of Dubai’s most dynamic public participate in the 160-day event, by far. At this Expo, the event officials that included both a logis- which attracted over 6.3 million visi- reached its peak compared to the tics and infrastructure plan as well tors. At the exposition, China exhib- Expos in the 19th century, which as a strategic vision of the Expo as ited its Yung Kee Silk, which was were mainly about the Industrial a place to connect the best minds from across the world to tackle Revolution. After that, the impact pos. Firstly, for the first time in his- in progress. The theme of the some of the globe’s biggest chal- of the Industrial Revolution on the tory, the Expo was explicitly given Expo was “A Worldview - A New lenges. Expo weakened, and technology a theme – “Century of Progress”. Humanism,” which symbolized a began to fade out of the center of Henceforth, every Expo has an of- shift of emphasis from technolo- Dubai has a long history of fa- the Expo. The Exposition Univer- ficially declared theme. Secondly, gy-centered ideas to humanism. cilitating connections and pioneer- selle in 1900 was a turning point in it started the history of large cor- This shift is reflected by a sym- ing new ideas and Dubai Expo the history of the Expo, and such a porations building pavilions in bol of that Expo – the Atomium, 2020 would be no different, with success was not seen during the the Expo Site. The Expo allowed which was a gigantic structural a predicted 70 percent of the ex- first half of the 20th century. The large corporations, including mo- model of atoms, representing hu- pected 25 million visitors originat- world famous landmark, the Eiffel tor companies like GM, Ford and man being’s use of atomic energy ing from outside the host nation, Tower originated from the Paris in a safe and peaceful way. making it the most international World Exposition. It was the re- event in the history of Expo. Ariel view of the proposed site for the Dubai flection of modernism in the build- Japan was a defeated country It would therefore provide a World Expo 2020. ing at the end of the 19th century. in the World War II and began to unique platform for the global It was also recorded in the world focus on economic development community to come together and city development history as the and national revival when the war explore creative and pioneering 1970 Osaka Expo, Japan. highest building. ended. In June 1964, the Japa- solutions to the three subthemes, nese government decided to bid which have been identified as key The 1933 Chicago Expo was to host the 1970 Osaka Expo, and drivers of global development: another significant event in the was granted the right to host the course of the Expo’s Develop- event in September 1965. The • Sustainability - lasting ment. The Expo was held at a his- Osaka Expo drew 76 countries and sources of energy and water; toric time when America was be- Chrysler, to establish dedicated four international organizations to ginning to recover from the Great pavilions, a practice welcomed by participate in the exhibition and 64 • Mobility - smart systems of Depression of the 1930s and Chi- both entrepreneurs and visitors. million visitors to attend the event logistics and transportation; cago was celebrating the 100th – the largest number of visitor in anniversary of its foundation. In The 1958 Brussels Expo was the history of the Expo by now. • Opportunity - new paths to all, 47 countries participated in the the first World Exposition after the The Expo greatly improved the economic development. exhibition and 38.30 million peo- World War II, which was held at development of transportation, ple attended the event. This Expo a time when people were rebuild- high-end residential communities, The focus will be on exploring their also featured two creations, which ing their homes on the debris of business facilities, tourism and interdependencies and identifying were inherited by the following Ex war and reestablishing their faith cultural exchange facilities in Osa- ISSUE 59 100 101 DECEMBER 2013

ka, fostered the rise of the Osaka- Britain's Crystal Palace of 1851 was a centered city cluster of the Kansai milestone in technology. region, and therefore played a sig- nificant role in the development and distribution of Japan’s national TURE economy. The 1970 Osaka Expo was also the first World Expo held in an Asian country.

In 1988, BIE (Bureau of Inter- national Expositions) reclassified the World Expo into registered expositions and recognized expo- Ariel view of the proposed site for sitions according to nature, scale, the Dubai World Expo 2020.

and exhibition period. OPINION AND CU L

A registered exposition (origi- nally Universal Expositions) is a comprehensive exposition under a certain theme at the pavilion built by the participating country and lasts not more than six months without any area limitation for the site. While a recognized exposition (originally Specialized Exposition) highlights professionalism like ecol- ogy, meteorology, environment protection, science and technol- ogy, chemical engineering, medi- The 1900 Exposition Universelle, Paris. Expo 2010 Shanghai, China. cine, ocean, information, urban construction, traffic and transporta- tion, food and horticulture and lasts The numerous wars of the past human society. This Expo was a less than three months at a site of century intensified people’s long- global supportive program with not more than 25 hectares, where ing for peace. Therefore, people profound impact that was based Editor’s Note: pavilions are provided by the host from around the world viewed the on a recurring concept: water and country for free to the participating World Expo as a bridge towards sustainability. Although we are proud of country. It has been stipulated that eradicating misunderstanding, im- Dubai for its advancement and a registered exposition will be held proving relationships and resolv- The organizers of Expo in the vision, and wish the country the for at least every five years from ing contradictions. 21st century wish to, through the best of luck, we are at the same The 1958 Brussels Expo. 1995 and it is allowable for a rec- use of rich means of exhibition, time sad for our nation. Lebanon ognized exposition between two Based on the above ideas, review the process of how people was once considered the hub of registered ones. It will be at least when considering the scope of are using wisdom and technology innovation, modernism, learn- 15 years before a country hosts an theme, the serious organizer of to reconnect themselves with na- ing, and tourism in the Middle exposition again. All the deputies the Expo 2000 Hanover decide ture, from which they have been East; however, our nation is through casting a vote decide the to choose the protection of re- moving away. The Expo in the now a shadow of its former self. candidates’ bidding for the exhibi- sources as an important topic, 21st century is still full of life, and Through years of human capital tion at the BIE Congress. which is in line with the trend of will play an important role in pro- flight, our talented youth, includ- the time. The 2005 Aichi Expo Ja- moting world peace and develop- ing NDU students, are working From the 20th century to the pan, the most recent registered ment. As the world progresses, in other countries, making those 21st century, people had experi- Expo, was given the theme “Na- the Expo 2010 Shanghai China, counties great while Lebanon enced a transition from subjugat- ture’s Wisdom,” which presented with the theme of “Better City, slowly sinks into the quicksand of ing nature to respecting nature. a global perspective and reflected Better Life”, added glory and despondency. We hope that one Apart from the development of people’s attitudes toward nature, splendor to the long history of the day, we, as a proud nation, lack- the city itself, the Expo began to society and future. The Expo World Expo. ing nothing but the resolve, will pay attention to the whole earth Zaragoza 2008 was a great global have the vision to host a World Major inventions that and global issues such as ecology event with the theme on the dy- Dubai in 2020 promises to awe the Expo in Beirut and regain our for- were first revealed at and environmental protection. namic relation between water and world and leave its mark on history. mer glory. World Expos. Group Picture: (from left) Turki al-Balushi (Oman); ISSUE 59 102 Ferdinandh Cabrera (Philippines); Rouba el-Helou 103 DECEMBER 2013 (Lebanon); Ratna Hidyati (Indonesia); Alma Hadzic (Bosnia and Herzegowina); Martina Kaiser, Media Program Coordinator (Germany); Frank Morandi (Tanzania); and Assane Diagne (Senegal). Workshop in (CERN) in Switzerland. Ever since, Thinking in Other Words Berlin: “Indepen- it has spread worldwide, as a method toward accessing informa- MARIO NAJM dent Journalism tion through Internet web pages. on the Internet” As social networks have grown, TURE however, many began questioning We all try to use the best possible words when we write, but do we ROUBA EL-HELOU the sinister effect of cybercrime always try to use the best possible words when we think? Have you and the spying side effect of gov- Christoph Dreyer, the Media ever honestly thought about the words that pop into your head during Edward Snowden, the former ernmental intelligence agencies on Relations Officer at Reporters moments of reflection or stress? Maybe it’s time you did. Words are U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) freedom of speech. Without Borders, Germany, dis- a powerful tool and are not only limited to writing. From a scientific contractor, joined the convoy of cussed in a session the best prac- stance, the words we choose greatly affect our psyche, mood, and "cyber freedom" fighters after leak- Recently, Berners-Lee de- tices of international independent even physiology. ing the massive NSA surveillance scribed the surveillance program journalists, and how to create a program and data-collection effort as “appalling and foolish,” be- digital safe environment. Dreyer This is not a new concept and is easy to demonstrate. Imagine you

codenamed PRISM. Snowden’s act cause it contradicts with the term considered the “internet as a place come back home after a long and tiring day at work, you lie down for a OPINION AND CU L raised concerns, regarding the rela- E-Democracy, which developed of freedom to exchange informa- few minutes on your bed and think, “Relax, relax.” Most probably, that tionship between the international during the past few years. Present- tion, and opinions, even though will not work. Instead, think the following, “I feel the tension slowly intelligence services, working under ly, many countries offer platforms the latest discoveries threaten the draining from every part of my being.” the pretext of “protecting national and provide access to information model.” In like manners, Hauke security” from terrorist attacks, and for its citizens; on that account, Gierow Head of the Internet Free- Although both thoughts essentially mean the same thing, you may individual citizens, organizations, any online surveillance weakens dom Desk at Reporters Without find that the second one is more effective in calming you down. Nega- leaders, and countries. per se the individual security the Borders, Germany, stressed on tive thoughts create an aura of gloom in your life while positive thoughts The latest statistics published Internet provides. This is consid- the idea of journalist protection. help you surmount even the most wearisome hurdles (no big secret on worldwidewebsize.com show ered as a "betrayal" of the technol- Gierow worked with the partici- there, but vital to remember). that the web contains at least 1.68 ogy Berners-Lee has created. pants on the perception of creat- billion pages. This number is con- ing safety measures to ensure For example, if you repeatedly say something like, "I can't do this," sidered tremendous specifically In this context, Konrad Adenau- the source protection, to provide when in a tough situation, you are training your subconscious mind to since the first webpage project er-Stiftung (KAS), Berlin office, or- secured communication channels, believe that you are incapable of certain things. With time, this will be- — launched on the Internet by Sir ganized an international workshop to use open source technology, come true, even if sometimes said in jest. Tim Berners-Lee, and put online for journalists titled, “Independent to encrypt everything, and to help on August 6, 1991 — was born Journalism on the Internet.” KAS others by promoting encryption. In fact, by simply saying, “I can do this,” or, “I will find a way to do this,” in 1989 as a better way to link up is the political foundation, which you are commanding your subconscious mind to be more productive. among colleagues at the European is closely associated with the rul- “Content Creation” is one of the Organization for Nuclear Research ing party in Germany known as the best terms coined with the World A few tips from author Steve Gillman may help point us in the right Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Wide Web revolution and Web 2.0. direction: Participants during one of the The foundation has promoted since Many new strategies are currently session at BJS. its establishment in 1954, freedom, provided to help Internet users lift- "I can't..." Possible replacements: justice, solidarity, rule of law, and ing their pages to the top search "I can..." or "I choose not to right now.." democracy as the basic principles results by learning simple Search of its work, vision, and mission. The Engine Optimization techniques "It's always the same..." Possible replacement: workshop was held at one of the known as SEO. These techniques "Sometimes this happens..." most important educational institu- in addition to self-publishing and to tions, specialized in media training in self-marketing were introduced by "I always do that... Possible replacement: Germany, the Berliner Journalisten- BJS instructor, Ronnie Koch. "Sometimes I make this mistake..." Schule (BJS), established in 1986 in collaboration with the School of In an interesting exchange KAS "It's so overwhelming..." Possible replacement: Journalism in Munich. The inten- also organized an international sym- "I am busy with many goals..." KAS Building. sive workshop offered participants posium under the title of “Muslims from Senegal, Tanzania, Bosnia and in State and Society Worldwide, "I have to..." Possible replacement: "I choose to..." Herzegovina, Philippine, Oman, Civic And Political Participation.” Pakistan, Indonesia, and Lebanon The symposium gathered repre- Gillman also stresses that “‘never,’ and ‘always’ commonly show an opportunity to learn and share sentatives from eight different up in phrases that are counter-productive. These can be powerful de- valuable information about the situ- countries: “Bosnia, Indonesia, motivators. ‘I always fail,’ or ‘This never works for me,’ are not likely to ation of the press in each country. Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Phil- help anyone succeed. Avoid this kind of over-generalizing, unless it is BJS Managing Directors Joachim ippine, Senegal, and Tanzania,” in more like, ‘I always find a way to achieve my goals.’” Widmann and Olaf Jahn moderated addition to KAS Deputy Secretary the debate. General, Gerhard Wahlers. IN OTHER WORDS, START THINKING IN OTHER WORDS. ISSUE 59 104 105 DECEMBER 2013

Cancer, Love and Salem Oncology Centre, and became the Director of Cancer Research at icans can make a difference is by the Politics of St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital in Houston where he remains today. contributing to the culture and sci- ence of America. Hope - The Life and In 2011, St. Luke’s Hospital established a cancer research chair in Vision of Philip A. his name as a tribute to his contributions to cancer research. Castle- The last collection of articles in TURE Salem, M.D. Connolly recognized him as one of America’s Top Doctors. this book relate to educational reform and the Arab mind. Here Salem pro- REVIEW BY DENNY As told in the first third of the book, Salem suffered the cruelties of war poses a daring concept in education: ANGELLE* in Lebanon and he fell in love with his country. Lebanon became his pas- He calls for a radical overhaul of the sion, and he became a Lebanese Nationalist. He spoke and published ex- education system in the Arab World. tensively about the plight of his country and its conflict; about the Lebanese He believes that the objective of ed- It should come as no surprise and their agony, and he made recommendations suggesting how Lebanon ucation is not the transfer of knowl- that one of the world’s preeminent could emerge from the conflict as a sovereign and independent country. edge from the teacher to the stu- cancer physicians is a man of vision. dent, rather the continuing dynamic

The new book, Cancer, Love and Part II is about Lebanon. In the in- challenge to the student’s mind with OPINION AND CU L the Politics of Hope – The Life and troduction to this section of the book, analytical thinking; thus, creating a Vision of Philip A. Salem, M.D., writ- the authors write, “Among contem- new mind and consequently a new ten by Frances Mourani and Boutros porary Lebanese thinkers, few have human being. Education to him is Indari, gives life to that vision. embraced the role of visionary as the greatest revolution in history. profoundly as Philip Salem. A few He thinks that the primitive educa- Dr. Philip Salem, the book’s for that matter have been insistent tion system in the Arab World is the subject, is not only recognized as a as Philip Salem that the primary role major reason why education has re- top cancer physician without peer, of the intellectual should be to gen- mained a shell, a superficial layer in but he is also a renowned scholar, erate the kind of meaningful debate the Arab mind and character. This is writer, and one of the most astute which leads to social and political also the reason why universities and observers of the Arab World. This change.” Here, Salem is the doctor institutions of higher education in book collects his writings, speech- who makes the right diagnosis and the Arab World have failed to change es, and interviews over the past prescribes the right treatment for his society and change the status quo. two decades, many of them ap- beloved native country. That is why he believes the Arabs pearing in English for the first time. have lost direction and deteriorated To him, Lebanon is crucified to violence in their revolution against The book is composed of three between Syria and Israel. Syria would like to “swallow” Lebanon; and researcher, he is a great believer in the power of research as the major their dictators. parts: Part I is about the man and Israel is fearful about the model it represents, as Lebanon is the antithesis force that generates knowledge. Without knowledge, medicine cannot his life story. A little boy from a of Israel. While Israel is a state for the Jews, Lebanon is a state for all save lives. He was one of the first researchers in the world who described Reading this book, one realizes little village called Bterram in north- religions. It is the symbol of religious tolerance and cultural multiplural- the link between infection and cancer. Although he is very committed to that although Salem is anchored with ern Lebanon, Salem studied medi- ism. This is where East meets West, and this is where Islam embraces research and knowledge, he is more committed to the power of love and love to his native country of Leba- cine at the American University Christianity. Eighteen different religious sects live harmoniously in Leba- care in the treatment of the cancer patient. He is currently leading a move- non, his hands stretch and touch the of Beirut (AUB), and specialized in non. Philip Salem argues that the war was not a manifestation of religious ment in America to rehumanize cancer medicine and medicine in general. whole world. Not only does he be- cancer medicine in the late 1960s intolerance but of political chaos and lack of leadership. Lebanon has be- His motto is “the doctor who does not love his patient cannot cure him.” long to Lebanon, but to all humanity. in the two most prestigious can- come a hostage not only to the Arab/Israeli conflict, but also to a new He is also the author of a new book, titled Knowledge Alone is Not Enough. Very few are committed to the cause cer centers in America: Memorial conflict between the West and Iran. He believes that the primary cause of the sick and to the cause of the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center of of war is the failure of the Lebanese to produce a political leadership that Salem has changed the landscape of treatment of cancer with his belief weak as Dr. Philip Salem. New York and MD Anderson Can- would take Lebanon to the future. Salem considers the sectarian political in teamwork and the comprehensiveness of care, but that kind of care de- cer Center of Houston. system of Lebanon a prescription for disaster. Consequently, he calls for mands a lot of love, a lot of care, and a lot of time spent with patients. This From a tiny village in Leba- separation of religion from state. time is no longer available to the modern physician. Also, he recognizes the non to one of the top doctors in After he completed his studies, power of courage and perseverance in the cure of the cancer patient. Cour- America. From an innocent boy to Salem returned to his native coun- Lebanon to Salem is not only a political entity, but also more importantly age and perseverance are not only needed on the patient’s side, but more a fierce political activist. Dr. Philip try in 1971 and established the first a cultural one. It is a model for future civilizations as it represents freedom, so on the doctor’s side. As a physician and a humanist, Salem is working Salem is not only the dedicated cancer research and treatment religion, and cultural tolerance. Beirut is a microcosm of the world. All on changing the U.N. Charter of Human Rights. He believes that the most physician dedicated to the dignity center in the Arab World, at the cultures thrive there. That is why Pope John Paul II said, “Lebanon is more important human right is the right to life. This right is not well delineated in of the sick, but he is also the re- AUB. Fifteen years of war in Leba- than a country, it is a message.” Although Salem is committed to Arab the current charter. The right to life demands the right to medical care. He naissance intellectual who is com- non eventually forced him to leave causes, he strongly believes that Lebanon should remain sovereign and reckons that you have to be alive to enjoy other human rights and that all mitted to the sovereignty of Leba- his beloved country and return to independent. He refuses to let Lebanon disintegrate into the Arab World other rights fade in significance in comparison to the right to life. non and to the dignity of man. the United States. He joined the and lose its distinctiveness. faculty of MD Anderson Cancer Concerning Arabs in America, Salem calls on Arab-Americans to be- As so brilliantly illustrated in this Center, and then in 1991, he es- Part III depicts Philip Salem, the doctor and the intellectual. As a doctor, come engaged in the process of making America, and he urges them to book, he is not only a man of vi- tablished his private cancer center, he is the cancer physician and researcher, but also the humanist. As a contribute to its civilization. He believes that the only way Arab-Amer- sion. He is also a man of heart.

*Denny Angelle is a veteran journalist and writer. His work has appeared in Time, Esquire, Boys’ Life, The Houston Chronicle, and The Dallas Morning News. He is currently a senior editor at Houston Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. 107 DECEMBER 2013

Absentéisme : causes, formes et moyens de prévention DR. JOELLE KHARRAT GHANEM

L’absentéisme au travail est un phénomène comportemental de plus en plus observé dans notre so- ciété. Il trouve son intérêt principal dans les impacts qu'il génère, aussi L ES IN FRENCH ARTIC bien sur l’organisation, sur les sala- riés ou sur la société toute entière. On a coutume de dire que "les ab- sents ont toujours tort". Cependant cette logique est non admise en psychologie du travail. Actuellement, l’absentéisme, loin d'être une ac- ARTICLES tion sans fondements, est considéré dans le monde du travail, comme une réponse à certains facteurs. Sel- IN FRENCH on Yannick "L’absentéisme n'est pas une fatalité uniquement liée à un état de santé, mais une affaire de man- agement. Au delà d'un seuil incom- Weiss de son côté le définit com- correspondent à des droits acquis pressible, il est l'expression au jour le me une idée de se soustraire à en matière de conditions de travail jour de la mobilisation des salariés". un devoir, d'abandonner sa tâche. : congés payés, repos compensa- Si ce terme a une connotation teurs, congés de formation, forma- Le mot absentéisme nous péjorative, c'est qu'il est l'indice tion interne, congés pour évènement provient de l'anglais "absentee- d'une situation pathologique pour familiaux....ces absences peuvent ism" pour exprimer "l'habitude de l'entreprise d’après Thevenet. être planifiées et intégrées dans le grands propriétaires anglais de ne fonctionnement de l'entreprise. Les pas résider sur leurs terres, dans Monneuse cite les principales seconds correspondent à un absen- leur pays, et d'aller dépenser ail- composantes de l'absentéisme qui téisme non prévu par l'entreprise leurs leurs revenus. On comptait se résument par les accidents de comme: les accidents du travail, ar- l'absentéisme parmi les maux de travail, les accidents de trajet, les rêts maladie, absences injustifiées... l'Irlande". Selon le centre national maladies professionnels les arrêts de ressources textuelles et lexi- maladie, les congés maternité, les Monneuse précise dans son cales. Le sens pris pour les sala- congés autorisés ou les évènements livre "l’absentéisme au travail" riés n'est venu qu'en 1945. familiaux : congés fraternité, congés que l'absentéisme est présenté de naissance, mariage, deuil, dé- comme une catégorie fourre-tout. Pour Monneuse il faut différencier ménagement, congés pour enfants L’enquête Securex en 2008 montre entre absence et absentéisme. malades .... Les grèves, les retards que certains raisonnent aussi en En effet l'absence correspond à et les absences non justifiées. termes de validité des absences : un phénomène individuel, la non l’absentéisme est blanc lorsqu'il n'y présence physique à son poste a aucun doute sur l'incapacité de d'un salarié, durant les horaires de Les causes et travail du salarié en arrêt maladie, travail prévus. Mais l'absence peut les formes gris lorsqu'il est difficile d'évaluer être autorisée ou motivée. Par con- d’absentéisme extérieurement l'incapacité expri- tre l’absentéisme, lui, désigne un mée et noir quand il s'agit d'un phénomène collectif tel que stip- De leur part Jardillier & Baud- abus manifeste. La classification ule Lakehal et une tendance ou un ouin distinguent entre les absences selon l'intentionnalité des acteurs comportement considéré comme incompressibles et les absences semble la plus pertinente pour contraire d'une attente sociale. compressibles. Les premiers décrire la nature des absences. ISSUE 59 108 109 DECEMBER 2013

ditions de travail, les horaires du - les compagnies d'assurances rigoureux des absences durant travail, le type de management ap- doivent payer les indemnités dues les périodes de forte activité. Nature des absences Description Exemples pliqué à l’entreprise, les rythmes à l'absence et les coûts induits par de travail, la rémunération, et le la santé des employés. - Les actions relatives à secteur d’activité de l’entreprise. l’ambiance de travail et à D’autre part l’absentéisme l’implication des salariés : inform- Normal Absentéisme avec un taux Le taux d’absentéisme de nuit à l’économie nationale er davantage pour responsabiliser supportable. l’employé est dans la normale Les coûts de puisqu’il débouche sur une perte et sensibiliser les salariés. de l’entreprise. l'absentéisme de production potentielle impec- cable à la réduction de la main - Les actions relatives au man- Irréductible Il existe une part Repos compensateurs, Entre les retards de produc- d’œuvre disponible. agement : former et encadrer da- incompréhensible de congés pour exercice de tion, le maintien des salaires des vantage, pratiquer l’entretien de l’absentéisme liée à des mandats. salariés absents et le coût de retour après maladie, sensibiliser dispositions légales. leur remplacement, les absenc- Les moyens de les délégués du personnel. L ES IN FRENCH ARTIC es coûtent cher aux entreprises. lutte contre Autorisé Chaque entreprise est libre Les jours aux parents Monneuse décrit des coûts à 3 l’absentéisme - Etape 3 : mesurer l’évolution d’octroyer des congrès d’enfants malades. niveaux: du taux d’absentéisme de autorisés supplémentaires. Pour parvenir à lutter con- l’entreprise : chaque entreprise - au niveau social: effet con- tre l’absentéisme, il est néces- peut utiliser les indicateurs qu’elle tagion, découragement des sala- saire de procéder à une anal- juge les plus pertinents. Une mé- Utile Conserver de temps de pause Des pauses pour les riés présent et si le management yse préalable de la situation de thode de calcul. pour les employés employés en souffrance ou n'agit pas face à l'augmentation l’entreprise. Le management isolés. des absences, celles- ci vont doit réfléchir aux cours du phé- Pertinente peut consister à poursuivre leur progression. nomène pour espérer ensuite établir une formule qui prenne L’absentéisme a donc tendance à trouver les moyens d’action les en compte les absences pour Choisi Il s’agit d’absences délibérées Absences liées à un s'auto-entretenir. plus adaptes pour faire évoluer lesquelles l’entreprise peut agir et de la part des salariés. sentiment d’injustice ou de la situation « Gérer le personnel» qui entraînent un coût direct pour manque de reconnaissance. - au niveau de l'entreprise: propose trois étapes dans la lutte l’entreprise. les coûts directs et ceux indi- contre l’absentéisme. rects. Les coûts directs sont les En pratique cela pourra se Contraint Il s’agit des absences Absences choisies sous surcharges de remplacement de - Etape 1 : Rechercher les traduire par les étapes suivantes : évitables. contraintes par un employé. l'absent en prenant un intérimaire causes d’absentéisme et la ou en payant des heures supplé- manière dont celui ci se traduit. • Mettre en place l’entretien mentaires à un collègue. Ceux in- de retour après maladie. Micro-absence C’est le type le plus fréquent Arrêts de confort ou de directs sont liés à la désorganisa- - Etape 2 : Déterminer et • Impliquer davantage la et le plus perturbateur pour récupération. tion, à la productivité et à l'image mettre en œuvre les moyens hiérarchie intermédiaire. l’entreprise. de l'entreprise. d’action adaptes on peut déter- • Formation continue. miner 4 grands catégories de moy- • Une approche systématique. - au niveau économique: coût ens de lutte contre l’absentéisme. • Développer les financier pour la collectivité (dés- compétences des salariés organisation des plannings, dis- - Les actions relatives aux con- au sein du groupe. Les causes et les facteurs d'influence continuité de la chaîne du travail.. ditions de travail : travailler sur • Un rôle actif accorde aux De même selon une étude faite l’ergonomie des postes de travail, employés et la recouvrance Il y a autant de causes à l'absentéisme que d'individus qui s’absentent, cela nous conduit aux grandes par la fondation européenne pour utiliser l’entretien annuel pour évo- des employés en tant approches de l'explication des causes de l'absentéisme. Pour Steel, il semble que l'absence de courte durée l'amélioration des conditions quer les conditions de travail avec qu’experts. doit être représentée par une journée d'absence ou moins. Ceci signifie que les causes influençant l'individu à de vie et de travail le coût de le salariés, réalisation d’audits sé- • Une bonne information,une s'absenter, seraient différentes selon la mesure de l'absence. La tradition de recherche associe les absences l'absentéisme touche plusieurs curité et développement de for- bonne communication en de longue durée à des causes involontaires et les nombreux épisodes d'absence de courte durée à un proces- partenaires : mations pour réduire les accidents direct de tout le personnel. sus volontaire de l'employé. Fichman de son côté stipule que l'absence volontaire résulterait d'un processus de travail. • L’implication du service du de prise de décision voire un processus cognitif conscient. Parallèlement, Foucher rattache des réactions af- - le travailleur voit souvent son personnel, du service fectives en plus du processus cognitif à la prise de décision. revenu se réduire en conséquence - Les action relatives à médical de la société, du des absences liées à la santé. l’organisation du temps de travail: comité d’entreprise, du Les facteurs d’influences sont diversifiés. Ils peuvent être personnels ou professionnels. Parmi les facteurs veiller a la répartition des taches comité d’hygiène, de professionnels nous citons : l’âge, la situation familiale, le sexe, les activités extra professionnelles, la prox- - les employeurs sont gênés entre les salariés, autoriser le sécurité de bien être ou imité du lieu du travail, et les problèmes de santé. par le caractère imprévisible de fractionnement des jours de ré- des syndicats. ces absences qui obligent à des duction du temps de travail en • Motiver ses collaborateurs Parmi les facteurs professionnels nous citons : l’ancienneté dans l’entreprise, les qualifications, les con- ajustements. demi-journées, effectuer un suivi de façon autonome. ISSUE 59 110 111 DECEMBER 2013

• Eviter l’harcèlement moral tait la messe d’une voix pieuse et au travail qui a un impact angélique. Il entonnait toujours direct sur l’absentéisme et à la fin de la messe le chant Ma- ceci en favorisant ronite dédié à la Vierge Marie, ac- l’allégement des charges compagné de son fils sur le violent de travail, l'égalité du : Ilayki al ward ya mariam, yuhda fonctionnement des équipes Références min Ayadina ( Maria on t’offre des et l’amélioration des roses de nos mains). Ces yeux pratiques managériales. Lapasset L., 1990 processus psychologiques à l’origine du s’ouvraient tout grand comme s’il • On a de même l’approche comportement d’absentéisme , UQAM, 1990 vivait personnellement les pa- processuelle de gestion roles de la chanson. de l’absentéisme SPECTOR P., psychologie de travail et des organisations, de Boeck , maladie qui donne du sens Burelle 2011 Le fait de savoir qu’il chan- et de l’importance au travail Wadih El-Safi arrivé là, c’est à cause d’une stra- tait la messe attirait des foules L ES IN FRENCH ARTIC et de la visibilité à MONNEUSE D. L’absentéisme au travail : de l’analyse à l’action , Afnor, Paris 2009 chantre de l’âme tégie préconçue qui cherchait à de fidèles. L’église était pleine l’absentéisme éclipser la chanson libanaise en à craquer. Il lui arrivait parfois JARDILLIER P., BAUDOIN A. , L’absentéisme, mythes et réalités, libanaise ou le Cè- dre qui s’est brisé. investissant sans compter pour de se mesurer -avec beaucoup Pour conclure, l’absentéisme entreprise moderne d’éditions Paris 1979 promouvoir d’autres dialectes en d’aisance - à certains prêtres qui au travail représente un problème DR. GEORGES LABAKI utilisant les nouvelles technolo- avaient comme lui une très belle couteux pour les entreprises.il ALMA consulting group, économique de presse, Gennevilliers, sep 2012. gies de communication. Tout cela voix. La foule des fidèles com- constitue un indicateur de leur bien entendu en achetant à force prenait alors le sens de l’adage fonctionnement organisationnel. DUMOND J-P. « Travail et changement née 30 jan/fév. 2005 Les grands hommes qui tomb- de pétrodollars des chanteurs ou de Saint Augustin : Bien chanter En Europe, les conséquences ent font un grand bruit qui ré- plutôt des pseudo-chanteurs pour c’est prier deux fois. économiques de l’absentéisme au G rindermann, R.W.M, vauren C.V van. La prévention de l’absentéisme sur le lieu sonne au loin au-delà des mon- inonder le marché avec des clips travail sont estimées à 20 milliards de travail , résume fondation européenne pour l’amélioration des tagnes, des forêts et du temps de qualité fort douteuse. Mais on Apres l’office, Wadih El-Safi d’euros par an. conditions de vie et de travail ,1997. comme un arbre centenaire qu’on n’échange pas l’or purifié par le se rendait au salon du Foyer de abat au crépuscule. Ce n'est pas feu avec du toc. l’église de Notre Dame du Liban Confrontée à un absenté- Le journal du barreau, vol.37 numéro 8 Mai 2005 Absentéisme au travail. par des lamentations qu’ils con- pour partager un café avec la foule isme croissant, la psychologie du vient de célébrer leur mémoire, J’ai connu Wadih El-Safi à Paris des fidèles. Il était très modeste travail s’est attelée à la com- Le monde.Fr page économie, pendant la crise l’absentéisme diminue, 17 sept 2012 mais plutôt par le chef-d’œuvre où je poursuivais mes études su- et fort aimable. Parfois, il lui ar- préhension de ce phénomène. qu’ils nous ont légué. périeures. Le destin l’a conduit rivait de se saisir de son Oud Un premier pas vers la résolution GALLOIS. Pascal. « L’absentéisme comprendre et agir. » dans cette capitale de la culture, pour chanter quelles une des ces de ce problème est pris lorsque L'œuvre musicale de Wadih du bon goût et du savoir vivre. chansons ou un mijjana qu’il com- les entreprises reconnaissent Fondation Européenne pour l’amélioration des conditions de voie et de travail, la El-Safi s’est élevée pierre par En effet, la guerre libanaise qui a mençait par un ooooff qui nous leur part de responsabilité dans prévention de l’absentéisme sur le lieu de travail, Bruxelles, 1997. pierre au cours des 75 années déréglée la vie économique, so- faisait tressaillir jusqu’au fond de l’évolution de cette épidémie de sa vie active. Il a abondement ciale et culturelle au Liban a jeté nous-mêmes et nous transposait .Etudier ce sujet s’avère al- Lakehal D., Thiele F., Sensitivity of turbulent shedding flows to non-linear-strain produit : plus de 6000 chansons beaucoup de libanais sur le che- vers les profondeurs de l’âme du ors une nécessite : Constru- relations and Reynolds stress models. Computers & fluids, 2001. selon ses propres propos. Je me min de l’exil. Beaucoup de poètes Liban. Je me souviens d’un de ces ire une définition objectivée de souviens dès mon jeune âge, que et d’artistes se sont retrouvés du chants ou il s’élança : l’absentéisme qui met l’accent Thevenet M., l’absenteisme en milieu bancaires: l’importance de la gestion des ses chansons résonnaient sur jour au lendemain sur le carreau sur toutes les formes d’absence groupes humains, thèse de doctorat, Univesrsite Aix Marseille, 1981 les radios et les télévisions. Je dépourvus de tout revenu. Et, Ya Mijjana Ya Mijjana haya El- et leurs liens avec les conditions me rappelle également du Liban quand on est artiste on n’est pas Foyer Ili jama ana Bi Baadina de travail, utiliser des indica- Weiss D., competence, contingency and the development of perceived control, paisible des années soixante ou généralement bien pourvu finan- (Que soit salué le Foyer qui nous a teurs récurrents pour identifier la Human Development, 1982. l’on vivait sur les mélodies des cièrement. Wadih El-Safi déploya rassemblés) nature des absences, leur du- frères Rahbani, Feyrouz, Sabbah beaucoup d’efforts pour gagner rée, leur fréquence, hiérarchis- Steel et Rentsch, absence et absentéisme de personnel de santé, Lapasset 2003. et Wadih El-Safi. A eux seuls, ils son pain à la sueur de son front C’était une période très mou- er et mesurer les évolutions et réussirent à imposer la chanson sans jamais compromettre la vementée de l’histoire du Liban. finalement adopter une mé- Ficheman M., Motivational conventional consequences of absence and attendance, et le dialecte libanais dans tout le qualité de son art. Les Libanais de Paris étaient à thode de petits pas curatifs com- proportional hasard estimation of a dynamic motivation model, Journal of applied monde arabe où, inlassablement l’affut de toutes les nouvelles du binée à une prévention sur le psychology, 1988. matin, midi et soir les chaines na- Wadih El-Safi venait assister Liban et de tout ce qui leur rap- long terme liée à l’organisation tionales de radios et de télés ré- tous les dimanches à la messe pelait le bon vieux authentique du travail , à l’implication , au man- # Enseignante à l'Université Libanaise, Psychologue – Psychothérapeute. pétaient les chansons libanaises. à l’Eglise de Notre Dame du Liban menacé de disparition pure agement, à la reconnaissance… Quelle différence avec le monde Liban située à la rue d’Ulm au et simple. Wadih el-Safi était un d’aujourd’hui ou l’on ferait sou- Cinquième arrondissement de de ces symboles libanais qui ras- L’absentéisme est certes un vent mieux de regarder les clips Paris à l’ombre du Panthéon dédié surait par son art et sa voix ses sujet sensible, mais il n’est pas des chanteurs et des chanteuses aux grands hommes de la Patrie compatriotes de la pérennité de la une fatalité. sans les écouter... Et, si l’on est française reconnaissante. Il chan- nation libanaise. ISSUE 59 112 113 DECEMBER 2013

Je me souviens d’une scène de suite. Au début, je n’y ai pas C’est cet esprit de vérité qui an- Dynamiser et contextualiser une amusante dont Wadih El-Safi était prêté attention mais la voix inté- ime l’œuvre de Waid El-Safi, une langue à l’aide du journal télévisé le héros. C’était en 1983. Le Prési- rieure se faisait plus pressante. vérité faite de beauté, de ferveur, dent de l’époque Amine Gemayel Finalement, je suis levé pour par- d’amour, de grands sentiments NAJAT SALIBI TAWIL* donnait une conférence de presse tir. Je fis signe à Abdel Wahab humains profondément moral en langue française à l’hôtel Luté- que nous partions. Surpris par qui reflètent la société libanaise cia à Paris. Le Liban était alors la ma précipitation, il suggéra qu’on authentique, la quiétude de son A l’université, les étudiants adultes ont cumulé un ensemble de proie de combats intenses. Wadih restât encore quelques temps. cadre de vie et les nobles senti- représentations culturelles reliées à des réflexes linguistiques difficiles El-Safi assistait à la conférence et Mais, je le pris par la main et ments de liberté et de dignité qui … Je te salue au seuil sévère à redresser. Des modalités et des pratiques didactiques émanant d’une était assis à la première loge. A nous nous dirigeâmes en voiture caractérisent le Liban profond. du tombeau. conception du statut mal défini, de la langue pratiquée et du niveau à la fin de la conférence, il se leva et vers la sortie. Arrivés à la porte Va chercher le vrai, toi qui sus conserver ou à atteindre, sans tenir compte des différentes modifica- pris la parole en langue arabe en du Palais Royal, on croisa des Waid El-Safi nous quitta, tions qui ont altéré sa situation initiale, respectent les directives offici- tarissant d’éloges sur le discours voitures militaires bondées de par un matin lugubre emportant trouver le beau. elles d’une politique de l’éducation qui n’a pas été révisée, perpétuant du Président Gemayel disant : Ya soldats bourrés d’armes qui y en- avec lui l’amour du Liban dont il Monte l’âpre escalier. Du haut un héritage pédagogique qui appuie souvent sur des modèles de pra- L ES IN FRENCH ARTIC Cheik Amine, je vous félicite pour traient. Il me répéta deux fois la portait l’âme, au plus profond de des sombres marches, tique et des méthodes utilisées dans les apprentissages d’une langue tous les propos que vous venez même phrase : on croisa les sol- son être. Ce Liban était pour lui Du noir pont de l’abîme on maternelle. Une confusion entre des structures syntaxiques et séman- de tenir, ils sont admirables et dats à l’entrée même du Palais le pays de la culture et de la civili- tiques de cette langue et celles de leur langue maternelle, ajoutée à fantastiques et témoignent d’un Royal. En réalité, il s’agissait de sation par excellence. Il le chanta entrevoit les arches ; une méfiance vis-à-vis de cette langue de scolarisation, éloignent les grand amour du Liban. Moi, je ne soldats mutins qui opéraient un jusqu’au bout. Va ! Meurs ! La dernière universitaires de la véritable fonction et vocation de la langue qui est comprends pas le français mais je coup d’état militaire contre le roi heure est le dernier degré. l’échange, l’expression et la communication. peux chanter pour le Liban et sur Hassan II sous la conduite de son Wadih El-Safi eut droit à la re- Pars, aigle, tu vas voir des le champ même chercha à enton- ministre de l’intérieur Oufkir. Ce connaissance désintéressée du «Contextualiser» une langue, d’après la définition du dictionnaire ner une chanson. soir-là, il y eu un grand massacre peuple et de l’élite intellectuelle gouffres à ton gré ; Larousse, c’est la replacer dans son contexte et dans ses fonctions ini- au Palais Royal. Des centaines du Liban et du monde arabe. Tous Tu vas voir l’absolu, le réel, le tiales. De même «Contextualiser» sa didactique c’est-à-dire connaître Il m’arriva par la suite de faire de personnes et d’invités furent les médias internationaux lui sublime. et définir le contexte où elle se fait et les finalités qui en sont visées, sa connaissance et de le visiter massacrés sur les lieux mêmes rendirent hommage. C’est une Tu vas sentir le vent sinistre s’avèrent les lignes charnières d’une didactique amovible à plusieurs dans l’appartement où il résidait ou se trouvait Wadih El-Safi qui des rares personnalités au Liban facettes qui permet le transfert des connaissances et l’appropriation de avec sa famille à Paris. Ce jours échappa à la mort à une seconde qui fait l’unanimité autour de sa de la cime la angue et assure une meilleure motivation. là, il m’offrit une cassette de près. personne. Quand à la classe poli- Et l’éblouissement du prodige champs religieux qu’il venait de tique libanaise tellement ignare, éternel. Le journal télévisé pourrait constituer le support idéal, à plusieurs chanter et bien entendu qu’il dis- Wadih El-Safi était un artiste elle se contenta du minimum et Ton olympe, tu vas le voir du égards, à une telle visée. En général, le statut d’une langue dans un tribuait gratuitement. Il me parla pourvue d’une grande voix que resta sourde aux demandes de milieu – pour ne pas dire dans un pays – pourrait être souvent mal dé- de sa foi en des termes qu’on la Providence divine lui a ac- déclarer un jour de deuil national haut du ciel, fini. Evoluant avec les sociétés et les usages didactiques, un reposi- trouve rarement chez les grands cordé. Il sut en faire bon usage comme ce fut le cas avec un autre Tu vas, du haut du vrai, voir tionnement régulier s’impose. Elle varierait entre une langue de sco- de ce monde. Il me dit combien pour chanter le Liban, l’amour, les grand artiste, Mansour Rahbani. l’humaine chimère… larisation, une langue sur des objectifs spécifiques, une langue de Jésus était généreux avec lui et grands sentiments humains avec La classe politique libanaise ne professionnalisation, une langue étrangère, une langue seconde avec comment il lui sauva la vie à plu- décence, candeur, finesse et re- fit même pas de la récupération toutes les variables et les nuances qui se rattachent à la notion du bilin- sieurs occasions notamment une spect. Bon père de famille, il ne politique comme cela se passe Tout penche et ce grand guisme difficile à cerner (Abboud Zakaria N., Tome II, p.22, 1995). Selon fois qu’il voyageait en avion où il laissa pas la gloire le détourner souvent en France ou dans les siècle, avec tous ses rayons Jean Dubois «le bilinguisme est la situation linguistique dans laquelle les ressentit une force divine qui le des siens qu’il chercha à promou- pays développés. En effet, cela Entre en cette ombre im- sujets parlant sont conduits à utiliser alternativement, selon les milieux rassura et sauva l’appareil d’une voir par tous les moyens. En ef- me rappelle un épisode arrivé à mense où pâles nous fuyons. ou les situations, deux langues différentes» (Dubois J., p.65). De leur chute inéluctable. fet, ce n’est pas peu que d’être un chercheur libanais qui voulait côté, Ducrot et Todorov considèrent que: « Un individu est dit bilingue fidèle à sa famille quand on est un offrir ses études sur l’économie Oh ! Quel farouche bruit font s’il possède plusieurs langues apprises l’une comme l’autre en tant que Il me raconta cette autre his- chanteur célèbre auquel toutes libanaise aux responsables poli- dans le crépuscule langues maternelles » (Ducrot O. et Todorov T., p.83). toire où le Bon Dieu lui sauva la les tentations sont à la portée de tiques du pays pour qu’ils en Les chênes qu’on abat pour W.F.Mackey définit à son tour le bilinguisme de la manière suivante : « vie : main. Son art et sa vie sont un ex- tirent profit. Aucun d’entre- eux le bûcher d’Hercule ! Le bilinguisme est l’alternance de deux ou plus de deux langues" (Mack- emple vivant pour tant d’artistes n’accepta de le recevoir. A sa vue ey W.F. p.9). Chacun de ces différents statuts de langue devant avoir - J’étais au Maroc à l’occasion qui se vautrent dans la luxure, tellement attristé, je lui dis : lais- son approche et ses méthodes. de l’anniversaire de l’accession la drogue, le divorce, le concubi- se tomber, si ton affaire donnait du Roi du Maroc Hassan II au nage, le satanisme, l’adultère et lieu à des commissions ou à des Changer ou adopter les pratiques didactiques notamment au cours trône. Je chantais avec le chan- tant de contre-témoignage à la bénéfices financiers, ces politici- Enfin, si nous tenons à demeu- du parcours scolaire, se révèle presqu’impossible sans une réforme glo- teur égyptien Abdel-Wahab au vérité. Oui, c’est un acte héroïque ens seraient venus eux-mêmes à rer fidèles à sa mémoire nous bale exigée pour la politique éducative du pays. Palais Royal en présence de de rester intègre quand on est ta rencontre. devons continuer son chemin et l’élite dirigeante du Maroc quand une icône vivante qui peut tout reconquérir la place de la chanson Outre l’alignement et la standardisation des élèves, des groupes, des j’entendis subitement une voix se permettre et que la foule vé- Son départ me rappelle ses libanaise dans le monde. Seul à enseignants, des sociétés, les méthodes et les supports figés répondant intérieure qui me disait : lève- nère et adule sans limite, tolérant vers de Victor Hugo à Théophile ce prix, son âme sera apaisée et à des choix de facilité, sans chercher à les adapter à un contexte spéci- toi et quitte le Palais Royal tout toutes ses incartades. Gautier : satisfaite. fique, des « placages » se font, créant une sorte de surimpression an- ISSUE 59 114 115 DECEMBER 2013

archique décousue et produisant Depuis les années 1943, lévisé de son choix. Il devrait être les étudiants, exploite le contenu - Elle est pratiquée en tant que sées complétées de par sa réparti- plusieurs lacunes incurables. date de l’indépendance jusqu’à en mesure d’expliquer tous les de l’enregistrement (reformuler langue vivante et non tion en séquences et rubriques. nos jours, la langue française mots et toutes les expressions de en une phrase ou 2 l’essentiel; uniquement en tant que langue Au Liban, selon la constitu- est devenue « la langue des sa- la séquence. relever les indices repériels; le de l’écrit dans son caractère La diversité du choix des su- tion, une langue « seconde » est lons » comme on l’appelle chez nombre d’éléments constituants; passif des fois, ou non actuel la jets qui pourraient intéresser un étudiée en même temps et au nous, réservée à certains milieux Il présentera son enregistre- les expressions nouvelles; pré- plupart du temps. étudiant adulte; l’actualité présen- même titre que la langue mater- bourgeois ou à un certain « mé- ment, justifiera son choix et rendra ciser le registre de certaines tour- - Les différents registres de tée de même que la courte du- nelle dès les premières classes. tissage » superficiel et artificiel compte en quelques phrases (un nures; etc.). langue sont décelés et une rée de sa présentation peut être En parlant du français (pouvant pratiqué par les parents ou les court paragraphe) de l’essentiel prise de conscience de la un élément d’attrait pour un ap- être l’anglais), l’apprentissage con- enseignants, espérant renforcer de l’information soit en gardant L’information présentée vision- distance entre la langue écrite prentissage qui les ennuie. Il se tinue à être pratiqué en tant que le niveau de langue des élèves, l’ordre de successivité soit (si née sera complétée par l’étudiant: et celle de l’oral s’établira présente comme un moyen bref langue seconde en adoptant les langue restée comme langue de c’est un compte rendu) en les re- il devra chercher des articles de - Une appropriation de la langue capable de cibler plusieurs objec- manuels et les méthodes destinés scolarisation mais devenue une classant selon une problématique la presse écrite traitant du même du fait son usage personnel et tifs et de les focaliser. aux français comme langue mater- langue étrangère si nous prenons si le contenu s’y prête. Le journal sujet ; il regroupera les titres com- autonome brise l’appréhension L ES IN FRENCH ARTIC nelle ou bien des manuels imitant en considération l’ensemble du télévisé étant éclaté au niveau portant des figures ou des expres- qu’ils ont de la pratiquer. De par la neutralité des dis- les manuels français dans leur con- pays et non seulement la capitale. des sujets, le choix pourrait être sions figées et les interprétera en - Une interaction s’établit, cours informations (du moins ception et dans leurs supports. orienté vers une rubrique ou une fonction du contenu de l‘article ; s’avérant essentielle, entre apparente), la langue est reçue Les étudiants arrivent à thématique. il en constituera un dossier avec le perfectionnement du niveau comme outil et moyen pour l’université avec une connais- Un calendrier de présentation sera les articles – sources et des con- d’une langue et l’initiation à s’informer et communiquer. Dans sance de la langue à travers des précisé en fonction des cours et de tractions courtes (nombre de certaines techniques ce contexte elle est dépouillée textes écrits de moins en moins la disponibilité des salles équipées. mots précisés). Toute recherche d’expression et de des représentations reliées aux littéraires, de plus en plus courts élaborée sera reliée à leur con- communication (compréhension apprentissages scolaires à l’écrit et «décontextualisés» recueillis Lors de la séance de présen- texte (libanais par exemple). Une rapide transphrastique, repérage allant des analyses à la réflexion comme des bribes ramassées de tation qui est plutôt séance ou plusieurs interviews avec de de certains indices, structuration à la standardisation des réponses sources variées. Donc connais- d’apprentissage, l’étudiant prend personnes référence, se feront de la réception d’un message, et des expressions, des topos de sance plutôt visuelle car écrite, la place du professeur (la durée (des références à des infos, ar- transmission d’un message sous l’écrit. sans réelle maîtrise à l’écrit mais de présentation limitée à l’avance ticles ou textes ou livres en leur plusieurs formes d’expressions: inexistante à l’oral. à 5 minutes) et devant être en langue maternelle devaient être contraction, compte rendu, Cette langue du bulletin mesure de répondre à toutes les encouragées mais présentés et synthèse, bilan… s’appuyant d’information est destinée à tous La langue pour eux est une questions posées par les autres résumés en français certaine- également sur l’exercice de les peuples et toutes les class- matière à tiroir, à tirer au besoin, étudiants de classe et fournir ment). certaines méthodes de travail es et n’essaie pas d’exercer un avec peine et sans grand attrait – les renseignements nécessaires efficaces pour cet rapport de force vis-à-vis d’une l’anglais le remplaçant avec plus complétant ce que l’information a Après évaluation et correction apprentissage). communauté. Elle va vers l’autre d’aisance dans leurs échanges avancé ; souvent une discussion à de chaque dossier (présentation, exerçant un attrait et un intérêt quotidiens. plusieurs voix s’engage avec des contenu…), le prof précisera à Mais pourquoi le journal télévi- particuliers et usant de clarté et interventions et des rectifications. chaque étudiant les parties in- sé et non pas n’importe quel autre de concision. Dynamiser cette langue, c’est téressantes qu’il exposera en document audio-visuel ? la replacer dans sa fonction ini- Le professeur en sollicitant classe. Un document semestriel La langue est ancrée dans son tiale d’expression d’information l’avis des étudiants, évalue la se constituera et sera projeté à la De l’ordre pratique; c’est un doc- milieu de production, de réception et de communication. Une étude préparation et la présentation cafétéria de la faculté ou à la salle ument culturel authentique vivant. et de reproduction, donc trans- de leur milieu et de leurs failles selon des critères précisés à de théâtre, pour les autres class- Il peut être à la disposition de tout fert assuré par ce document au- et après un tâtonnement avec l’avance, tenant compte: du choix es et les autres départements ; il le monde car les différentes édi- thentique en avant et en aval de plusieurs différents essais, un de la séquence, de la qualité sera suivi de plusieurs interviews tions ne présentent pas de grand l’apprentissage. dispositif d’enseignement – ap- d’enregistrement, de la maîtrise du filmées et de certaines présenta- décalage du point de vue niveau prentissage ayant comme support contenu, de la performance et de tions précédentes intéressantes linguistique; ce qui est favorable à Il favorise la structuration de la le journal télévisé pourrait se révé- l’aisance à la présentation, fluidité de certains étudiants. Des rencon- l’apprentissage et à l’évaluation. (A pensée reliée à la langue alerte du ler efficace dans la démarche que de l’expression, richesse et varié- tres pourraient compléter cette la demande des étudiants j’ai inclus journal ainsi qu’à sa composition. j’ai suivie en première année au té du lexique et de l’expression, séance, tout sera organisé, mon- le film documentaire. Le niveau de département de langue et littéra- ouverture culturelle (contextu- té, présenté, justifié et défendu langue entre plusieurs documents Le journal télévisé permet une ture françaises. alisation de l’information, prise de par les étudiants. fut trop varié. Sans renier l’intérêt connaissance de la langue actuelle position et discussion). du contenu ni sa grande variété vivante et non littéraire. Des consignes de travail sont Plusieurs objectifs sont at- ce qui pourrait être plausible à expliquées en classe: l’étudiant Le professeur reprend le con- teints : des étudiants non spécialistes en Du point de vue démarche, enregistrera (individuellement ou tenu avec des mises au point, des langue française). elle est efficace car elle donne un en groupe) une séquence dont le explications et des rectifications - La langue est remplacée dans sens à l’apprentissage et pousse professeur précise la durée entre de tout ordre. Il repose des ques- son contexte communicatif La durée limite pourrait être re- l’étudiant à se familiariser avec la 8 et 12 minutes d’un journal té- tions à tous les niveaux et à tous et dynamique à l’oral spectée avec des unités informati- langue orale en écoutant plusieurs ISSUE 59 116 117 DECEMBER 2013

documents, avant d’opter pour - La signifiance: l’étudiant est soins, tout en parvenant à motiver une séquence. capable de donner du sens également les étudiants. Le jour- et culturelle. Paris: L'Harmattan. Teacher, 18(1), p. 16-19. TARIN, R. (2006). Apprentissage, à ce qu’il fait en fonction de ses nal télévisé s’est avéré un très bon diversité culturelle et didactique : Il est autonome dans son choix propres buts et des questions outil, efficace à plus d’un égard. BLANCHET, PH. et CHARDENET, HARLEY, S. (1996). “Situated français langue maternelle, langue et essaie de retrouver ce qui qu’il se donne; P. (2011). Guide pour la recherche learning and classroom instruction”. seconde ou étrangère. Bruxelles : l’intéresse et qui l’implique. Sou- - La diversité e tl’interdisciplinarité; N.B. L’auteure a participé par en didactique des langues et des In H. McLellan (Ed.), Situated learning Labor. vent elle se présente comme un - L’authenticité: l’activité cette intervention au congrès In- cultures : approches contextualisées. perspective (p. 113-122). Englewood défi car chacun, à son niveau et ressemble à celles que les ternational du 40e anniversaire de Montréal : Agence universitaire de la Cliffs, NJ: Educational Technology VIAU, R. (1994). La motivation en selon ses goûts, se trouve obligé étudiants sont susceptibles de la Société Japonaise de Didactique francophonie (AUF) ; Paris : Eds des Publications. contexte scolaire, St-Laurent, de discuter avec les autres, de de- rencontrer dans la vie courante; du Français sous le titre, Plurilin- Archives contemporaines. Éditions du Renouveau Pédagogique. mander leur avis, de défendre ses - L’engagement cognitif: l’activité guisme et pluriculturalisme: BROPHY, J. (1998). Motivating LEVY LEBOYER C. (mars 1999). points de vue, de coopérer, et de nécessite l’utilisation de l’enseignement du français en students to learn, New York, « Le cœur à l’ouvrage » in Sciences VIAU, R. (1999). La motivation s’exprimer à l’oral. Elle socialise stratégies d’apprentissage qui Asie de l’Est et dans le monde, McGraw Hill. Humaines, n°92. dans l'apprentissage du français, les connaissances et du même l’aident à comprendre, à faire 6-7 novembre 2010, Kyoto (Japon), BROWN, J.S., COLLINS, A. et St-Laurent, Éditions du Renouveau L ES IN FRENCH ARTIC coup la langue. Je repense à la fa- des liens avec des notions déjà Université de Kyoto. DUGUID, P. (1989). Situated cogni- LEZOURET, L.M. & CHATRY- pédagogique. çon de concevoir la compétence apprises, à réorganiser à sa tion and the culture of learning. KOMAREK, M. (2007). Enseigner le chez Hagen et Gonczi (96) qui im- façon l’information, à formuler… Educational Researcher. 18, 32-42. français en contextes multilingues *Universite Libanaise plique que les tâches proposées - Le défi et la responsabilité: Quelques dans les écoles africaines. Paris : en classe engagent les étudiants l’activité est difficile à réussir indications CASTELLOTTI, V. et L'Harmattan. dans des situations complètes et mais réalisable; bibliographiques CHALABI, H. (2007). Le français complexes. - L’interaction avec les autres; langue étrangère et seconde : des LACROIX M-E et LEMELIN A., « - La clarté des consignes et le paysages didactiques en contexte. La motivation et les engrenages de L’étudiant ressent le plaisir de respect du déroulement sur une Paris : L'Harmattan. la réussite », présentation atelier A, se permettre de commettre des période de temps suffisante; BÉDARD, D. et CHAMBERLAND, Innover pour la réussite. erreurs à l’oral (non fixé visuelle- Etc.… M. 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(1996). “Situated tamponner les divergences d’avis Learning: Multiple Perspectives”. In Cette démarche permet de et les frictions ; intervenir objec- BÉDARD, D., FRENAY, M. DUCANCEL, G. et Simon, H. McLellan (Ed.): Situated learning briser les frontières entre les tivement et scientifiquement ; TURGEON, J. et PAQUAY, L. (2001). D.-L. (2004). Français et langues perspective (p. 5-17). Englewood langues maternelle et étrangère, pouvoir organiser les séances et « Les fondements de dispositifs étrangères et régionales à l'école: Cliffs, N.J.: Educational Technology par l’intérêt porté aux contenus les groupes (choisir des délégués pédagogiques visant à favoriser le quelles interactions? Repères : Publications. de l’interculturel et par le transfert pour assurer la maintenance de transfert de connaissances : les recherches en didactique du français des connaissances. l’équipement, le montage des perspectives de l’apprentissage et de langue maternelle, 29, 3. PERREGAUX, Ch. (2004). films et leurs projections) ; coor- l’enseignement contextualisés «Enseigner et apprendre le français Elle élargit la culture de donner avec l’administration pour authentiques ». Res Academica18 GREENO, J.G. (1994). "Under- en contextes plurilingues : un détour l’étudiant, car emporté par des la disposition des salles et la distri- (1-2), p. 21-47. standing concepts in activity". In C. par d'autres langues ». La lettre de images, des voix et des titres du bution des heures. Weaver, C.R. Fletcher et S. Mannes l'AIRDF, 35, 53-56. bulletin ; les informations tracent BERTRAND, O. (2005). Diversi- (Eds.), Discourse comprehension: des frontières claires entre les Le grand défi que rencontre tés culturelles et apprentissage du Essays in honor of walter Kintch PLANE, S. & RISPAIL, M. (2006). problèmes se sa société et ceux actuellement un professeur de français: approche interculturelle et (p. 65-95). Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence « L'enseignement du français dans des autres et de leurs cultures. langue et de littérature françaises problématiques linguistiques. Erlbaum. les différents contextes linguistiques Cette netteté identitaire repose, au Liban, serait de devoir con- Palaiseau : Ecole polytechnique. et sociolinguistiques ». La lettre de sécurise et permet une meilleure cevoir des outils, des supports HARLEY, S. (1996). “Situated l'AIRDF, 38, 4-36. ouverture, tout en engageant une et démarches nouvelles accom- BILLIEZ, J. (2003). Contacts de learning and classroom instruction”. interaction pluriculturelle et pluri- pagnant les changements des langues : modèles, typologies, inter- In H. McLellan (Ed.), Situated RISPAIL, M. (2006). « Le français lingue. A son insu, il associe, com- conditions d’apprentissage de la ventions. Paris: L'Harmattan. learning perspective (p. 113-122). en situation de plurilinguisme : un pare et superpose différentes in- langue: réviser son statut, préciser Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Educational défi pour l’avenir de notre disci- formations émises dans plusieurs le niveau acquis, définir les objec- BLANCHET, PH. & COSTE, D. Technology Publications. pline? pour une socio-didactique des langues. tifs, essayer de trouver une mé- (2010). Regards critiques sur la langues et des contacts de langues ». thode qui concilie d’autres formes notion d' "interculturalité" : pour une HAGER, P. et GONCZI, A. (1996) La lettre de l’AIRDF, 38, 5-12. Cette démarche remplit les d’enseignement et qui répondrait didactique de la pluralité linguistique What is competence? Medical conditions motivationnelles dont: de la façon la plus proche aux be-