13th of November, 2015
Presented by World Lebanese Cultural Union - Toronto Chapter, under the patronage of The Embassy of Lebanon A W o r ld of Fr eshn ess
www.adonisgroup.ca LIKE US @ www.facebook.com/adonisfreshness 1240 Eglinton Avenue West, Mississauga | 905-363-0707 20 Ashtonbee Road, Scarborough | 416-642-1515
The Premier La première ministre of Ontario de l’Ontario
Legislative Building Édifice de l'Assemblée législative Queen’s Park Queen's Park Toronto, Ontario Toronto (Ontario) M7A 1A1 M7A 1A1
Thank you for inviting me to your upcoming event. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend because of events already scheduled in my calendar.
I am, however, pleased to send you a message of greetings for the occasion.
Please accept my gratitude for your thoughtful gesture, and my best wishes for a successful gathering.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Wynne Premier PATRICK BROWN MPP - Simcoe North Leader of the Official Opposition
Greetings from Patrick Brown, Leader of the Official Opposition
On behalf of the Ontario PC Caucus, I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to all our Lebanese friends attending the “Raising of the Lebanese flag” event at Queen’s Park today. I want to congratulate the Lebanese Community in Canada and worldwide on the 72nd anniversary of the declaration of Lebanese Independence. Over 190,000 Lebanese Canadians call our great country their home with close to forty percent living in Ontario. Lebanese Canadians are very successful entrepreneurs, teachers, doctors, politicians, athletes and great philosophers such as Gibran Khalil Gibran. I would like to thank the members of the World Lebanese Cultural Union, Toronto Chapter for organizing today’s event Shoukran. Your hard work and dedication offers a unique opportunity for the people of Ontario to learn about the history and the culture of the beautiful land of the cedars. Mabrouk and my best wishes on this joyous event.
Sincerely
MPP – Simcoe North Leader of the Official Opposition
November 12 , 2015
On behalf of Ontario’s New Democrats, I wish to extend my congratulations and best wishes to the World Lebanese Cultural Union, Toronto Chapter and to everyone participating in the Lebanese flag raising.
The flag raising ceremony celebrates the strong relationship between the country and people of Lebanon and our province. This is a relationship built on our shared values of community, generosity and opportunity for all.
On this, the 74th anniversary of Lebanon’s independence as a nation, we join with Lebanese people everywhere in celebrating your rich history and vibrant culture.
We honour the contributions and achievements of all members of Ontario’s Lebanese community. Thank you for dedication to excellence in all areas of our society.
I would like to express my appreciation to the World Lebanese Cultural Union, Toronto Chapter organizers and the many devoted volunteers for the hard work and commitment in making this such a memorable day.
As leader of the Ontario’s New Democrats, I am honoured to extend my best wishes to all Lebanese Canadians on this celebration. Have a wonderful day!
Sincerely,
Andrea Horwath Leader of the Ontario NDP
Office of the Mayor TOWN OF AJAX 65 Harwood Avenue South Tel. 905-683-4550 Ajax ON L1S 2H9 Fax. 905-683-8207 www.ajax.ca
Greetings from the Mayor of Ajax
November 12, 2015
World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU)
Dear Organizers and Participants,
On behalf of all Members of Council and the Town of Ajax, please except our congratulations and best in the raising of the Lebanese Flag to commemorate Lebanon’s Independence Day.
This event offers a unique opportunity to experience Lebanese culture and heritage and the Town of Ajax supports the World Lebanese Cultural Union’s goal to exhibit harmony, unity, and solidarity within the Lebanese-Canadian community.
Please accept our very best wishes for a successful event, to you and all participants.
Sincerely,
Steve Parish Mayor
Frank Scarpitti Mayor
November 12, 2015
MESSAGE FROM MAYOR SCARPITTI
On behalf of Members of Council and the City of Markham, I am pleased to extend our best wishes to all those attending today’s Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by the World Lebanese Cultural Union, Toronto Chapter, in celebration of the 72nd Anniversary of Lebanon Independence Day on November 22, 2015.
The flag of Lebanon is formed of two horizontal red stripes enveloping a horizontal white stripe. The green cedar (Lebanon Cedar) in the middle touches each of the red stripes. The Cedar is a symbol of holiness, eternity and peace. The white colour on the flag represents the snow as a symbol of purity and peace. The two red stripes signifies bloodshed in freedom struggle.
In Markham, we welcome people from all over the world to make their home in our city. We are proud to be recognized as Canada’s most diverse city and take every occasion to celebrate the many cultures and traditions from across our community. We are very pleased to share in this landmark anniversary with residents from Markham and across the GTA of Lebanese Heritage.
As Mayor, I am pleased to extend best wishes for this national and international observance, and wish everyone happiness, peace and prosperity.
Sincerely,
Frank Scarpitti Mayor
The Corporation of the City of Markham, Anthony Roman Centre, 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham, Ontario L3R 9W3 Tel: 905.475.4872 Fax: 905.479.7775 [email protected] www.markham.ca
November 2015
Personal Message from Mayor Bonnie Crombie
On behalf of the City of Mississauga and Council, I join with Mississauga and Ontario’s Lebanese community to mark the celebrated occasions of raising the Lebanese flag at Queen’s Park and the World Lebanese Cultural Union’s Annual Gala.
I wish to further recognize this organization’s commitment to connect and strengthen relations with people of Lebanese descent in communities around the world.
Mississauga is home to an active, engaged and compassionate Lebanese community that have made lasting and important contributions toward making Mississauga an even better place to call home.
In Mississauga we celebrate the diversity of our citizens, their cultural backgrounds, and faiths. Over half of all Mississauga residents were born outside Canada.
Our people speak a remarkable 70 different languages from over 150 countries. Diversity is one of our biggest and most dynamic strengths as a world-class city. It links us culturally and economically with global communities.
As Mississauga’s demographics change, it is critically important that we adapt and ensure that we are meeting the needs of all of our citizens. Soon after being sworn in as mayor, I worked alongside Council, and together, we approved the creation of the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee (DIAC).
DIAC is made up of residents from different cultural backgrounds and community stakeholders. DIAC members are undertaking important work and will help to guide Council decisions through the lens of diversity, with a goal to ensure we take measures to elevate the quality of life for all residents.
Congratulations once again on these celebrated occasions. I wish the members and the leadership of the World Lebanese Cultural Union many more years of continued and enriching success, in service to our Lebanese-Canadian community.
Warmest Regards,
Bonnie Crombie, MBA, ICD.D Mayor, City of Mississauga
Office of the Mayor
November 12, 2015
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the City of Pickering and its Members of Council, I am pleased to send greetings to the organizers and guests of “Raising the Lebanese Flag” at Queen’s Park.
Lebanon’s Independence Day is a meaningful and joyous event for millions of people worldwide. The City of Pickering is proud to recognize this occasion in honour of our friends in Lebanon and our very own Lebanese-Canadian residents.
As one of the country’s most diverse municipalities, the City of Pickering embodies Canada’s renowned mosaic of varying cultures and faiths. I commend the World Lebanese Cultural Union and its dedicated members for showcasing Lebanon’s vibrant culture and for joining together to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Lebanon’s independence.
Once again, on behalf of my colleagues on Council, happy Lebanese Independence Day and best wishes for continued long life, happiness, and prosperity.
Yours truly
Dave Ryan Mayor, City of Pickering
Pickering City Hall | One The Esplanade | Pickering, Ontario L1V 6K7 T. 905.420.4600 | TTY 905.420.1739 | Toll Free 1.866.683.2760 | [email protected] | pickering.ca
Mayor Dave Barrow Town of Richmond Hill
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
On behalf of the Members of Council, I am pleased to bring greetings and welcome everyone marking Lebanon’s Independence. Thank you to the World Lebanese Cultural Union or organizing today’s flag raising ceremony.
The World Lebanese Cultural Union was founded to promote and preserve the rich cultural of the Lebanese people and to unite the Lebanese diasporas throughout the world.
Council is very appreciative of the vital role culture plays in the wellbeing of the Town and the importance of such cultural awareness on the welfare of our community. I want to thank the World Lebanese Cultural Union for the important contribution both it and its members make to the success and vitality of our community.
I hope this flag raising event provides an opportunity for the community to come together in fellowship and I thank the World Lebanese Cultural Union for organizing this wonderful event. We join Lebanese everywhere in the celebration of the 71st anniversary of Lebanon’s independence.
Yours very truly,
Dave Barrow Mayor
Office of the Mayor | 225 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill ON, L4B 3P4 905 771 2493 | [email protected] | RichmondHill.ca
TOWN OF AURORA
Message from the Mayor Mayor Geoffrey Dawe
I am pleased to extend greetings to everyone attending the “Raising the Lebanese Flag” event at Queen’s Park.
Today, we celebrate the 71st Anniversary of Lebanon’s independence and recognize the joy and happiness shared by all Lebanese-Canadians across the Greater Toronto Area.
Aurora is a community that is rich in culture and diversity. We appreciate the multitude of philosophies and traditions that help make Canada unique and strong.
On behalf of Aurora Town Council and our residents, we wish you a memorable celebration of unity and solidarity.
Sincerely,
Mayor Geoffrey Dawe Town of Aurora
100 John West Way, Aurora, Ontario L4G 6J1 905-726-4741 • www.aurora.ca Office of the Mayor
Thank You for Celebrating Lebanese Independence Day
November 12, 2015
I am pleased to extend greetings to everyone attending the ‘Raising the Lebanese Flag’ ceremony at Queen’s Park. On this special event marking the anniversary of Lebanon’s independence in 1943, I join together with all Lebanese Canadians to recognize Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence, and national identity.
I want to thank the Lebanese community for their ongoing contribution that continues to strengthen the rich multicultural diversity of Vaughan and indeed all of Canada. We value and appreciate the efforts of organizations like the World Lebanese Cultural Union that remain dedicated to preserving social and cultural traditions for future generations.
Please accept my best wishes for a successful event.
Yours sincerely,
Hon. Maurizio Bevilacqua, P.C. Mayor WorldWorld PresidentPresident
World President اك اك ١٣ ١٣رن ارن ٢٠١٥ ا ٢٠١٥
اك ١٣ رن ا ٢٠١٥
ر وأء رع ا ا ا ام – وروو، ر َأء وأء ا رع ارام، ا ا ا ام وروو، ر وأء رع ا ا ا ام وروو، – – َأء ا ارام، َأء ا ارام،
ون ل ن، م ل م، ورون َم ن ارن وروو، واذي ن رف زر ّأن زر دم ّاراء، م ُ ٌر ّوو ٌدة، ُت ون ل ن، م ل م، ورون م ن ارن وروو، َ ون ،ل ن،و، ٌولم َن ل ام، م، ّظ، ورون َم ون ن ِن، و ارن ادع ن وروو، واذي ن رف زر ّأن زر دم ّاراء، م ُ ٌر ّوو ٌدة، ُت ِ واذي ن را، ودرف وإزر ، ّأن ري أم زر ام دم ارو ّار اء، ء م ارُ ٌ . ر ّوو ٌدة، ُت ، و، ٌول َن ام، ّظ، ون ِ ن، و ادع ن ِ ّ را، ود وإ ،ري أم ام ارو ء ار، . و، ٌول َن ام، ظ، ون ِ ن، و ِادع ن را، أ ود وإارون، ،ري أم ام ارو ء ار . . أ ارون، ً ّم، ودا ن م، ھذا اد اظم، ادا ن ار وادراط ام، واذي أ وَ ارون، طر م، ودَ ن ر ن ِأل ار .دا، اد او ع، ا ِل ً ّم، ودا ن م، ھذا اد اظم، ادا ن ار وادراط ام، واذي ار، واش ًم، وارام ارا ّا راد وات . . و َ طر م، ودَ ن ر ن ِأل ار .دا، اد او ع، ا ِل ً ً ّم، ودا ن م، ھذا اد اظم، ادا ن ار وادراط ام، واذي ار، واش م، وارام ارا ّا راد وات . ز ا وروو، و َ طر م، ودَ ن ر ن أل ار دا، اد او ع، ا ل ِ . ِ ز ا وروو، ار، راً واش م، ًرداً رداً،م، ًر، وارام ؤون ارا ن، ّا وأء، راد ل م وات . ووون ل إء ن اراب ا، ودة ه . . راً م، رداً رداً، ًر ،ؤون ن، وأء، ل م ووون ل ز ا وروو، إء ن اراب ا، ودة ه . د ت زر وروو ن أروع ازرات ا ت ل و اراب، ود ت َ ق م ،رن ن ل اذاھب وارب، ودن، ؤون، د ت زر وروو ن أروع ازرات ا ت ل راً وم، رداً ارداً، راب، ودًر ، ؤون ن، وأء، ل م ووون ل وأزابٍ، وھتٍ ّد . . ت َ ق م ،رن ن ل اذاھب وارب، ودن، ؤون، إء ن اراب ا، ودة ه . . وأزابٍ، وھتٍ ّد . د ت زر وروو ن أروع ازرات ا ت ل و اراب، ود
ت َ ق م - www.wlcu.com ،رن ن ل [email protected]اذاھب وارب، ودن، ؤون، Insurgentes Sur 686-1201 - Del Valle, Benito Juárez - México DF 03100, México [email protected] - www.wlcu.comوأزابٍ، وھتٍ ّدTel: +52 55 12041240WorldWorld President – Mobile: President +52 1 55 54062322 . th GEMA Center, 9 floor – Dbayeh Highway, Lebanon Insurgentes Sur 686-1201 - Del Valle, Benito Juárez - México DF 03100, México Tel/Fax: +961-4-540015 َ Tel: +52 55 12041240 – Mobile: +52 1 55 54062322 thإن َاوة، اإن اوة، ارو ، روٌ ، رون ن ٌرون ن م م ،، وإموإم ظ ظ ا ا ط ط GEMA Center, 9 floor – Dbayeh Highway, Lebanon ً Tel/Fax: +961-4-540015 دع أر ن ٍدع ن أر ناد ن ار اد ار ال، وإ ال، ن وإ د ِن َ ر د ِ َر داً دا لل ود ااراب، راب، ون ون ٍ د ً ًن ن اذي وء ت راع ارن أر . . د ً ًن ن اذي وء ت راع ارن أر . . [email protected] - www.wlcu.com ً México وأرا، ,03100 دوDF أرم - México دوم Juárez ار Benito ل ,Del Valleأل - اؤر 1201-686 اSur اذي د Insurgentes ً وروو ن ال، وإ أط ف م ل ھذا اؤر، وء أء ا وأرا، دو أرم د55 54062322وم 1 ا +52ر– Mobile: ل أل 12041240 55 اؤر Tel: +52ا اذي َ د وروو ارامن . ال، وإLebanon أط Highway, ف – Dbayehم floorل th 9 ھذا ,Center اؤر، GEMAوء َأء ا ارام Tel/Fax: +961-4-540015 .
دم، ت دا، َوش ن،
دم، ت دا، َوش ن،
ارس ا ا ا ام أدرو وري رس
ارس ا ا ا ام أدرو وري رس
[email protected] - www.wlcu.com Insurgentes Sur 686-1201 - Del Valle, Benito Juárez - México DF 03100, México Tel: +52 55 12041240 – Mobile: +52 1 55 54062322 GEMA Center, 9th floor – Dbayeh Highway, Lebanon Tel/Fax: +961-4-540015
[email protected] - www.wlcu.com Insurgentes Sur 686-1201 - Del Valle, Benito Juárez - México DF 03100, México Tel: +52 55 12041240 – Mobile: +52 1 55 54062322 GEMA Center, 9th floor – Dbayeh Highway, Lebanon Tel/Fax: +961-4-540015 13th of November, 2015
On behalf of the World Lebanese Cultural Union Toronto Chapter, I welcome you to our annual «Raising the Flag» ceremony. The World Lebanese Cultural Union is a nonprofit -or ganization thriving to unite descendants of Lebanese Origin to one worldwide organization and to promote and preserve our Lebanese culture and heritage for generations to come.
We gather today in honor of Lebanon's Independence Day, officially celebrated in November for the past 72 years. Our flag was raised, on November 11, 1943 at the home of Hussein El Halabi, in celebration of our liberation from two decades of the French mandate. Our Flag is a symbol of a proud tradition – built on a united front, striving for an independent country where we can all live in peace and harmony despite our religious or political background, much like Canada.
As Lebanese Canadians, we have an opportunity to reaffirm our faith in a united Lebanon and send a strong message back to our homeland that we are all one people - Christians, Moslems and Druz. It is only by manifesting our solidarity, that we have a chance of protect- ing and safeguarding our independence from all surrounding dangers and external powers.
As members of the Lebanese diaspora, we are confident that our Politicians in Lebanon will start a dialogue of peace amongst themselves and remain hopeful that together, they will elect a president who will lead the country to a stable and safe Lebanon, so Lebanon’s name will shine once again as the Paris of the Middle East.
The World Lebanese Cultural Union celebrate this important day at Queen’s Park annually to highlight our Lebanese existence in a multicultural country Canada, the country that opened its doors to the Lebanese people since the 1880s and more recently, during the civil war that ravaged Lebanon for 14 years. We salute the diversity of the Canadian society and we are deeply grateful for their warm welcome and genuine hospitality. We also recognize and com- mend the Lebanese Canadians who have contributed so much to the fabric of this wonderful nation, including former PEI Premiers Joe and Robert Ghiz, the Leon’s family, Kevin O’Leary, Paul Anka and Toronto Maple Leaf Centre Nazem Kadri to name a few.
Last but not least, I would like to leave you with a quote from Gibran Khalil Gibran “If Leba- non wasn’t my country, I would have chosen it to be my country”.
Thanks for sharing this memorable day with us. May God Bless and protect our two coun- tries Canada and Lebanon.
Leila Hajje - President WLCU (Toronto Chapter)
WLCU at the UN
WLCU at the UN O Canada! Our home and native land! True patriot love in all thy sons command. With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free! From far and wide, O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. God keep our land glorious and free! O Canada, we stand on guard for thee. O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada! Terre de nos aïeux, Ton front est ceint de fleurons glorieux. Car ton bras sait porter l’épée, Il sait porter la croix. Ton histoire est une épopée, Des plus brillants exploits. Et ta valeur, de foi trempée, Protégera nos foyers et nos droits. Protégera nos foyers et nos droits. كلنـا للوطـن للعـلى للعـلم ملء عني ّالزمن �سـيفنا والقـلم �سهلنا واجلبـل منبت للرجـال قولنا والعمـل يف �سبيل الكمال كلنا للوطن للعلى للعلم ّكلنا للوطن
�شيخنـا والفتـى عنـد �صـوت الوطن �أ�سد غاب متى �سـاورتنا الفــنت �شــرقنـا قلبـه � ًأبــدا لبـنان �صانه ربه ملدى الأزمان كلنا للوطن للعلى للعلم كلنا للوطن
بحـره ّبــره ّدرة ال�شرقني ِر ُفـد ّه ّبــر ُه مالئ القطبني �إ�سمـه ّهعـز منذ كان اجلدود ُجمــد ُه � ُأرز ُه ُرمز ُه للخلود ّكلنا للوطن للعلى للعلم ّكلنا للوطن “It is our absolute pleasure and honor to thank the following individuals, Organizations and corporations who have offered their generous support to allow for this event to be a success, thank you! ” Leila Hajje - WLCU President
Canadian Officials Premier of Ontario Hon. Kathleen Wynne Progressive Conversative MPP. Patrick Brown Ontario›s New Democrats MPP. Andrea Horwath Mayors of Greater Toronto Area
Lebanese Officials Embassy of Lebanon – Charge D’affaires Hon. Sami Haddad
Religious Organizations Islamic Centre of Southwestern Ontario Jesus the king Melkite Catholic Church Moutamad Mashyakhet Al Aql Muslim World League Canada Lebanese Islamic Centre Canada Our Lady of Lebanon - Marounite Church Saint Charbel Marounite Church Mississauga Saint Mary Armenian Apostolic Church Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church Saint George Orthodox Church
Lebanese Parties and Clubs Armenian Revolutionary Federation - Tashnaq Armenian Socialist Hunchak Canadian Druze Society Cedars Club Council of Lebanese Canadian Organization Future Movement Toronto Lebanese Canadian Progressive Society Lebanese Forces Lebanese Kataeb Zahle Toronto Club Media Master of Ceremony Assaha Mrs. Rita Gideon Bessat El Reih Mrs. Marie Daou Mousa Lama TV Mr. Harry Ansara Raed Farah Photographer Others Creative Services Aldus Printing Connect Creative and Marketing Consider It Done Event Management Al-Lala Dabkeh Group
A special Thanks to the Board and Committee members whose hard work and dedication made this event a great success. “On behalf of WLCU, we thank our sponsors for their generous contributions that made the Lebanese Independence Day event a great success.”
Leila Hajje - WLCU President