Lebanon's Golgotha continues with the war, and with it, the pain of those steadfast in their homeland and those far from it continues. For the second consecutive year, Canada is celebrating Lebanese Heritage Month, which is the month in which Lebanon celebrates its Independence Day (on the 22nd). In June 2023, the Canadian Parliament designated November as "Lebanese Heritage Month." This decision stemmed from a bill supported by the Member of Parliament (of Lebanese descent) in the federal House of Commons, Lina Metlege Diab, and backed by other MPs of Lebanese origin.
And this year, Lebanese expatriates in several Canadian cities are celebrating their country's heritage with a different rhythm. A rhythm that encompasses a contradictory blend of pain and hope. A mix of pride in the heritage of the homeland of our fathers and grandfathers and concern for the homeland of our fathers and grandfathers. A mix of joy in raising the Lebanese flag across Canada and fear for the fate of loved ones engulfed in the darkness of a war without an end in sight.
Among the activities that took place this month, the Lebanese flag was raised in front of the Canadian Parliament at the initiative of Diab and in collaboration with the Lebanese embassy in Canada, in the presence of dozens of members of the Lebanese community. The celebration was attended by the Bishop of the Maronite Archdiocese in Canada, Bishop Paul-Maron Tabet. The diocese published on its accounts about the occasion, accompanying the news with a prayer for Lebanon: "We pray for peace to return to our beloved homeland and for its people to enjoy tranquility and security." The event was accompanied by an invitation to Lebanese people across Canada to participate in the activities of this month, which reflect a bright image of the sweetness of Lebanon despite the horrors of war.
It is worth mentioning that after the decision to dedicate this month to Lebanese heritage last year, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with words that reflect his country's appreciation for the Lebanese. He said in a statement: "Lebanese Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the contributions of Lebanese Canadians in the country we proudly call our home." Since the 19th century, when the first Lebanese immigrants came to Canada, up to today, with hundreds of thousands of Lebanese Canadians residing here, this vibrant diaspora has formed an integral part of Canada's rich cultural mosaic. They have contributed—and continue to contribute—to making our country more diverse, prosperous, and inclusive.
It is worth noting that the first Lebanese arrived in Canada around the year 1884, according to the Mar Maroun Archdiocese of Canada, and they were Orthodox Christians. The second wave of immigrants was marked by the arrival of Maronites and Greek Catholics from Egypt. As for the third and most stable wave of migration, it was from Lebanese fleeing wars. The majority of the immigrants were Maronites who were suffering from harsh social conditions.