Independence Day in Lebanon
Lebanon, Short Essay, 11/21/1997

Tomorrow, we celebrate our Independence Day. But which independence? From the French, of course. Don't you read History?! Well, who cares about the French? We've forgotten them a long time ago. Our concern now is the present.

Go tell Ali, whose father is detained by the Israelis, about our independence. Tell him we've snatched our freedom back from the French. He'll ask you about his father. Go to Khiam and ask about the meaningful and noble values of independence, freedom and integrity. You'll only hear your voice, echoed by the empty house that an Israeli raid destroyed.

How can we celebrate our independence, I ask you, when a part of us is being torn away, when our soldiers are being killed and our relatives are being thrown out of their homes and schools?

I'm not denying that this national day is important. It will stay forever in our memories, reminding us of our proud ancestors who refused to give in. However, it's our turn now. Our independence, we should not celebrate it, we should fight for it.

Previous Stories:
  It's unfair!   (10/6/1997)
  Taxes are burdening Lebanese citizens   (9/29/1997)
  I am going to the army   (9/4/1997)

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