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Articles by Zahraa Ayyad
“Mr. Falafel” Heals Children’s Wounds Through Theatre
“Mr. Falafel,” as the children of war call him, or Ahmad Al-Masri (23 years old), says choosing this nickname helped break the barrier between him and the children, who grew to know him and befriend him. He became their friend — not just a teacher. “If I didn’t give something to my country and my people during the war, then when is my time?” Ahmad says. During Lebanon’s difficult days of conflict, he felt a strong drive to contribute through acting and art.
Since the Beirut explosion... "Mariam’s Kitchen" in Karantina continues to provide uninterrupted support - Report by Ali Zalzali
After the Beirut explosion, Maronite priest Father Hani Tawk decided to respond to the aftermath of the disaster in a practical way—by cooking for those in need. What began as a small pot on a stove in Gemmayzeh Street has grown into "Mariam’s Kitchen," a hall in Karantina that opens its doors to everyone, where anyone can eat freely, without questions or restrictions. The explosion left thousands injured and suffering. Amid this tragedy, Father Hani Tawk chose to contribute what he could.
Isra Harshi… Voice of Hope for Cancer Patients and Marginalized Groups
It wasn’t the first time she talked about the illness, but it was the first time she allowed herself to think about it. She had lived in denial, continuing life after her recovery as though nothing had happened. But in that moment, the wall she had built inside herself broke. “I went back in time to the days when I used to wander the hospital corridors, looking for a way to escape. But this time, I wasn’t thinking about myself.
Hadi Habib... The Lebanese Tennis Player Who Defied the Odds and Made It to the Grand Slam
"I used to go to that abandoned court every day after school," he says. "There was no coach, no modern equipment, not even a net. But I felt like the game was magical." The journey from those humble beginnings to professional tennis was far from easy. “In Lebanon, football is the number one sport,” he says with a laugh.
Qassem Istanbouli... The Theater Maker Who Built Stages in Marginalized Areas
Istanbouli’s journey began in the southern city of Tyre through politically and socially critical plays, defying traditional norms. He successfully broke into public squares and streets with a team performing mobile shows while he was still in his second year at the Lebanese University’s Institute of Fine Arts. The turning point in Istanbouli’s life came in 2014 when he reopened the "Colisée Cinema" on Hamra Street, which houses a theater stage that had been neglected for decades.
Hicham Najdi Presents Tyre as He Sees It… A City of Peace
Seventeen years ago, Hicham began his journey from his city, Tyre, and managed through social media to present the city in its full, peaceful, and authentic light. He created the “Official Tyre Page” to highlight the city as never before. He refused to turn his page into an advertising space, despite the many requests he received. He believed tourism is a cultural responsibility, and that Tyre deserved to be highlighted, not exploited.
Lilian Al Amatouri...Traveling to Meet the Human Behind the Map
Lilian, from the town of Barouk in the Chouf district of Mount Lebanon, is not just a tour guide or content creator. She is the story of a girl who started from nothing, with no support, dreaming of living life her own way—with honesty and spontaneity. She wasn’t seeking fame or fortune, only complete freedom to express herself and her story through her travels and diverse experiences. At first, Lilian studied medicine, but quickly realized that it wasn’t her path.
LAMB Association in Zgharta: A Remarkable Role in Rescuing Injured Wild and Migratory Birds - Video report by Linda Samman
In the town of Zgharta in northern Lebanon, the LAMB – Birds of Lebanon Association, led by Michel Sawwan, is dedicated to rescuing injured wild and migratory birds, often victims of excessive hunting and ongoing violations against wildlife. The association was founded in 2010, following years of individual efforts, in response to the increasing number of injured birds and the inability to care for them individually.
A Droub Bater’ Group: A Local Initiative Revives Chouf’s Trails - Video Report by Nour Marzouk
In the towns of the Chouf district, which lack organized youth initiatives, serious local efforts are emerging to create new spaces for connection and joint action — as a practical response to people’s daily needs and an attempt to ease growing social and economic pressures. In this context, the group “A Droub Bater,” founded in 2019 by residents of the town of Bater in Chouf, stands as a living example of the role community initiatives can play.
Al-Sayyed Bakery: Reopened and Brought Life Back to the Heart of Nabatieh - Report by Jad Fakih
In the heart of Nabatieh's market, which bore a significant share of the destructive effects of war, the renowned "Al-Sayyid Bakery" reopened its doors just hours after the ceasefire came into effect. It welcomed thousands of residents returning to the city after more than 60 days of displacement. Fadel Al-Sayyid, the young owner of this bakery, was among the first to return to Nabatieh to meet the needs of its people.
The Town of Kfarmatta: An Example of Social Solidarity in Times of Crisis - Report by Zahraa Ayyad
The town of Kfarmatta played a pivotal role in hosting Lebanese individuals displaced from their homes in Beirut’s southern suburbs, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon. This significant influx of displaced persons required a swift and coordinated response to ensure their basic needs for shelter, food, and healthcare were met. Despite its small size, Kfarmatta’s municipality managed to organize its efforts and coordinate with local committees in the village to provide necessary support.
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