Memoir of the martyr Brigadier General of staff Francois El Hajj

Brigadier General Francois el-Hajj, killed in a car bomb attack on Wednesday 13 December 2007, had been tipped to head Lebanon's armed forces if feuding politicians agreed to elect the current army chief as president.

Director of the Army Staff for operations starting from 25/2/2002 until his martyrdom, General François el Hajj was killed along with his bodyguard in a morning rush-hour blast that rocked Baabda. General was immediately martyred in the explosion. Lebanese soldiers carry the body of Lebanese army General Francois El-Hajj from the site of a car bomb attack in Baabda, a Christian suburb on the outskirts of Beirut. Hajj was among at least four people killed in the car bomb that also injured seven others.

Minister Hariri and the Hakim Jaajaa, both members of 14 March, said that what happened is a terrible crime committed in cold blood and that the murders must be brought to justice because these assassinations are affecting Lebanon’s future and stability.

Lebanese citizens were surprised that General Francois el-Hajj was murdered, and they all demanded the authorities to investigate to reveal the truth to bring those murders to justice. Sarah Go-she said that what happened had affected Lebanon's principle vessel, which make it hard for Lebanon to recover again. Serine Hijaze said that General Francois el-Hajj will not reset in peace unless the murderers were brought to justice.

By Dalia Hariri

UNIFUL Troops in Lebanon: A blessing or a curse

After the Lebanese war in July 2oo6 the Lebanese government decided with the international security consul to send UNIUFL multi nationality forces to protect the borders between Lebanon and Israel. The Lebanese have different opinions concerning the UNIFUL presence on the Lebanese soil.

The UNIFIL mandate consists of a number of responsibilities: First, they should monitor the cessation of hostilities; second accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the South, including along the Blue Line, as Israel withdraws its armed forces from Lebanon. Third, coordinate its activities with the Government of Lebanon and the Government of Israel; fourth, extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons; next, assist the Lebanese armed forces in taking steps towards the establishment of the area. Finally, assist the government of Lebanon, at its request, to implement paragraph 14 whish calls upon the government of Lebanon to secure its borders and other entry points to prevent the entry of arms or related material in Lebanon without its consent.

UNIFIL is not tied up operationally by the whims of the Lebanese cabinet, or even the Lebanese army. If an attack occurs, UNIFIL has the full right to hunt down the culprits. And no one is allowed to flaunt any form of weapons.

Lebanese people have different point of views towards the UNIFUL presence in Lebanon. Wafaa sabbaggh said that she supports the UNIFUL presence because it’s on the Lebanese land to protect it from any uncivilized action and added that the UNIFUL forces are not biased against Lebanon. Hassan Ayoub said that he approves of the UNIFUL presence because the troops are doing humanitarian activities and not just military activities. However, Hassan Ayoub wondered if the UNIFUL will take sides incase Lebanon faced another war. Nader Najjar said that war against Lebanon forced our government to call the UNIFUL troops to our safety from the Israeli attacks. Najjar added, “When these troops came they started to fix our destroyed bridges and roads. When these soldiers saw the beauty of Lebanon, they worked to protect this country and help a lot of Lebanese families to get back to their work.”

On the other hand, other citizens rejected the presence of the UNIFUL troops on Lebanese soil. Mustafa Zaayter confirmed that UNIFUL is a threat to Lebanon and they are America’s eyes in Lebanon and added that they work to ensure Israel’s safety

By: Dalia Hariri

Saida Flourishes in Ramadan

Ramadan is a special and an important month for all Moslems in the entire world, because it is the month of mercy and blessing. However, in Saida Ramadan has a very special impression.

This month is a thread that connects the members of every family in saida since families in Ramadan gather around the same table for the Iftar after a day of fasting. Once the Iftar announcement is heard, fasters enjoy the delicious food prepared. Families in Saida also invite each other for the iftar or go together to some restaurants which make special offers for Ramadan and have their iftar there. After eating, many people go to mosques and pray the Tarawe7, a praying which Moslems pray in Ramadan. They also start to read some lines from Koraan and ask God to bless their lives. In addition, mosques in Saida also prepare programs especially for Leilat Al Kader ‘Destiny night’. On this night, Moslems stay awake until dawn and spend their time praying and reading Koraan because on this night God had sent Koraan to Moslems.

Besides praying and worship, Saida is crowded with coffee shops in order to refresh its economic state and gather its citizens in a happy and interesting atmosphere. These coffee shops are spread in all Saida, but especially near the archeological places. For examples, at the entrance of Khan El-Franj which is an ancient and touristy place in Saida there are a lot of these shops which will be filled with people either from Saida or from other cities after the sunset. You can enter at street-level through a monumental porch under an arcaded gallery where the citizens prefer to sit in order to enjoy the mild weather especially in these summer days. There are also coffee shops that face the “Sea Castle of Saida” which is a very important archeological element and it is the favorite place of strollers searching for tranquility and the sea breeze. In addition to these places, you can find some famous old coffee shops in Saida filled with customers as if they are ants gathering on a peace of sugar. And by asking one of the customers about her opinion of Saida’s atmosphere in Ramadan she said, “It is a wonderful enterprise, it changes Saida from a normal city into a city with a vibrant economic movement. And it also changes Saida from a sleepy city into an active one.”

Tourists also have their part in this activity which will be repeated everyday in Ramadan and it will be in a continuous state from sunset till Dawn.

By: Norhan Nakouzi

The “Made in Lebanon” victory

Sunday September the second was the day of victory in Lebanon, since the Lebanese military dominated the Nahr el bared Palestinian Refugee Camp after 100 and 6 days from battling in Tripoli north Lebanon and after the death of 202 Lebanese military.

The troops were showered with rice and raised petals as smiling soldiers waved back in an hours-long parade. Some of the military vehicles carried pictures of soldiers who had died in the fighting. Fireworks crackled on the streets and patriotic songs blared over loudspeakers as people danced to the beat of the drums.

This “Made in Lebanon” victory made the Lebanese people proud of their country and military because they achieved their goal without outside interference or help and they hoped that martyrs’ souls might rest in peace. Mohammad Habash said that this victory confirmed that the Lebanese military is capable of doing any thing to keep Lebanon safe and added that they showed unquestioned loyalty to their country.

Even Palestinians supported the army and appreciated his hard work. They wanted their camp to be rebuilt in due time and added that they were against Fatah al Islam vision and plans and they believe that this group doesn’t have any relation with Islam at all. A.S Palestinian citizen said that he is proud of the Lebanese military and he added that this victory wasn’t just a Lebanese one but it was palatines as mush as a Lebanese victory.

At the end Lebanese and Palestinian citizens hoped peace and justice would be restored in Lebanon, and hoped that this situation will never be repeated on this blessed land.

By Dalia Hariri

It's Our Right to Succeed

“It’s our right to succeed” the summer camp, which is sponsored by MP Bahiya Al Hariri and headed by Nabel Bawab for the children of Saida and the nearby area, was launched on August 1st in Saida.

“It’s our right to succeed” was launched for the first time in 2004 in only 2 centers in Saida and now in 2007 it developed into 8 centers during the summer and 50 schools through the school year. This summer camp combines between activities and subject areas like languages; English, Arabic and Math. This summer camp is the result of the collaboration between the Hariri foundation and the National Organization, as Mrs. Wafica Skafi informed. She also told us that there are 250 volunteers participating in this camp. Dima Hassan, the English coordinator said, "It was important to prepare fun activities to teach the students because it was a summer camp and students must enjoy their time while learning. Learning must be enjoyable so they won't get bored". She also told us that she prepared suitable themes for each age of students and designed activities and handouts for every theme. The material prepared for every week was then handed to Mrs. Skafi to be photocopied and distributed to the centers. Dima Hassan worked with the volunteers on a weekly basis so their teaching would go smoothly.

Head supervisor Nabel Bawab said that this camp started on the first of August and it will continue till August 30th. He also said that the closing ceremony will be on September 4th in MP Bahiya Al Hariri’s villa in Majdillion and this camp will continue in winter as well. This camp contains so many activities such as recycling, art, choral, dancing, and folklore. Nabel Bawab added that this year witnessed the birth of new activities like the art of photography project that will be concluded with a photo exhibit titled “Sweet Eye” in Ayn Al Hilwi camp on September 1st, and “My family, My introduced them to their city Saida and took them to see its historical places. They also participated in community service activities by cleaning Saida beach. They also visited other villages in Lebanon to get connected to their country and to meet other kids there from other religions. The purpose of this project was to introduce the children to the other and teach them to respect and accept their differences, as Noha Bizri the project coordinator told us.

Smira Nawal Garib, the dance coordinator said that dancing is a special private activity and they had to train students for 4 dances in just 15 days to be performed in the closing ceremony on September the 4th with the help of the work team members Mona El Katib, Nriman Abu Daher, Maha Antar, Saed El Zingy, and so many others.

Mohammad Shaarawi, the music coordinator said that selecting 75 students from 200 was very hard and added that these 75 distributed in the 8 centers will perform a private song to the camp in the closing ceremony.

One of the monitors Jana Jardali, who was responsible for young kids aged 4 to 6 years old, said that these activities help children forget about the war and what they have been through and let them have a new start.

Samira Masri Kublwi, the recycling project coordinator, talked about the process of using carton, cups and many other materials and reusing them. They had made CD boxes, pen cases and copybooks.

The closing ceremony will be presented in Hariri's villa in majdillion to appreciate the hard work of these kids and the volunteers.

By Dalia Hariri

Bahiya Al Hariri Supporting Education

On July 31st 2007 M.P. Bahiya Al Hariri organized a graduation ceremony for all Saida secondary cycle students; both Lebanese and Palestinians, in her own villa in Majdillion to congratulate them for passing the official exams and to support education.

M.P. Bahiya Al Hariri, Minister of education Khaled Kabani, school principles, and parents attended the ceremony which started at 6:30 pm. There were more than a thousand students from more than 15 schools.

During the ceremony, five students who got the highest grades in the official exams in South Saida spoke and thanked Minster Kabani and their own schools because they led them to this success. Minister Kabani thanked the security forces because they ensured the students’ safety and helped during the official exams at a time when Lebanon is facing so many difficulties. He also added that he kept his word when he promised that the official exams will be done and all students will get their rights and that’s what happened. M.P Bahiya Al Hariri in her turn confirmed the importance of education and said that this was what Martyr Rafik Al Hariri wanted and that’s what we’ll do. After the speeches, students from each school received their certificates on stage and then with their principle took a photo with M.P Bahiya Al Hariri and Minister kabani. Farah Hariri, one of the graduates remarked, “It was a great experience, and it was our reward. We felt that we are valued and M.P Bahiya Al Hariri is appreciating our hard work.”
At the end of the ceremony, Lebanese and Palestinian students performed two dances.



On July 2nd 2007 HBS administration organized a graduation ceremony for the ninth graders who succeeded in the official exams in M.P. Bahiya Al Hariri’s villa in Majdillion. It’s the fourth graduation that Hariri Bahaa School achieved 100% success in the official exams. M.P Bahiya Al Hariri, many school principles and parents were invited to the ceremony which started at 7:30p.m. Head supervisor Nabil El Bawab presented the ceremony which started with a flag show and then the graduates came in and stood respectfully for the national Lebanese anthem.

At the beginning of the ceremony, three groups were honored. First, the H.B.S. group, teachers and students, which represented Lebanon in the iEARN international conference which was held in Egypt, received their certificates of attendance which were signed by the Minister of education in Egypt. Second the folklore group and the global class students were honored as well.

The parents’ committee representative spoke congratulating the school and M.P. Bahiya Al Hariri for this success. Mrs. waded Naderi dedicated the school success for the soul of the martyr Rafik Al Hariri and for the Lebanese army who is fighting for the sake of the country. Then Mrs. Bahiya al Hariri said that she was pleased for concluding this year with this success at a time when Lebanon is facing this kind of difficulties. Then Bahiya Al Hariri received an armor from the first HBS graduates.

After that Mister Nabil Bawab revealed the names of the students that got the scholarships to RHHS; Abeer Attalla and Mohammad Hariri 100%, Yara Binni, Nourhan Nakouzi and AbedLatif Hakawiti 50%, Dalia Al Hariri and Mohammad Hijazi 35%.
Then each graduate of the 67 studnets received his certificate from Mrs. Bahiya Al Hariri and each section of the three took a picture with Mrs. Bahiya Al Hariri, Mrs. Wadad El Naderi the school principal and Mr. Nabil Bawab the head supervisior. One of the Grade nine graduates, Dalia said, “we were proud of our success (100% success) and we deserve this amazing graduation because we really worked hard and thanks for our school and M.P Bahiya Al Hariri for this graduation.”

At the end a Lebanese traditional dance was performed and the graduats held their certificates in the air dancing with the song. At 9:00 pm the ceremony was concluded.

By Dalia Hariri

International Court Finally Assigned

The UN vote to set up an international court for the murder of Lebanese prime Minster Rafik Hariri was hailed by his supporters on Thursday / 31 / May/ 2007 but it stirred up fears of more instability in the deeply divided country.

After the assassination of the prime Minster Rafik Hariri in 2005, Hariri supporters demanded the establishment of the international court in order to reveal the truth and to trial the murderers. The project has been at the heart of a long-running political dispute that has paralyzed Prime Minister Seniora's government since the opposition, led by Hezbollah, pulled out six cabinet ministers in November. Two years after the assassination, Hariri supporters set off fireworks and celebratory gunfire, voicing hope the court will finally uncover the truth of the 2005 murder of the popular prime minister which sent shockwaves through the nation.

Three days after the international court started, and 13 days after the Security counsel agreed on the decision, many questions arise among the Lebanese. Some asked about the purpose of this court. Some asked, “Will it protect us after 30 years of political assassination of the leaders of thoughts and words? Is it a political court or it’s all about justice?” People wanted to know who Killed Rafik al Hariri and whether this court will accuse anyone. Moreover many said that “the international court is a need; in fact it’s our duty to call for the international court. Rafik al Hariri was murdered in the middle of the day, in Beirut; the capital of the world, not the capital of Lebanon, and the court must bring those murderers to justice”. On the other hand some feared that the international court will bring more problems and assassinations.

Dalia Hariri

Saida Commemorats the Memory of Rafic Al Hariri

Saida organized several activities throughout the city to commemorate the memory of Rafic Al Hariri’s assassination.

On Thursday 22 February 2007 the Party of the Future organized a political seminar with the deputy Wael Abu Fauor at Rafic Hariri High School to commemorate the memory of Rafic Al Hariri’s assassination.

On 6:39 Mister Ahmad Al Hariri the Party of the future representative welcomed the deputy Abu Fauor in Houssam Dine Hariri’s Auditorium in front of hundreds of people. During the seminar Abu Fauor said that the opinion of all the members of 14 March parties is the same about the international court and confirmed that it is their only request. He also added that what happened on March 16, 1977 when Kamal Joumblat was assassinated is the same as what happened on February 14, 2005 when Rafic Al Hariri was assassinated.
At the end there was an open discussion where the audience asked Ahmad Al Hariri and the deputy Wael Abu Fauor questions the current Lebanese situation and sad their opinion about what is happening in Lebanon and demanded execution of the international court.



On February 11, 2007 Saida schools organized a sport celebration which included karateshow and dancing in Rafic Al Hariri Sports Complex in order to commemorate the memory of Martyr Rafic Al Hariri’s assassination.


It was 3 o'clock when the participating athletes were grouped to begin the celebration. First they made a rehearsal before they performed in front of the audience. When they entered the closed playground they moved around the audience and then stood in organized queues. In front of every queue stood a volunteer holding a sign telling each club and school name. Mister Ahmed Al-Hariri announced the beginning of the celebration. It was H.B.S turn and the first show was a test for the strength of the participating athletes by breaking pieces of wood. The second show was a Folklore dance where the girls danced on ''Ya Seif '' song.

Then Mister Hadi Hammoud and Mister Haysam Al Zarif performed a solo karate show. After that came several shows for Saida's schools and clubs ''Al Maani Club, Eman High School, N.E.I.G.B school and others.'' This sport event ended around 6 pm. One of the participants “Mohamed Elani” told us about his feelings about participating in this celebration which commemorates the memory of Rafic Al-Hariri assassination saying, “I felt like I am paying back Rafic Al- Hariri for all the wonderful things, and I am proud because I participated in this celebration for I appreciate his sacrifices.” He added that he would surely participate in this celebration the next year because it’s his duty to present a good image about the youth which Rafic Al-Hariri helped and because he is representing H.B.S and his city Saida.

At the end, the winners were appraised and rewarded.

By Dalia Hariri and Mohammad hariri

H.B.S commemorate the memory of Rafic Al Hariri

Hajj Bahaa Hariri School prepared several activities in the school to commemorate the memory of the former Lebanese Prime Minster Rafic Al Hariri.

On 13 March 2007 H.B.S students organized a miniature United Security Counsel in the presence of M.P. Bahia Al Hariri, the school principle Widad Nadiri and the school supervisor Nabil Al Bawab at Hariri complex to commemorate the memory of Rafic Al Hariri’s assassination and to vote for the execution of the International Court.

At 10:30, the miniature Security Counsel headed by South Africa was held. Lebanon, the United States, Russia, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, China, and France were represented by H.B.S students.

The H.B.S student Fatima Al Kaisy started the consul with a poem written to Rafic Al Hariri. Then the counsel began.

South Africa represented by Mohammed Elani explained that they gathered to discuss the worldwide figure R.H and then he gave permission for the members to speak. Each talked about one aspect of Rafic AL Hariri’s life.

United State represented by Rasha Gamin talked about how much Rafic Al Hariri cared for Lebanon and believed in the Lebanese abilities.

Russia represented by Hala Shmaysene said Rafic Al Hariri served all people despite their religions, creeds, or sects.

Britain represented by Mohammad Yatem talked about Rafic Al Hariri’s contributions in the field of social services.
China represented by Hala Hashisho talked about the concerns of the Lebanese legend concerning the educational issues.
France represented by Nazic Matok confirmed that Rafic AL Hariri was like oxygen for Lebanon since he rebuilt Lebanon after the civil world
Lebanon represented by Malaki Shade talked about Rafic Al Hariri’s biography.
In the name of all children, the student Fatima Al Kaisy ended the counsel with a call for the adults in the world; for the adults in Lebanon to help make their wishes come true to make them live in security, justice, and peace because it is their right.
At the end of the session, the execution of the international court got unanimity agreement in order not to let Rafic al Hariri's blood go in vain.

At the end of the activity the martyr’s sister Deputy Bahia Al Hariri confirmed that the international court is the Hariri family’s only request adding that the murderers had killed Rafic Al Hariri’s body but not his soul. She then thanked the students for this activity concluding with one of Rafic Al Hariri’s quotes “Youth are half of the present and all the future".



Also on February 13 HBS organized the activity of releasing hundreds of balloons in the air to announce all the all people that Rafic is still in there minds and to show the amount of love that HBS students have for Rafic all Hariri.


It all began at 12:30 when the students descended from their classes and lined up in organized lines. They were given balloons by their administrators which have Rafic all Hariri’s picture and the sign of the truth. Then at exactly 12:55 the time when Rafic al Hariri was assassinated, they released them. After they released the balloons the principle said a small speech. After that all the students called his name (Abu Bahaa) and called out for revealing the truth. All the kids were happy with this event as one kid said: “My participation in
this big event is the simplest way to payback a great man for his services and that I will participate a second time since that is my duty and I should be loyal to rafic all Hariri all my life as he was loyal to his country all his life and to all the Lebanese children without any discrimination”

A lot of reporters came and future TV covered covered that event.

A third activity was a celebration prepared for the students of Kindergarten in the presence of school Principal Wadad Nadiri and the school supervisor Nabil Bawab, and the kindergarten’s teachers on February 12, 2007. For this ceremony, Claressa, the young singer came and sang her famous songs for Mr.Raffic (وينك يا جدو) and) (مين الاتلك.

This celebration included invocations for Raffic Hariri and recitation of some of his famous quotes “It is not important who stay and who go, the most important thing is that this is the country that our children and grandsons will live in”.

A group of Kindergarten students also sang some songs that were previously sung by famous singers for Rafic Hariri like ((لا ما خلصت الحكاية. Others read a part of the Koraan (Fatha) for God to rest his soul.

Although these students are young, “Rafiic Hariri is present in their memory and every kid still remembers him and the way he was assassinated by” as Noha Mawaed the director of kindergarten said.

Many photographers and reporters from Furture TV covered the event.

On February12, 2007 the students of H.B.S school participated in commemorating the memory of Rafic Hariri by painting drawing on one of the school walls.

In the presence of Mrs. Shaarawi three students from grade five painted the drawing which symbolized the unity of religion in Lebanon because it included the Christian cross with the Moslem crescent embraced by the flag of Lebanon.
Sarah Mokbel, one of the students who participated in this event said, ‘Rafic Hariri planted the peace in all Lebanon. His assassination will stay in our mind and in our heart; because the criminals killed love on a day full of love’. The students added that Rafic Hariri didn’t separate between one sect and another. He didn’t wanted religions discrimination in his country but he wanted unity for all Lebanese in order to live in peace.
Mrs.Shaarawi commented by saying ‘Mr. Hariri is a great man who tour the world to ensure peace for Lebanon with all the countries.’

BY: Dalia Hariri, Mohammad Hariri, Nadine sharifa, and Ayda El yaman

Siada Welcomes the Pilgrims

Every year in Zol hija Muslims go on a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to perform their religious duty to god .So I interviewed some Lebanese pilgrims who were with the Bahaa campaign to ask them about their experiences on this holly trip.

The pilgrims were joyful in fulfilling their duty, as Souad Doha said:

“When we arrived to KSA at 4:00 AM we were very happy and excited since it was the first time every one in our campaign that visits this Holly land.”

The campaign manager took them to a large building that the campaign had rented for us .Then they rested for about 6 hours and went to the Haram and they prayed and did their pilgrimage duties.

They didn’t face any trouble in their pilgrimage since it was very organized and they did all their duties at night which was cooler than day, but sometimes they faced a cold or hot wind which was very harmful to them but their guide took them to shelters"

Climbing Arafat is an important stage in a pilgrimage which many pilgrims wait patiently to do as Souad Doha said:

"Our hiking on Arafat mountain was easy since we went up by a Pullman bus. Actually Arafat is not a mountain but a low land but it is its name .On the mountain there are stairs that facilitates our climbing"

After they finished their praying and duties the pilgrims headed shopping in the Madina shops .As Souad Doha told us about her shopping:

"In our free time we went to shops especially in The Madina. Mainly we prayed and went to visit our prophet's grave to pray.
We also visited some mosques which were very important"

Finally Mrs. Doha shared her opinion with us : "I gained a great experience, since it was a tremendous visit and it is obligatory for every Muslim ,and I wish that I go many more times and I wish that every one has the chance to go there."

written by:Khoder Barakat.

The Annual Carnival Gives Joy to Saida’s Orphans:

H.B.S school, Future Scout, and the Hariri Foundation organized the annual carnival sponsored by M.P Bahia El Hariri in Saida’s orphanage on Sunday 14, Decembe 2006 to entertain the orphans of Saida.

The head-supervisor of H.B.S school Mr.Nabil El Bawab greeted the attendance from orphans and volunteers wishing them a cheerful day and announced the beginning of the carnival.

After listening to the Lebanese anthem, the carnival began, and all the kids spread in the playground exploring the place. The schedule consisted of sportive and entertaining games set for them.

In addition to that, a corner specialized for educational games was organized by the joint of “Our Right to Succeed". It dealt with certain subjects such as: Math, English, Arabic, and Science .The information was presented in a playful way through puzzles, riddles, finding the missing word, and by the intervention of the computer also through computer games.

This corner can be recognized by the catchphrase: “I care for you-you care for me-we care for Lebanon.” Mrs. Najwa El Yihia the supervisor for this corner said: “this catchphrase presents the volunteering work that is significant for the society by caring for the children who are the future of Lebanon.” And on behalf of the efficient staff she said, “The staff were joyful since the carnival conducted a pedagogic goal, not only making the kids happy, but also by providing them with information”.

As a result of winning in these games, the kids would be able to collect cards for winning presents which were donated by M.P. Mrs. Hariri as Mr. Bawab informed us. The presents were given on the stage in front of
the audience.

The volunteering group played an important role in the carnival. In addition to facilitating the games, they also gave snacks to the kids, and played scout anthems to entertain them. And the most important show was the “Ninchako” for marshal arts performed by the martial arts club member who showed his best moves in front of the kids.

The volunteering teacherss didn’t stand by, but they participated in the games especially Mr.Nabil El Bawab. All were trying to blind in the joyful mood as they danced with the kids and joked together.

Preparation for the carnival took a long time as Mr.Nabil El Bawab said. He also stressed that it was decided to achieve this annual celebration at the orphanage after seeing the children’s reaction last year. Last year’s carnival was a success and so is this year’s.

At the end of this day and down in the stage arena ,a jollity was organized that consisted of many events .Mr.Nabil El Bawab was honored by receiving an armor ,as he gave his words of thanks for the efficiency put into this social event . A play about Independence Day was performed by the students of H.B.S Drama Club. Mrs.Halla EL Hariri the head-leader of the Drama club said that the drama students wanted to participate in this celebration. In addition a dance performed by H.B.S. folklore club members under the supervision of Miss Ibtihaj El Sin was presented.

Saida Welcomes the Feasts

This year 2006 Saida's citizens from different religions are preparing to celebrate Christian and Moslem feasts: Christmas, Adaha, and New Year.

Shop keepers are getting new collections of different designs to satisfy all tastes. They also make new decorations for the shop windows and the market streets. Many shopkeepers decorate their shops with Christmas trees and they wrote Mary Christmas, Adha mobarak on the shop window. In addition they make sales of different percentage to attract buyers for example oxygen store made 30% while Aldorado went to 50%discount.

Saida citizens spend a lot of time shopping. Therefore low prices, sales and new collections attracted them to buy and feel the taste of feasts. Some people were so pleased by the new collections and prices. For instance an 18 years old college boy Ali Hasan Etesh was pleased with the prices. On the other hand some people thought that the new collection was so expensive for example Em Bilal said that she could find nothing for everything is expensive.

Despite the different opinion about prices all Saida citizens agreed on I thing that they whish Lebanon peace, happiness and security.

written by:

Dalia Al Hariri, Doaa Moussa, Aida Yaman,and Nourhan Nakoze

Our progress

Hi everyone,

Since we started this club, we learned a bunch of things because we want to show you our best.
We learned what makes news worthy to read and I’m sure that you also want to know. Well, news must have
Prominence
Timeliness
Strange
Impact
Proximity

We also learned what news should have.
Truth
Objectivity
Accuracy
Balance
Clarity
And many other things like how to make interviews and how to organize our news story.

We were busy the last couple of weeks with exams, but we’re almost ready with our first stories.


Done by Dalia Al Hariri