Every year, many migrants return to Lebanon to celebrate life with their families abroad and rejoice again in the culture and vibrant hospitality that the Lebanese spirit encapsulates. My recent trip to Lebanon reinforced my love for the country that has influenced my values and contributed to my understanding of culture. However, on this trip more than others, I was also alerted to the controversies that have plagued Lebanon’s past and create fear about Lebanon’s future. 

My recent trip was supported by the Maronite Foundation in the World. The trip was organised in honour of the late Mr Antoine Choueiry and was overseen by the trip’s patroness Mrs Rose Choueiry. The Maronite Foundation has adopted a mission of service to the Lebanese communities. Their objective is fulfilled by programs aimed at ensuring that those that migrate from Lebanon do not forget their mother country. A continued connection between Lebanon and its diaspora is encouraged by ensuring that migrants register for Lebanese citizenship. Registering in Lebanon enables effective political, social and economic successes to continue in Lebanon with the assistance of Lebanon’s global citizens. 

Twelve youth from Australia, chosen by the Maronite Foundation, were given the opportunity to travel to Lebanon to reconnect with their Lebanese heritage, enjoy and appreciate the beauty of Lebanon and truly understand the importance for Lebanon of our continuing connection with it. We were joined by a further 52 Maronite young people from 19 different countries. For two weeks we toured Lebanon and formed strong bonds between each other and the mother country. 

Upon arriving, we were informed that the first day of the tour, which had originally included a trip to Zahle and Baalbeck, had been rearranged. Due to political instability, we were to visit Tannourine for the day instead. I found this news very confronting. ISIS had come into Lebanon and the Lebanese army were employing great efforts to ensure the safety of the Lebanese people. This event, which occurred so soon after our arrival, opened my eyes to the continuing political struggles that Lebanon faces; struggles that are perhaps exacerbated because Lebanon is one of the few Middle Eastern countries with a high Christian population. This set an interesting tone for the rest of our trip. It reminded us that Lebanon is in need of foreign assistance. I also observed theincreasing apathy of the Lebanese people in the face of turmoil, as a response to the growing political tensions both within and surrounding Lebanon. 

Our trip consisted of very beautiful travels around the country. No expense was spared to ensure we were truly immersed in a once in a lifetime cultural experience. We visited so many places includingTannourine, Kfifan, Batroun, Beirut, Jeita, Harissa, Faraya, Chouf, Jezzine, Annaya, Diman, Becharre, the Qadisha Valley and Byblos. Each place stirred in us feelings of both religious affinity and cultural attachment. 

There was also an educative element to the trip. We were privileged to hear from a wide array of respected and highly knowledgeable speakers, all of whom expressed their passion for Lebanon and the role that the diaspora can play in shaping Lebanon’s future. The ideas that resonated most with me came from Mr Michel Edde, Mr Samir Brikho, Mr Pierre Choueiry, Mr Marcel Ghanem, Mr Michel Mouawad and Mr Laurent Aoun.

 Mr Michel Edde, previous Lebanese Minister and founder of the Maronite Foundation, spoke of the challenges Lebanon faces as a result of its position in the Middle East. The discussion shed light on Lebanon’s historical context and the current geographic influences that subtly affect Lebanon’s policy and development.

 Mr Samir Brikho, CEO of AMEC, discussed the natural resources that Lebanon is yet to take full economic benefit of. I was particularly intrigued to learn that Mr Brikho did not believe Lebanon should fully utilise its natural resources at present, as the political climate in Lebanon was too shaky and profits from the natural oil and gas may end up in the wrong hands.

 Mr Pierre Choueiry, the late Antoine Choueiry’s son, spoke about the legacy that his father had left behind and the empire that his entrepreneurship, love of Lebanon and dedication built.

Mr Marcel Ghanem spoke about the Arab Spring and consensual democracy.

Mr Michel Mouawad spoke about the current political climate in Lebanon and the various incidences throughout history that have influenced this climate.

Mr Laurent Aoun spoke about the contribution that many members of the diaspora make to the Lebanese economy. He commented that Lebanon’s economy is helped substantially by the money that migrants inject back into the nation. Laurent lamented that, although this money did assist many in Lebanon, the wealth we contribute does not have a lasting effect because it is not invested. He suggested that the money should be invested in Lebanese projects, particularly in the villages, to create jobs and generate a sustainable and continuous income for Lebanese residents. 

All the speakers had very inspiring and unique ideas.

On our trip we also had the privilege of being addressed by the Maronite Patriarch, Mar Bechara Boutros Al Rai, who further emphasised the necessity for the diaspora to register in Lebanon and the role that youth should play in the Maronite Foundation’s mission. 

The trip was truly an unforgettable experience. I would like to thank Professor Fadia  Ghossayn, the President of the Maronite Foundation in Australia and Mrs Hiam Boustani, Director of the Maronite Foundation in Lebanon, for their efforts and hard work in ensuring the project’s success. I would also like to thank Father Hady Mahfouz and Father Fadi Kmeidwho hosted us while we stayed at the University in Kaslik (USEK). 

On my last trip to Lebanon I was reminded of all the reasons I love Lebanon. I was also told that this love should manifest itself in a greater interest in Lebanon’s political, economic and social affairs. For that reason I have registered in Lebanon. Sajil Ma Tajil. 

Wednesday 6th of July 1960, 11:00 PM, Lake Placid

The soft ripples of the ceaseless waves gliding on the surface of the sea met Marilyn Starlight as she stepped out of her Rolls Royce. The images of her husband's empty yacht floating in the peaceful marina blurred in her tearful eyes. A piece of her inner tranquility broke off and rolled down with every teardrop that fell from her eyes as the mysterious voice that called her twice in Paris to convey his messages echoed endlessly in her head. "If I were you, I wouldn't feel too secure leaving your husband quite as often as you do. Betrayal is very possible for a man with his money and stature in society. He is usually well entertained in a private undisclosed yacht at night." She demanded repeatedly that the caller announce his name but the phone would go dead very quickly afterwards leaving her soul raging with anger and shock. "Richard Browning? Her beloved husband that showered her with passion and love around the clock; sleeping with a woman other than her? Why? Just the thought of it hurt her so much." 

She was very sexy at thirty years with a superb five foot and a half fit figure, long blond hair, white complexion and marvelous green cat eyes. Her fabulous ample breasts were a catching quality of her young silhouette and her heart shaped face radiated with enchanting feminine beauty. She had everything any successful man would want to have in a woman and yet her husband it appears maintains a secret Mistress. It was so choking after five years of marriage to suddenly find hidden unexpected things in your marital relationship. He married her at twenty five, when she was extremely young and she grew up in her years not knowing any other man but him; not dreaming of being in the arms of any other person but his embrace; and yet when she's off on leisure visits he forgets his commitment and runs to the arms of a harlot? What about the times when his lips would meet with her red wanting lips and cover them with caresses; what about the committing words to her love he would whisper in her ears when they made love in bed. All this would get dumped very easy? 

She boarded the silent yacht and sat down with her clouded mind thinking about the many times she supported him with her connections to reinforce his growing businesses. Two months after their engagement she threw a huge party to introduce him into her family and influential circle of friends. Money met money at that party and within three years after their marriage his businesses were among the most successful in New York. Although starting with a thriving but single company her connections and help boomed him into a multi-million dollar businessman owning companies dealing with meat packing, foodstuff manufacture and export holding the Browning brand name, detergent manufacture and commerce. Lately establishing a car manufacture plant with his Arabian contacts was on the top of his agenda. When he wanted to run for the senate she was so thrilled by his decision and pulled a lot of strings to help him finance his campaign. She never wasted a single effort in being a devoted wife and as a reward he dares betray her with a disgusting woman. 

She looked around the lounge of the elegant yacht that Richard had kept away from her knowledge. "Quite handsome taste Richard," She thought. "And did you and your low life mistress pick it together?!" The lavish comfortable couches surrounding her; the short but elegant bar that stood silently in the corner to her right side with two semi-filled glasses of scotch still infesting the air with their powerful alcohol smell. Red lipstick on the tip of one of the glasses softly glowed under the lights of the yacht. She released a sudden gasp as she spotted the wooden post with the ropes hanging from it at one of the corners. She approached it and studied with alarm. She never knew before that her husband was into any form of BDSM. He maintained very normal sexual practices with her. Not once did he grow aggressive, not even in their wildest arguments. "So it's not all about sex senator. She likes it a little rough before bedtime." As she eyed the whipping post her feelings towards him began changing. She literally felt he was a total stranger to her. She no longer felt she was his wife with full knowledge about his life. She began cursing the hours and minutes she spent with him. Bitter hate began surfacing within her. She clutched the revolver in her purse as her mind raced with devilish ideas. Oh she felt that she could have his liver for dinner and not care; a true worthless rat that needed to be brushed away from her life very quickly. 

She heard footsteps boarding the yacht. Her husband's laughter that was coupled with a feminine voice filled the atmosphere about. Suddenly the door opened as she stood in greeting of the well dressed couple. Richard was in a black tuxedo and Raghda was in a long beige dress with flowing vertical strokes towards its bottom. It had a low cut neckline that clearly showed her bust line. Marilyn drew a triumphant smile as she saw Richard turn into a stone pillar at her sight. His eyes widened and his mouth dropped with surprise. For a full minute he stood tongue tied doing nothing but staring at her while she stood blazing with menacing smiles.  

Raghda's eyes bounced back and forth a couple of times at Richard and Marilyn before her face glowed with perception. A panicky feeling engulfed her as Richard finally requested, "Its best you go back and leave us to talk for a while."

Marilyn beaming with elegance in her white silk blouse and long black silk skirt swaggered with a royal disposition towards Raghda. Her diamond necklace that she wore around her neck, her earrings and bracelets in her wrists sparkled in front of Raghda's eyes that were radiating with shock and alarm. She commented sarcastically, "That must have been one elaborate dining experience that brought you back so satisfied and happy. Dine With Wine? Or perhaps Arabian Evenings?" Raghda's face flashed with tension. Perspiration began forming on her forehead as she stood in her place absorbing Marilyn's attitude and words. 

Marilyn's eyes bounced up and down at Raghda's dress as she continued mocking, "Well you couldn't have been dining anywhere else with that magnificent dress auntie…well you will excuse me but the fine wrinkles at the sides of your eyes and mouth do suggest your mature age." She looked at Richard and asked, "Aren't you going to introduce me to your aunt." Richard frowned and glanced on the floor beneath. Raghda turned around to leave but Marilyn caught her by her arm and turned her around continuing, "Well allow me to introduce myself auntie then…I'm Marilyn RICHARD'S WIFE YOU WORTHLESS HARLOT!!!" Marilyn raised her right arm swiftly and gave Raghda a smart smack across her face. A sharp sound resembling that of a small firecracker echoed through the yacht as Raghda's face swayed sideways. Another smart smack followed with the back of her hand thrusting Raghda to a nearby couch crying. Richard stepped in between them begging, "Enough Marilyn…."

"Your protecting her you worthless bastard." Marilyn involuntarily gave Richard a smack across his face rendering him gazing at her in total shock. "When I was engaged to you five years ago you were only worth a quarter of a million dollars owning one company you vagabond. I devotedly introduced you to people that helped you up the ladder and quadrupled your owning to a multi-million dollar conglomerate group; I helped you as a devoted wife and not once did I forsake you; and this is what I get from you; betrayal?" Marilyn took out of her purse her gun making the couple jump up startled in their places. Raghda ran up to Richard and hugged him while Richard pleaded hysterically, "Marilyn calm down please. Its just not worth it..please calm down…lets talk…just you and me." 

Marilyn spoke with bitterness, "I made you into what you are today and I’m going to destroy you. My father is going to eat your liver believe me…now start moving."

Marilyn ushered Richard and Raghda towards the controls of the yacht. They both silently stepped outside and walked the small isle around the lounge that led to the front steering area. Soon the yacht's power was on and in gear. 

Richard showered Marilyn with tense pleadings while steering, "Marilyn lets talk, I have always loved you..I have always loved you Marilyn….Let's talk. That is all what I'm asking you to do. I can explain everything."

Marilyn yelled back while eyeing Raghda whom was shaking in her place besides them, "And your disgusting mistress proves your words correct you bastard!!! Drive and keep silent!!!"

Raghda begged hysterically, "Please forgive me! I swear I will leave you and your husband alone..just don't kill me!!! Please!!!"

"Shut up you pathetic whore! You will get your just reward in a moment's time!"

Raghda knelt down on her knees and screamed for mercy as she saw the anger shoot from Marilyn's eyes, "I swear I will never ever bother you again!!! Just don't kill me!!! Please!!!"

Richard snapped back, "Can’t you forgive me for a mistake…anyone can make mistakes…"

"Get up you whore. Your voice is giving me a headache. And as for you Richard I didn't say anything about not forgiving you." Richard relaxed a bit at her statement and replied, "I knew you had a white heart and it will clear up …"

Marilyn replied, "Don't worry. It's just that you are old enough for the punishment coming your way." Richard's face changed into multiple tensed frowns again as Raghda stood up.  He looked at the gun and gulped hard. Marilyn suddenly commanded, "Anchor here Richard!" Richard complied and returned facing Marilyn whom was calmly smiling at them both. 

Marilyn checked the glowing lights of the marina and land features in the backgrounds that the distances dwarfed in size. Satisfied she commanded, "I want you both to strip your clothes."

Richard snapped back frustrated, "That is enough Marilyn." He briskly stepped towards her in an attempt to disarm her but halted as he found the gun pointing straight at his face. "Don't mess around with an angrily armed lady Richard. Right now I have love and respect for thieves and murderers more than you. You and that harlot resemble nothing more than beetles to me. Now Strip." She fired a warning shot in the air that sent them dancing around and stripping their clothes off. Eventually Richard was in his underwear and Raghda in her lingerie. 

She looked at Raghda and asked, "You know how to swim right?" 

Raghda immediately went down on the floor and began kissing Marilyn's feet and begging, "Don't please, I will drown. The shores are far away. Please don't maam!!!"

Marilyn shoved her away with her foot and fired another warning shot in the air, "Jump in the sea both of you!!!"

Richard bellowed out, "MARILYN THIS IS OUTRAGIOUS!!! I'M GOING TO TURN THE BOAT AROUND AND WE ARE ALL GOING BACK TO THE MARINA AND YOU AND I WILL TALK ABOUT THISS!!!"

Marilyn cocked the revolver in her hand and aimed the gun at Richard's head. Richard screamed, "RAGHDA JUMP IN THE WATER!!!" Two huge splashes of water erupted besides the yacht instantly. Marilyn looked down at the thrashing couple and said, "The shores are quite a distance from her Richard so you have enough time to think up of the name of a good attorney for our divorce arrangements.

"Marilyn don't leave us here!!! This is attempted murder!!! Look I will do anything but throw me a life buoy!!! Have a heart on us!!!"

"Raghda hollered hysterically, "YOU ARE CRAZY!!! WE ARE GOING TO DROWN!!! THERE MIGHT BE SHARKS HERE!!!"

"Sharks in Lake Placid you ignorant harlot?! Good Bye!!!"

Marilyn worked the automatic anchor and turned on the engine. She steered the yacht away ignoring the distress cries that lied in the backgrounds. She had no pity in her heart towards them. To her they deserved what they got. 

*****

In two days New York was rocking with the news of the divorce. The newspapers screamed with headlines in its social columns and gossips about the couple's deteriorating marriage. 

The Morning News: "BROWNING AND STARLIGHT MARRIAGE TO END SOON;" 

Daily NY Paper: "LUCKY MARILYN TO WALK AWAY FROM MARRIAGE WITH HUNDREDS OF MILLION FROM DIVORCED HUSBAND SENATOR RICHARD BROWNING;" 

US Updates: "SENATOR'S HOT AFFAIR WITH MISTRESS HURLS HIM INTO DIVORCE;"

Global News: "SEXY MANHATTAN LADY OF SOCIETY MARILYN DIVORCED;"

Social Glitter: "DIVORCE LEAVES SENATOR RICHARD WEAK AND FURSTRATED;"

Marilyn never returned any of his calls and refused to meet with him under any circumstances. Even a third party that he sent to her house came back with a disappointing negative answer. It eventually became clear to him that their marriage reached a crossroad of no return and was to be resolved through law. 

The GBI walked into his life and began asking questions concerning his vast bank accounts and the source of his incomes. Her lawyer did a good job of unveiling the questioned bank accounts to the court and convincing the court to include them in the assets to be decided upon in the case if the GBI decides their legality. Soon enough the couple met at the law firm representing Marilyn to negotiate the distribution of the property and wealth in the midst of crowds of reporters that were following them for any possible statements. The meeting that raged with tension and bitterness ended after one hour with Marilyn leaving the law firm in full happiness feeding the gossip pens of the reporters. Richard stormed out of the building angry avoiding any of the media questions about the outcome of the meeting. The case progressed and Marilyn eventually walked away with fifty percent of his holdings that included two of his four companies. A manor in the UK also became legally hers. Richard was left with the other half of his property aggravated and in total despair. The GBI interrogations ended afterwards in a week unable to confiscate his suspected illegal incomes and fifty percent of his once anonymous bank accounts were granted to his wife. 

Despite his strong connections that kept what was left of his wealth in place wild competition raged in the markets against him. Some big chain stores that bought his brand of products and meat productions switched to other brands and his client list began shrinking. Many companies consolidated and went down in their prices to force his prices down and make him loose. Although he tried to sell at loss in an attempt to regain some cash flow, within three weeks his stores began piling up with unsold goods as the monopolies began closing in on him. His bank accounts began getting consumed to support his hurt businesses and payrolls. Merciless and illogical government taxes were hurled at his businesses challenging his unstable incomes and business stabilities further. With the general preparing for travel to Jordan very soon and the organization planning to liquidate him after his return the organization members unanimously began secretly established another shipping firm that operated via an alien connection. Smuggling operations were pending till the new shipping company began its operations. He was literally sinking on his own with no extra revenue to help him cover up his losses. The banks turned down his loan applications due to his companies' unsound progresses. Gradually he closed down one of his two remaining companies in an attempt to save what was left of his liquid money and cancelled his car manufacturing plant with his Arabian friend. This unexpected cancellation he was asking qualified him immediately for prearranged contract fines. He fought hard to try to save the detergents company and sought to find fresh sales opportunities for its products. However a final blow hurled him into hell as the sources of raw material raised their prices on his company. With the new selling price calculations the final product would be available to the consumers at very high costs than its competing brands. Very soon the detergent company closed down and the senator surrendered into his new reality with only five hundred million dollars in liquid cash left from his 2 billion dollar empire that shattered to pieces. 

Saturday, 6th of August 1960, 11:00 AM

Senator Richard swirled the cup in his hands a couple of times rocking the ice cubes within and took a good gulp of the strong Bourbon content. The redness that lit his cigar raged as he dragged deeply and puffed the dancing fumes in the air. Frustration and depression were heavily caving in on him as he calmly sat in his office at his mansion pondering the quick month of misfortune that beat him up with no mercy. The organization slyly tried to twist his arm and strike its deal with him. In return for pulling a couple of strings for him to cancel some of the heavy government taxes they asked him to oppose a presidential proposition that was expected to be debated by senate empowering the GBI to bug telephones and place them under surveillance as it sees fit for national security purposes. Despite the few voices with him that awkwardly spoke out in senate to the surprise of many senators and opposed such legislations from being passed, the majority of his party in senate supported this issue. Even the opposing lobby along with them wouldn't be enough to obstruct such legislation from getting drafted into law as his party was dominant in Senate. Deep inside he feared it was the organization's way to avoid any unnecessary clashes with his in-laws. Supporting him would mean they were taking his sides in the war and the last thing they wanted was to support a weak ally like himself. However if successful in provoking him to lobby against the proposition and block it they would have achieved what best serves their illegal business with no mercy on his suddenly threatened political career.

Nobody from his supposed circle of friends called to check in on him or offer any kind of assistance. They all stood watching him close down his companies with no initiative to offer him a helping hand to bail him out of his problems. Nevertheless, it was a lesson for the future. Although his gigantic bank account shrank by his divorce and solving the companies' problems, five hundred million was plenty to rebuild his commercial empire once again. But he needed some piece with Marilyn's family. 

Starlight Group was an American transcontinental conglomerate with a portfolio of three successful companies. It resembled a commercial giant with world wide branches spread out in North America, Europe and the Middle East. Tobacco World Company with its wide selling Voyager Cigarettes was distinguished for the handsome packaging of its very fine cigarette brands. The cigarette packaging was made out of brass and designed circularly like the steering wheel of a ship with the cigarettes lined in consecutive radiuses around the inside. Marilyn was a member of the board of the Starlight group and GM of TWC. Her other brother Anthony whom was also a board member of the group ran Starlight Fashion and Jewelry House. A successful designing and manufacturing company with an extensive elite client list and very high market turnover, it was situated in Paris with widely distributed boutiques in France, Europe and the US. Starlight Fashion and Jewelry House was famous for designing jewelry especially to match and sell with their stylish fashions whereby presenting women with complete elegant trends in the fashions world. Anthony Starlight rarely found time to come to New York as the family's booming business left no leisure room. It was usually his parents and sister that flew to see him when ever they had time to spare. 

Richard was never happy with his divorce with Marilyn. Although encountering problems like any married couple during their relationship never before were they faced with anything that led to the gravity of divorce. As the days rolled by with what they brought him of despair and although running a full business agenda, when he would enter into his mansion he would meet with the total emptiness that suddenly clothed it; a huge void three story mansion with nothing echoing in it but the footsteps of his butler and the voices of his kitchen keepers asking him about his menu preferences for the evenings. Marilyn's abrupt departure from his life gradually began casting the consequence of loneliness on him. He simply was beginning to miss her and her warm embraces; the lack of her touches of love was thrusting his life into coldness. He missed hearing the light tick tocks of her high heels and the shuffling of her shopping cases as she would unwrap her buys in his office to show him her new fashions from her shopping trips. He missed her chatter that used to echo within his mansion and her silk night gowns that used to hang besides his clothes on the coat hanger in her room. Oh the sound of her laughter when they used to sit down and have their morning coffee in the mansion's garden and the scent of her flowery perfumes that used mingle so superbly with the gardens aromatic flowers. He can still remember her sweet words on one morning when they were having breakfast in the garden while the soft breeze brushed by them carrying to them the soft aromas of their garden, "Is it you or the flowers Marilyn?"

"What are you asking about?" she replied with her sweet sexy voice,

"The perfume that I smell."

"Well it's Jasmine from Feminine Forever."

"Oh when it touches your skin it turns into awesome spring and smells so finely."

Marilyn's laughter filled the garden, "Oh honey if you like it I will continue to use it." Marilyn got up from her seat and hugged him. There lips met passionately afterwards. 

Her parting undoubtedly proved to him just how much he used to be a happy man with her. He must have been a true fool to have thought that the hidden secrets of betrayal could be kept for too long. Or was it the tough licking she gave him when she divorced him and drowned away his businesses that was bringing his senses back to him?! The only thing he was sure about was that his heart was wishing she was around him. 

Another matter of importance rested in finding out as to who had informed her of his secret liaison with Raghda. It was so superbly planned to be a coincidence. Who ever that person was, he did an excellent job at destroying his family life and his finances. He was his enemy till the last day on the face of earthly life. Raghda was such a private thing in his life and he did an excellent job at keeping her a secret from everybody for a long while. Somebody would have had to have followed him intentionally around and researched him thoroughly to have retrieved such private affairs about him; and his Swiss Bank accounts were a total mystery as to how they got to the GBI's awareness. Somebody knew that with Marilyn's knowledge about Raghda a domino effect of problems would be triggered to destroy him. He had to find out very soon as to what went on. Perhaps if at all there was a glimpse of hope that he should unite with Marilyn, he might be able to find something out from her as well.        

  If weighed according to importance, finding a quick remedy for reconciliation was a must before any movements could be done. However was a month enough time? Or was it too early for her hard feelings to have settled down. "Should I follow my heart or common sense?" he pondered. Although with no clue as to what should be done and when, his hands involuntarily picked up the telephone and dialed her number. The tone rang briefly before a hospitable voice answered, "Starlight Residence!" 

Richard panicked with his undecidedness and the greeting remained unanswered for a second's time. Shortly afterwards the servant repeated, "Hello, Hello…" as his mind raced for an answer the line went dead. 

He raised his arms and banged the desk with frustration damning his weakness. The icy alcohol that rested besides him on the desk shook in the glass cup. He picked it up and threw it towards a wall in his office. It shattered to pieces and fell on the floor leaving a stain on the whiteness in front of him. He should have spoken up and tried to ask for her. She might have answered his call. Even if it was a small glimpse of hope it could be the beginning of something of significance.

His office door shook with three small nocks. He commanded with a stiff uncomfortable voice, "Not now please."

The door opened and Thomas his butler stepped in with a big package in his arms explaining, "I’m sorry sir but the person that delivered it said it was of utmost urgency sir."

"Bring it over please."

The Caucasian English man with average height came close and placed the package on the desk in front of the senator. His white complexion and bald head beamed under the chandelier in Richard's office. His sixty years of age showed by the wrinkles of old age that filled around his green eyes and mouth. He immediately moved towards the door and commented before leaving, "Will there be anything else Senator."

"But who left it Thomas?"

"They said it was a gift sir. When I inquired as to whom sent it the man just stepped into the Mercedes and left without saying anything."

"Thank You. If anyone else asks about me I'm busy with a meeting; and Thomas what about my travel arrangements to DC?"

"Your flight leaves tomorrow at eight AM and your bags are ready sir."

"Thank You."

The office door silently closed as Richard began studying the cubed box in front of him. It was about twenty feet in volume and wrapped with brown paper and a string. "What could be in it?" he asked himself. Suddenly splendid feminine perfume filled the air around him. "Could it be Marilyn?" He knew it was highly unlikely but his soul began glowing with hope. "Maybe she had second thoughts and still harbored something within her heart towards him. Her heart was bound to clear up at a certain point." He began unwrapping the gift and opened the cardboard that rested underneath the paper. His body petrified with fear as the dials with its twelve graduations screamed in front of his eyes. The tick tock of the seconds' hand that suddenly began moving and the big bundles of dynamite that was wrapped underneath it sent waves of chills up his spine…

Inspired by the much loved musical adaptations of ‘My Fair Lady’ and ‘Bint al-jabal’ by Romeo Lahoud, Mirath in Mind is proud to announce a fashion show and gala day celebrating the achievements of the great artists – Salwa Al-Katrib and the Lahoud family taking place on Friday 3rd and Friday 17th October 2014.

Far from the ugly and distressing images we have been seeing in the media, students from government and private schools will compete for the ‘Best dressed’ Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins in a unique fashion show. The purpose of this event (taking place on Friday 3rd October) is to celebrate the influence of the Edwardian era costume from ‘My Fair Lady’ on ‘Bint al-jabal’ by renowned Lebanese fashion designer, Ms Papou Lahoud. The program will also include short performances from both musicals. 

Following the fashion show will be a Gala Day taking place on Friday 17 October, celebrating the work of the abovementioned artists through the creative imaginations of local school students. This will include song and dance, drawing, painting and multimedia.

We look forward to celebrating these events with you!

Fashion Show – 3rd of October, 2014 at Bryan Brown Theatre, Bankstown-   from 11:00am – 2:30pm

Gala Day – 17th October, 2014 at Bankstown Sports Club 

9:30 am-2:30 pm

For further information please contact: Chadia Gedeon-Hajjar 

0438 08 4 413 / chadia.h@optusnet.com.au

I woke up in the morning

To a screaming storm

Ripping out doors and windows

There was nothing to keep me warm

I turned around and next to me

Was a picture of my sweet

I held her picture and to keep her warm

I cuddled up to her feet

She kept me away from sadness

With her, forever I’ll succeed

Her love, her feelings, her touches

For me, that’s all I need

Yesterday, Sat 20/9/2014 at 7.30pm; OLOL Parishioners prayed the Rosary while walking from (St Patrick’s Cathedral- Parramatta) to (Our Lady of Lebanon’s Cathedral- Harris Park). 5 Policemen were walking behind

-“Domestic Love instead of Domestic Violence” is a campaign requested by His Grace Bishop Antoine Charbel-Tarabay, spearhead by the “Aus-Leb Christian Women Community Association ALCWCA” for the sake of our Lebanese Children.

The Statistics are grim, two thousand children die in outburst of family violence each year; 140,000 are injured physically and emotionally. In at least half of these cases there is evidence of child abuse.

Do you think our Lebanese Children have the right to have a peaceful mind after what..?

It is our duty to assist in paving the way…

Many thanks in anticipation.

Mr PRESIDENT:

I give notice that on the next sitting day I will move:

1. That this House notes that:

(a) His Beatitude and Eminence Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East, will be visiting Australia and will be received by the Australian Lebanese Community and the Maronite Bishop of Australia, His Grace Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, from 24 October to

7 November 2014,

(b) this visit is of the utmost significance not only for Australia’s Maronite community, but for all Middle Eastern communities,

(c) the Maronites make up the largest proportion of Australian Lebanese and they remain one of the principal ethno-religious groups in Lebanon,

(d) His Beatitude is the spiritual shepherd of the Maronite Church and an ambassador of peace and harmony for all Lebanese as a prominent figure in Lebanon and the Middle East,

(e) His Eminence was born in Himlaya, Matn District of Lebanon on 25 February 1940, he attended Collège Notre Dame de Jamhour, a Jesuit school in Lebanon, entered the Mariamite Maronite Order on 31 July 1962 and was ordained as a priest on 3 September 1967,

(f) from 1967 to 1975 he was responsible for the Arabic transmissions of Vatican Radio, in 1975 he received a PhD in canon and civil law and he also studied for three years at the Lateran University in Rome,

(g) His Eminence was consecrated as Auxiliary Bishop of Antioch on 12 July 1986, by His Beatitude Patriarch Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir and on 9 June 1990, he was appointed Bishop of Byblos,

(h) in 2003, His Eminence was elected Secretary of the Maronite Synod and in 2009, he was appointed President of the Lebanese Episcopal Commission for the Media,

(i) at 71, he was elected Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East on 15 March 2011, after receiving more than two-thirds of the votes of the 39 bishops following the resignation of Patriarch Sfeir, and he formally requested and received ecclesiastical communion from Pope Benedict XVI,

(j) on 7 March 2012, Patriarch Rai was appointed a member of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches and was created a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in a consistory on 24 November 2012,

(k) His Eminence is the fourth Maronite Patriarch created Cardinal,

(l) on 31 January 2013, Cardinal Patriarch Rai was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI to serve as a member of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerants, and the Pontifical Council for Social Communications,

(m) in February 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, Patriarch Rai, being a Cardinal, became a candidate to the papacy and he participated as a cardinal elector in the conclave that elected Pope Francis,

(n) Cardinal Rai was one of four cardinal-electors from outside the Latin Church and and is also the first Maronite Cardinal Patriarch ever to participate in a papal conclave, and

(o) Cardinal Patriarch Rai was named a Member of the Congregation for Catholic Education by Pope Francis on Saturday 30 November 2013. 

2. That this House congratulates His Grace Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, Maronite Eparchy of Australia and the Australian Lebanese and Maronite Community and warmly welcome His Eminence Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Rai, Maronite Patriarch of Antioch and All the East.

President Mahmoud Abbas and the Fatah movement, which he commands, have unleashed a media campaign against Hamas and the resistance. If pressure from the Palestinian public fails to stop the campaign, Abbas may achieve politically what Israel failed to achieve militarily: forcing the Palestinian presidency to choose “peace with Israel” over national reconciliation.

It appears that President Abbas has, indeed, prioritised “peace with Israel.” He has devised plans for resuming negotiations, and is still banking on American support for such talks. This is the only explanation for the current anti-Hamas media campaign.

Abbas sent his negotiators — Saeb Erekat, Majed Faraj and Maen Erekat — to Washington, where they met with US Secretary of State John Kerry a week ago last Wednesday. US State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki described the more than two-hour meeting as “constructive”. Abbas then prepared to obtain an Arab mandate, which seems guaranteed in advance, for his plans from the 142nd session of the Arab foreign ministers conference, held in Cairo this week.

However, US Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power poured cold water over the Palestinian Authority (PA) president’s bid to obtain US backing for his plan, which he intends to put before the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly. The proposal would end the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza within three years, during which period negotiations would resume within three months with the occupying power over its borders with the Palestinian state.

“We don’t think there are shortcuts or unilateral measures that can be taken at the United Nations or anyplace else that will bring about the outcome that the Palestinian people most seek,” Power said in a press conference last week. “To think that you can come to New York and secure what needs to be worked out on the ground is not realistic.”

This clearly translates into an unequivocal US “No.” The Palestinian president’s new plan has run up against the same American wall that Palestinian negotiators have faced since negotiations were adopted as a strategic approach. The Zionist route remains the only way these negotiators can access the White House and the UN Security Council.

There can be only one explanation for this plan. It is in fulfilment of a Palestinian promise not to resist the occupation and to offer the occupying power the opportunity to agree to yet another futile round of negotiations. Such negotiations will give Israel the time it needs to turn the Givaot colony into a major settler city on the 4,000 dunams of Palestinian land that it has just seized by declaring it “state land”.

The purpose of this appropriation is to separate the Hebron and South Bethlehem governorates in the West Bank. It is also a means to deflect international humanitarian pressure in reaction to Israeli war crimes in Gaza, to evade Israel’s obligations to the truce agreement with the resistance in Gaza, and to fuel internal Palestinian tensions until they reignite once more.

It was not Hamas or the resistance that described Abbas’s new plan as a “spurious process”. It was independent Palestinian figures who expressed their views in a statement read out by Mamdouh Al-Akr, general commissioner of the Independent Organisation of Human Rights, on 2 September in Ramallah. They called for an urgent meeting of the unified leadership of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), in accordance with the Cairo agreement of 2011, so that it can serve as a frame of reference for the Palestinian will and take critical national decisions.

Activating the unified leadership framework of the PLO will put President Abbas’s call for a “single Palestinian central authority”, uniquely empowered to “determine matters of war and peace”, into its concrete national context. Only this context can confer legitimacy on a Palestinian leadership that does not derive its authority from resisting the occupation in all forms.

Moreover, the currently missing “electoral legitimacy” is no longer sufficient in and of itself to allow Palestinian decisions on war and peace to remain in the hands of a leadership that is the product of elections that were held with the approval of the occupation power and in the framework of agreements signed with it.

The Palestinian presidency has dropped the available option of resistance from the lexicon of its negotiating strategy, let alone the option of war, which is not available. The PA, in coordination with the occupation’s security apparatus, has become “the security proxy for the occupying power, rather than an instrument to end the occupation and establish the state,” as Palestinian analyst Hani Al-Masri wrote on 26 August.

As a result, the occupying power, alone, holds the keys to the decision of war, which it continues to repeat, and to the decision of peace, which it still refuses to take.

It appears that President Abbas is working against the tide of Palestinian public opinion, as voiced in a recent survey conducted by the Palestinian Centre for Policy and Survey Research (PCPSR) in Ramallah. According to this poll, only 22 per cent of respondents supported a resumption of negotiations, while 53 per cent said they regarded resistance as “the more effective way” to realise the creation of a Palestinian state.

The results of the PCPSR poll contradict all the charges levelled by the president and Fatah against the resistance and Hamas. Of those polled, 79 per cent believe that the resistance emerged victorious from the recent war, while 86 per cent support the defensive use of rockets.

Respondents gave very low ratings to the performance of the Palestinian president, the PA, the national unity government and the PLO, while the approval rating for Hamas was 88 per cent.

What is the substance of this media campaign against Hamas? It ranges from blaming Hamas for prolonging the war and for the consequent loss of lives and material damage, to adopting the Israeli narrative regarding a Hamas-engineered “coup attempt” against the president in the West Bank and the existence of a “shadow government” in Gaza that prevents the national unity government from functioning.

Then there are the charges of keeping Fatah members under “house arrest”, of “opening fire on civilians”, and of “selling emergency relief on the black market.” On top of these come the accusation that Hamas has violated “the law that defines the colours and dimensions of the flag.”

President Abbas’s instructions to create a “committee to hold a dialogue” with Hamas to discuss the “fate of the national unity government,” as announced by Amin Maqboul, secretary of the Fatah Revolutionary Council, does little to encourage optimism. The national unity government, national reconciliation, the Cairo agreement of 2011, the unified leadership framework that it stipulated, and the reactivation of the PLO, all stand at a crossroads.

This is because of the confrontation stirred by the systematic smear campaign that President Abbas and the Fatah movement are waging against Hamas and the resistance. The campaign has created a media smokescreen behind which the occupation authority can conceal its foot-dragging in carrying out its obligations under the truce agreement, which will probably be echoed in Israeli procrastination on continuing with truce talks due to be held in Cairo.

It should also be stressed that to accuse the resistance and Hamas of prolonging the war is to exonerate the occupation power of responsibility. The Israeli media was quick to capitalise on this, further proof of the extensive coverage the campaign has received.

Indeed, Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev virtually reiterated it verbatim when he said that the Egyptian initiative was on the table from 15 July and that while the Arab League and Israel had approved the initiative, Hamas rejected it, only to turn around and agree to it a month later. “If [Hamas] had agreed then to what it agrees to now” it would have been possible “to avoid all that bloodshed,” he said.

The investigatory commission appointed by the UN Human Rights Council will most likely cite the president’s charges to strengthen the claims of the occupying power, as these charges would be regarded as “testimony of a witness from the other side.”

Abbas says that while the “final toll” from the most recent war in Gaza was 2,140 dead, “if added to the number of dead in previous wars, and those who died during the period of the Shalit problem, the number would be 10,000 dead and wounded, in addition to the 35,000 homes that were totally or partially destroyed.”

When Abbas says that “it would have been possible” to avert the human and material losses of the recent conflict he is effectively blaming the resistance, not the occupation, for the last war on Gaza and the two wars since 2008 that preceded it.

The spectre of discord once again hovers over Palestinian unity, with Palestinian opinion divided over a programme of negotiations versus a programme of resistance. This is the breach through which Arab and non-Arab “axes” penetrate into the Palestinian interior, deepening rather than mending Palestinian rifts.

* Nicola Nasser is a veteran Arab journalist based in Birzeit, West Bank of the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories (nassernicola@ymail.com). This article was first published and translated from Arabic by Al-Ahram Weekly on September 11, 2014.

The Hon. SHAOQUETT MOSELMANE [10.22 a.m.]: 

I participate in debate on the St Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Monastery (NSW) Property Trust Bill 2014 on behalf of the Opposition and indicate that the Opposition does not oppose the bill, which was introduced by Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile. The purpose of the bill is to establish a statutory corporation to hold property on trust on behalf of the St Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Monastery. Before I deal in detail with the bill, I must point out that the Coptic community is one of the most closely-knit, well-structured and well-organised church institutions in New South Wales. The Coptic community looks after every person ranging from children to people in aged care. The church is extremely supportive of its members in the areas of education, health and sport. The Coptic church is an institution that really and truly cares for the wellbeing of its members.

I have had personal experience with a couple of Coptic churches in the St George area—St Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral at Arncliffe and the St Mary and St Mina Coptic Orthodox Cathedral at Bexley—having had dealings with them over many years. Under the leadership of His Grace Bishop Daniel, the churches serve the community with utmost dedication. The most important feature of this legislation is that there is strong support for the bill within both the Coptic church and the Coptic community. The Opposition also is supportive of this bill as it represents an undertaking of what the Coptic church wants to do. The objects of the bill are to constitute a statutory corporation to hold property on behalf of the St Shenouda Coptic Orthodox Monastery and to specify the functions of the statutory corporation, and to vest in the statutory corporation property held in trust for the monastery, without the need to pay duty.

The bill clearly states provisions that vest property in the trust and outlines the powers of the trust. In Reverend the Hon. Fred Nile's second reading speech he made a case for the introduction of this bill. Throughout New South Wales many churches have been established by the Coptic community, which is a minority religious community in Australia. The Coptic community in the Middle East also is a minority religion, where the church originated. As many members of this House have expressed on previous occasions, the church has been subjected to suppression and oppression, but the church has withstood the pressure and consolidated its position not only in Australia but also overseas while supporting the rights of minority religious people throughout the world. The church supports people who have suffered in places such as Iraqi, Palestine and other places in the Middle East and it continues to stand by those people who suffer as a result of vilification and oppression of minority groups in the Middle East.

All Coptic organisations and religious communities work hand in hand to ensure that Australia has a harmonious religious community. I support the comments made by the Hon. David Clarke, who said that the Coptic community truly should be commended for the work it does for its citizens and for the people of New South Wales. Having said that, I reiterate that the Opposition does not oppose the bill.

 The Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane MLC.

Level 11, Room 1116.

Parliament of New South Wales

Parliament House

Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

( 02 9230 2526 || � 02 9230 2722

S.moselmane@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Hon. SHAOQUETT MOSELMANE [6.18 p.m.]: 

Australia's Islamic community, for reasons beyond its control, is under attack yet again. What happened on that fateful day of September 11 was not the act of Australia's Islamic community nor were the two bombings at the Boston Marathon, the killing of 31 civilians in China's western Xinjiang's region and the violent acts of Martin Bryant and Anders Breivik. For that matter, the Islamic community is not responsible for what the Islamic State stands for. Australians of Islamic faith are peaceful people in the same way that Australians of Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Shinto, Jewish and other faiths, including those of no faith, are peaceful. Australians of all persuasions want a peaceful and secure Australia.

Migrants travel hundreds, if not thousands, of miles to come to this great land to live in peace and to provide for their children a happy and safe future. We must not blame them for the deeds of others. We must work with them rather than blame them, speak to them, consult with them, respect them, and in this way we will win them onside.

Radicalised Australians sought to join the fight against the Baathist government and they were allowed to leave unchecked, some would argue encouraged to go. The research paper written in December 2013 by Edwin Bakker, Christopher Paulussen and Eva Entenmann for the International Centre for Counter Terrorism titled "Dealing with European Foreign Fighters in Syria: Governance Challenges and Legal Implications", notes that the Washington Institute for Near East Policy reported that between 140 and 600 Europeans were estimated to have gone to Syria since early 2011. In the first half of 2012, 700 to 1,400 fighters had entered Syria and by winter of 2013 most experts were estimating there were between 1,100 and 1,700 individuals from Europe. 

Others entered Syria to fight on the side of the government and some were sponsored by Iran, ( Others) Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and other regional players. The number of foreign fighters with a jihadist agenda participating in the Syrian civil war increased exponentially and alarm bells began to sound for policymakers, as they would have for our own Government. Our governments would have known and ought to have known of the probability that returned Australian fighters, hardened and exposed to war, would pose a potential threat to Australia's national security.

The blame and responsibility for the radicalisation of some therefore cannot lie with Australia's Muslim community. Our governments failed to take the necessary proactive measures prior to the radicalisation of a few of our citizens and the potential realisation of danger. Furthermore, the anti-terror laws under which this Government could have acted were already in place. People should not blame the Islamic community for what is currently unfolding. Key representative organisations are doing their best and have spoken out. The Australian National Imams Council believes that all citizens have a vested interest in the ongoing safety and security of the country. The president of Muslims Australia, Australian Federation of Islamic Councils, noted that as law abiding citizens Muslims are conscious of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to the safety and security of Australia. 

Darulfatwa Australia noted that Darulfatwa's constitution rests on actively rejecting all forms of extremism, especially those who unlawfully use the name of Islam. The Lebanese Muslim Association notes that Australian Muslims are as much concerned as non-Muslims, if not more, for the security and safety of our country. Almabarat Australia notes that all Australians from all different religions, multicultural backgrounds and origins must work to protect Australia from harm. Finally, in addressing a community fundraiser in support of the Iraqi Chaldeans, a Christian community, Sheikh Azam of the Rahma Association of Australia Inc. condemned the terrible acts of terror and stood in solidarity with all innocent people in Iraq.

The rotten politics of racial or religious divide must stop. All Australians are on "team Australia" and it should not be a "them" and "us" mentality with a good guys and bad guys division. Playing to the polls on the back of your community's fears is a shameful act. I condemn the labelling. To me those who play the race card are as abhorrent as those who play the religious divide. I respect all faiths. I encourage all people to practise their religion in peace and security and I condemn those who politicise religion and speak of sectarianism such as Catholic versus Orthodox or Sunni versus Shia. It is abhorrent. For a harmonious Australia that must stop now.

The Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane MLC.

Level 11, Room 1116.

Parliament of New South Wales

Parliament House

Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia

( 02 9230 2526 || � 02 9230 2722

S.moselmane@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Hon. SHAOQUETT MOSELMANE [5.03 p.m.]: 

I also wish to be associated with this motion and I am pleased to speak about the remarkable contribution of Governor Dame Marie Bashir, a wonderful Australian with whom I share the same heritage. Bashir translated from Arabic means "the one who brings good news", a remarkably befitting name. She has brought a lot of good news for many people around Australia. Indigenous Australians, migrant Australians, Australians suffering mental health issues and Australians from a multicultural background truly loved her for who she was. Governor Bashir is an incredible example of the strengths of multicultural Australia and the opportunities that Australia provides to those who become part of our nation.

As other speakers have already noted, Governor Bashir was proudly New South Wales' first female Governor and the first governor from any State in Australia to be of Lebanese descent. These are admirable achievements but to me just as impressive is Governor Bashir's commitment to her community before she became our thirty-seventh Governor. Governor Bashir trained as a doctor and later on continued her studies with postgraduate studies in psychiatry. Rather than follow this path into private practice, in 1987 she accepted an appointment as Director of Community Health Services in the Central Sydney Area Health Service. During this time the health service focused on childhood services, migrant and Indigenous health and services for the elderly. In her role she made a great difference to the lives of many and in 1988 she was recognised for this work and made an Officer of the Order of Australia.

Governor Bashir's contributions to the field of health, particularly mental health, have been significant, both for patients and for the way we deal with mental health in New South Wales. In 1994 Governor Bashir was appointed Clinical Director of Mental Health Services for the Central Sydney area at a time of great reform in mental health. At this time she was also a clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Sydney and worked with teaching programs in Vietnam and Thailand. She has also contributed significantly to mental health services for Indigenous Australia, establishing the Aboriginal mental health units in partnership with the Aboriginal Medical Service in Redfern. She has also done extensive work with young people, especially those caught up in our juvenile justice system, chairing the New South Wales Juvenile Justice Advisory Council from 1991 to 1999.

These are just some of the remarkable contributions of Governor Bashir but from them we see an extraordinary woman, committed to the health and wellbeing of our community and a woman who has made a positive difference to the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of people across New South Wales. I thank Governor Bashir for her 13½ years of service to New South Wales. I thank her for her time as Governor and I thank her for her other roles in our community. She is a brilliant human being, an inspirational Australian and I wish her and Sir Nicholas all the best for their future.

 The Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane MLC.