The Minister of Culture, Muhammad Wissam Al-Murtada, the captain of the Zajal Poets in Lebanon, mourned George Abu Antoun, in a statement in which he said: “It is a coincidence that George Abu Antoun leaves us on the birthday of Christ”? Is it a coincidence that exactly a month ago, George Abu Antoun signed his latest book, “Ghalat Al Mishwar”? I think he wrote his last will, and he was assured of the meeting of his loved ones and his family around him, and he finished the journey to move from the pulpit of the earth to the pulpit of the heavens, to restore Christ there near him.
He added: “George Abu Antoun, we knew you as a sober poet who carved sulfur in words. We got to know you as a great captain, guardian of the kingdom of Lebanese sulfur and keen on preserving the heritage.
He concluded: “I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late great poet George Abu Antoun, his loved ones and friends, and may his resting place be in Heaven.”