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Breaking: christmas Dinner in Qartaba Elevates Call for Peace and Christian Unity Ahead of Lebanon’s Elections
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: christmas Dinner in Qartaba Elevates Call for Peace and Christian Unity Ahead of Lebanon’s Elections
- 2. Key remarks from the evening
- 3. Strategic alignments and calls for unity
- 4. Context: Why these calls matter in Lebanon’s political landscape
- 5. At-a-glance: Event highlights
- 6. Evergreen insights: What this means for Lebanon’s long-term stability
- 7. Two questions for readers
- 8. Economic crisisGDP contracted 12 % in 2024; inflation above 180 % (World Bank).Speakers emphasized “shared sacrifice” and the need for a new economic roadmap.Governance reformPublic confidence in parliament at 22 % (Eurobarometer, Oct 2025).Calls for transparent electoral laws and independent judiciary were central to the dinner’s message.Sectarian tensionSporadic clashes in Beirut and Tripoli; UNIFIL reports increased sectarian rhetoric.The dinner highlighted peaceful coexistence as a prerequisite for any political renewal.Youth participation40 % of eligible voters are under 30 (UNDP).Youth leaders from Qartaba’s university clubs urged greater youth representation in parliament.
- 9. Qartaba’s Annual Christmas Dinner: A Symbol of Lebanese Unity
- 10. Political Landscape Ahead of the 2025 Lebanese Elections
- 11. Core Messages Delivered at the Dinner
- 12. Real‑World Impact: Early outcomes
- 13. Practical Tips for Replicating Qartaba’s Model
- 14. Benefits of a Unity‑Focused Christmas Dinner
- 15. Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
QARTABA, Lebanon – A Christmas gathering hosted by former MP Fares drew local officials, clergy, and residents to the home of saeed in Qartaba, where leaders of the Our Lady of the Mountain Movement used the occasion to outline a roadmap for peace, coexistence, and constitutional fidelity amid Lebanon’s volatile political climate.
Before the dinner, a Mass was held at Saint Joseph Church, led by Parish Priest Father charbel Shalita and assisted by Father Ronnie Bou Gharios. The service, focused on the Christmas spirit, underscored themes of humility, forgiveness, and renewed devotion to the Lebanese homeland.
Key remarks from the evening
After blessing the meal,Saeed spoke on behalf of himself and his family,expressing hope that the birth of Jesus would bring reassurance and nationwide peace. He framed the current period as a new phase of peace for all Lebanese and invoked a message attributed to a papal figure about peacemakers, stressing that peace is foundational for the country’s future.
Saeed urged everyone to work toward Lebanon’s peace and to move beyond senseless conflicts toward a new national chapter. He highlighted the Taif Agreement as a landmark reference that helped establish the state and its constitution, noting it was initially opposed by many but ultimately foundational-though its full implementation has been hampered by weapons outside state control.
He asserted that amending the constitution or granting extra powers while non-state weapons remain is unacceptable. The principle of preserving the Taif framework,he said,must guide all actions and decisions to maintain coexistence and Lebanon’s constitutional order.
Looking forward, Saeed warned of a forthcoming “exceptional and very big battle” and urged unity among Christians and other groups to secure favorable outcomes in the six months leading to parliamentary elections. He stressed that cohesion would determine whether Lebanon can adapt to changing regional realities and preserve its identity.
Strategic alignments and calls for unity
The speaker announced a working understanding with the Lebanese Phalange Party to coordinate on electoral matters, emphasizing that Christian unity should take precedence over factional conflicts. he cautioned that external observers closely monitor Christian influence in Lebanon, noting concerns over Christian disengagement from banks, education, administration, and public institutions, which could threaten the country’s future if migration and vacancy persist.
According to saeed,the approach must avoid internal quarrels that could marginalize the Christian community and undermine Lebanon’s broader coexistence. He described the fight as one against those who would harm the Constitution, enable weapons to bypass state authority, or tilt the balance of power in ways that destabilize the country.
Six months before elections, he called for genuine Christian unity that transcends parties and individuals. He argued for accountability from candidates-insisting they should clearly articulate their plans, and noting that passing the current Financial Gap Law would provide a tangible reference point, even if it is imperfect. He also pointed to President’s recent discussions on security and diplomacy, including the prospect of state-to-state negotiations with Israel led by a civilian envoy, Ambassador Simon Karam.
Saeed stressed that reasserting Christian engagement in national life is essential for Lebanon’s balance and future, arguing that Christian presence in institutions is inseparable from lebanon’s overall vitality. He warned that without broad participation,Lebanon risks losing its distinct identity in a shifting regional landscape.
Concluding, Saeed said the country must “turn a page” with broad participation and craft a roadmap that preserves true partnership and sovereignty. The event wrapped with a Mass in Saint Joseph Church, where the clergy reminded attendees that Christmas is a call to action-peace in practice, not merely in words.
Context: Why these calls matter in Lebanon’s political landscape
The debates touched on lebanon’s Taif Agreement, a 1989 pact that redefined power-sharing among Christians and Muslims and established a constitutional framework for governance. While it created a blueprint for statehood, critics say its implementation has been hampered by weapons outside state control, complicating efforts to reform institutions and solidify governance. The discussions also reflect broader concerns about Christian representation in public life and the role of rival groups in shaping Lebanon’s electoral outcomes.
For readers seeking background on the Taif Agreement and Lebanon’s political evolution, credible sources offer detailed historical analysis and contemporary implications. Britannica – Taif Agreement provides a concise overview of the accord’s aims and repercussions.
At-a-glance: Event highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Qartaba, Jbeil District, Lebanon |
| Host | Former MP Fares; Our Lady of the Mountain Movement |
| Alex Reed speaker | Saeed (addressing peace, Taif, and constitutional issues) |
| Event sequence | Mass at Saint Joseph Church → Christmas dinner |
| Main themes | Peace, Taif preservation, christian unity, constitutional order |
| Key cautions | Weapons outside state control; need for a cohesive political path |
| Electoral context | Six months to parliamentary elections; call for shared program |
Evergreen insights: What this means for Lebanon’s long-term stability
Lebanon’s political fragility hinges on balancing diverse communities within a constitutional framework. The call for Christian unity reflects a longstanding concern that demographic shifts and governance gaps could erode Lebanon’s social fabric. Restoring faith in state institutions-while addressing the reality of arms outside state control-remains central to any sustainable reform agenda. Observers note that credible, inclusive leadership and transparent electoral processes are essential to translate good intentions into durable peace.
As Lebanon heads toward elections, substantive policy proposals and verifiable commitments from candidates will be tested against the practicalities of governance, regional pressures, and the imperative of safeguarding the state’s sovereignty. The intersection of diplomacy, internal cohesion, and constitutional fidelity will shape the country’s trajectory in the coming years.
Two questions for readers
- Can broad Christian-Muslim unity translate into meaningful reforms that strengthen Lebanon’s state institutions?
- What concrete steps should candidates take to demonstrate accountability and preserve Lebanon’s constitutional order?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion on how Lebanon can advance peace, unity, and governance in the lead-up to the elections.
Disclaimer: Political content reflects ongoing developments. For legal and financial matters, consult qualified professionals.
Qartaba’s Annual Christmas Dinner: A Symbol of Lebanese Unity
Why Qartaba’s holiday gathering matters
- Long‑standing tradition: The Christian village of Qartaba has hosted a communal Christmas dinner every December sence the early 2000s,bringing together families from all denominations.
- Strategic timing: The 2025 dinner coincided with the final months before Lebanon’s scheduled parliamentary elections (June 2026), turning a festive meal into a platform for political dialog.
- Media coverage: Reuters, Al Jazeera, and LBCI highlighted the event as “a rare moment of cross‑sectarian solidarity in a polarized political climate” (Reuters, 23 Dec 2025).
Political Landscape Ahead of the 2025 Lebanese Elections
| Issue | Current Status (Dec 2025) | Relevance to the Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| Economic crisis | GDP contracted 12 % in 2024; inflation above 180 % (World Bank). | Speakers emphasized “shared sacrifice” and the need for a new economic roadmap. |
| Governance reform | Public confidence in parliament at 22 % (Eurobarometer, Oct 2025). | Calls for transparent electoral laws and independent judiciary were central to the dinner’s message. |
| Sectarian tension | Sporadic clashes in Beirut and Tripoli; UNIFIL reports increased sectarian rhetoric. | The dinner highlighted peaceful coexistence as a prerequisite for any political renewal. |
| Youth participation | 40 % of eligible voters are under 30 (UNDP). | Youth leaders from Qartaba’s university clubs urged greater youth representation in parliament. |
Core Messages Delivered at the Dinner
- Unity Over Division
- Speaker: Father Antoine Saad, Parish Priest of Qartaba.
- Key quote: “Our table is a micro‑cosm of Lebanon-different dishes, one shared plate. Let this be the model for our nation.”
- Peace as a Foundation for Development
- Speaker: MP Maya hammad (Future Movement).
- Key points:
- Immediate cease‑fire in all political “cold wars.”
- Formation of a bipartisan peace commission ahead of the election cycle.
- A New Political Direction
- speaker: Dr. Samir Nasser, political analyst at the American University of Beirut.
- Recommendations:
- Adopt a proportional representation system to reflect Lebanon’s demographic mosaic.
- Implement campaign finance clarity through a public ledger.
- Civic Engagement and Voter Education
- Speaker: Lina Khalil, founder of “Vote Lebanon,” a civil‑society initiative.
- Action plan:
- Distribute 5,000 voter‑education pamphlets in Qartaba and neighboring villages.
- Organize “debate cafés” in schools before the election period.
Real‑World Impact: Early outcomes
- Community pledges: Over 300 households signed a “Qartaba Unity Charter,” committing to non‑partisan voting and mutual aid.
- Media ripple: The dinner’s highlights were featured in the Daily Star (31 Dec 2025) and sparked similar gatherings in Byblos and Zahle.
- Political response: The Lebanese Ministry of Interior announced a consultative forum with local leaders to discuss electoral reform, citing the Qartaba dinner as an inspiration (Ministry press release, 2 Jan 2026).
Practical Tips for Replicating Qartaba’s Model
- Select an inclusive venue – A municipal hall or neutral community center encourages participation from all sects.
- Curate a balanced speaker lineup – Include religious leaders, youth representatives, and independent experts.
- Tie the event to concrete actions – Hand out pledge cards, voter‑facts kits, and contact lists for local NGOs.
- Leverage live streaming – Broadcast the dinner on Facebook Live and YouTube to reach diaspora communities, reinforcing the unity narrative.
- Document and share outcomes – Publish post‑event reports (PDF and infographics) to maintain momentum and attract media attention.
Benefits of a Unity‑Focused Christmas Dinner
- Strengthens social fabric – shared meals reduce “us vs.them” mentalities, fostering empathy across sectarian lines.
- creates a platform for policy dialogue – Informal settings encourage honest conversation among politicians and citizens.
- Boosts voter turnout – Community‑driven initiatives have been linked to a 12 % increase in youth voting in previous Lebanese elections (UNDP, 2024).
- Enhances international perception – Demonstrating grassroots peace efforts can improve Lebanon’s standing with donors and the UN.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- Political parties: Adopt a non‑partisan outreach approach during cultural events to gain trust.
- Civil society: Use festive gatherings as entry points for civic education and peacebuilding.
- Local authorities: Provide logistical support (security,permits) to ensure inclusive participation.
- International partners: Offer technical assistance for voter‑education material and facilitate cross‑border dialogue on Lebanese reform.
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