On Saturday, November 15, in Tripoli – the main city of northern Lebanon – representatives of all local communities gathered at the Al Moutran School for the “Medical Day”, an initiative promoted by UNIFIL, the Italian Bilateral Military Mission in Lebanon (MIBIL), and the Religion & Security Council (RSC), with the high patronage of the Maronite Catholic Archeparchy of Tripoli, Dar al-Fatwa for Tripoli and North Lebanon, and the Municipality of Tripoli.
Hundreds of beneficiaries received free medical consultations, laboratory tests, and essential medicines. Clothing and additional aid items coming from Italy were also distributed.
The event opened with an inaugural ceremony featuring the Mayor of Tripoli, Dr. Abdelhamid Karimeh; Col. Attilio Cortone of the Italian Army; RSC Chairman, Mr. Emiliano Stornelli; H.E. Sheikh Muhammad Imam, Mufti of Tripoli and North Lebanon; and H.E. Msgr. Youssef Soueif, Maronite Archbishop of Tripoli. The ceremony – coordinated by Ms. Lea Adel Maamary, journalist of Télé Lumière-Noursat – was also attended by Sheikh Ali Rassi, Head of the Religious Affairs Department at the Alawite Islamic Charity Association.
The “Medical Day” was held in close collaboration with the following associations: Annas Linnas, headed by Rev. P. Abdo Raad, TrueBless, Rise, Scouts du Liban, Dialogue for Life and Reconciliation. A key role in the organization of the program was played by Msgr. Joseph Ghabach, delegate of the Maronite Archbishop of Tripoli; Dr. Dolly Farah, RSC Advisor and former Head of the Human Rights Department at Tripoli’s Bar Association; Mr. Amin Brair, RSC Coordinator for Tripoli and North Lebanon; Ms. Eliana Farah, RSC Media Officer; Dr. Jean Moussa, RSC Medical Advisor.
In his remarks during the inaugural ceremony, Mayor Karimeh praised the initiative for “supporting so many families and individuals in need without distinction, at a time when Lebanon is facing profound hardship”. He emphasized that “the Municipality of Tripoli stands firmly behind every effort that places the well-being, health, and dignity of citizens at its core”.
Speaking on behalf of UNIFIL and MIBIL, Col. Cortone emphasized that “the continuous and discreet support provided by Italy through the Defence General Staff and the Joint Operations Command is essential for initiatives of this kind in support of stability and peace”. He further identified the principle of “human fraternity” as the hallmark inspiring the Medical Day. “Access to healthcare is a universal right”, he stated. Therefore, “ensuring accessible medical services is an ethical priority”. In Col. Cortone’s words, “international cooperation clearly shows that medicine becomes truly effective only when it overcomes geographical, cultural, and economic barriers”.
According to RSC Chairman Stornelli, “the organization of the Medical Day created a synergy that demonstrates how Tripoli’s social fabric is made up of forces committed to peace, security, and development”. RSC Chairman described Tripoli as “the capital of ‘human fraternity’ in Lebanon, a vocation that deserves to be acknowledged and supported”. He also noted that “the Medical Day offers a model of cooperation that unites local religious and civil actors with international partners. A model that can be replicated in other parts of the country”.
Mufti Sheikh Imam highlighted how the Medical Day reflects “the true spirit of the city of Tripoli”, underscoring the “need to preserve the unity of all components of society”. “Unity is essential to overcome challenges and safeguard the common good”, he observed. “Only through genuine cohesion can Tripoli lay the foundations for a future of stability and progress”.
Archbishop Soueif expressed “the hope that Lebanon may one day become a country where every citizen has access to free and high-quality medical services”. He emphasized that “social actors have a responsibility to support the country’s institutions so they can better ensure the well-being and security of the Lebanese people”. The Archbishop also extended his gratitude “to all those who continue to assist Lebanon across every sector”.
At the end of the Medical Day, a donation of medicines and medical equipment was delivered to the health services of the Municipality of Tripoli. In the near future, the Medical Day will be followed by new humanitarian programs that will reach communities throughout the entire Lebanese territory.
Media coverage:
TV
Al Jadeed News
SPI Lebanon
Télé Lumière-Noursat (reportage)
Télé Lumière-Noursat (interview)
Press
National News Agency
LebTalks
Maronite Archeparchy of Tripoli
Municipality of Tripoli
Municipality of Tripoli (Mayor)
Al-Markazia
IMLebanon
Global Light Network
Lb Now
KPN Lebanon
Koura Media Company
Report Difesa
Difesa Online