Fr. Jalakh: Our country is in a deplorable state of collapse due to rampant corruption and a lack of accountability, both of which are repercussions of the war.
Al-Murtada: We must strive for a new era in which we prioritize mutual protection in order to build a nation that reflects our true worth.

On April 15, 2023, Antonine University (UA), in collaboration with the NABU Museum, inaugurated the “Hope & Despair” exhibition to commemorate the Lebanese Civil War. The opening took place in the presence of the Minister of Culture, Judge Muhammad Wissam Al-Murtada; the Maronite Archbishop of Beirut, His Eminence Bishop Paul (Boulos) Abdel Sater; the founder of the NABU Museum, Dr. Jawad Adra; the Superior General of the Antonine Maronite Order, Abbot Maroun Abou Jaoude; and the UA Rector, Fr. Michel Jalakh; along with a company of Antonine fathers, in addition to UA deans, chairpersons, and heads of departments, and members of the UA internal and external community.

Fr. Jalakh
In his speech, UA’s Rector, Fr. Jalakh, said: “We remember the brutal war not to inflict further pain, but rather to reflect on its images, documentations, and tragedies and use them as a lesson for the future.” He emphasized the prominent role of Lebanese universities in this context, stating that their mission is to provide public education services and in-depth scientific research for the truth in all fields, particularly the truth behind a war that killed people, destroyed cities, disfigured history, undermined brotherhood among citizens of the same country, and is still deeply rooted in the conscience of every Lebanese person, as its repercussions still control their future and daily lives.
He believes that Lebanese universities should take on this serious challenge, as they host students from different backgrounds, sects, and religions who have not experienced the war or its true principles and secrets, but have instead heard various war stories from their families and communities, some of which may be inaccurate and contradictory even if they contain some truth.
He also stressed the importance of involving students in this crucial dialogue since they have already experienced the potential benefits of coexisting with their peers on campus. As they all share the right to education and knowledge, they are also aware of the value of respecting differences of opinion and freedom of thought, especially since they are united by fundamental issues that affect their future and have witnessed the lingering effects of the war on their country’s governing system, which led to rampant corruption and a lack of accountability. This has caused their families and themselves to suffer in a state of collapse, regardless of their differences.

Adra
Dr. Adra believes it is no news that Lebanon is currently hanging by a thread, as it has been going through crises and wars since its independence. According to him, the main problem lies in the system that we accepted out of desire, coercion, inability, or a combination of all these factors; this political, social, and economic system generates crises without solutions.
He considers that the 1975 outbreak of the war was not caused by the “Palestinian resettlement,” “fear of their weapons,” or the “betrayal” of Israel’s interests. Similarly, the current situation is not a conflict between the “March 14” and “March 8” alliances, or between “freedom, sovereignty, and independence” and “the weapon of the Resistance.” Rather, the root of the problem lies in the corrupt system that treats us as mere pawns. He added that the so-called “sect leaders” or “its commanders,” along with their followers and citizens, are both victims and perpetrators of this vicious cycle of violence. The only way to break free from this infernal circle is to first identify the problem and then develop solutions through truth and reconciliation.
He concluded his speech by emphasizing that it is time for everyone to realize that everyone loses in the end. He expressed hope that Information International and the NABU Museum will contribute to reviving the memory of the Lebanese people through the book Lebanon’s Wars, Why? and the exhibition Hope & Despair so that the mistakes of the past are not repeated.

Al-Murtada
The Minister of Culture emphasized in his speech that Lebanon cannot be monopolized by any single group, as the essence of the nation lies in its diversity. It is thus the responsibility of each group to protect and support one another, with the common goal of ensuring the nation’s survival.
He accentuated the importance of embracing diversity and respecting the different beliefs and sanctities of each individual in order to build a stronger and more united nation. He also urged the Lebanese people to work toward a new era of coexistence in which they can celebrate their differences and work together to build a brighter future.
He continued: “War is not an isolated event, but rather an armed discourse that attacks society with all its verbal, moral, and psychological munitions, first creating barriers between people, sowing fear of the other in groups and fear of a person in his brother, shattering between them the possibilities of coexistence, so that military battles and barricades between neighborhoods become palatable.”

Wehbe
The journalist Yazbek Wehbe intervened to shed light on the causes, circumstances, and consequences of the civil war, despite differing perspectives among political factions. He questioned whether the Lebanese people have fully grasped the magnitude of the humanitarian catastrophes caused by the war and the lessons that can be drawn from them.

At the end of the event, UA presented a rare edition of the first Arabic Bible printed in Rome in 1590, which was reprinted by the Antonine monks.

The opening of the “Hope & Despair” exhibition at UA marks a significant milestone in the University’s commitment to promoting arts and fostering cultural exchange. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of art in helping us understand and reflect on our shared experiences and find hope and inspiration in the face of adversity.

The Hope & Despair exhibition is open to the public from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on UA’s Hadat–Baabda Campus until May 12. The exhibition is accompanied by seminars and lectures for students, focusing on the war and its aftermath.