After years of absence, the businessman Omar Harfouch, partner of Nida Al-Watan, returned to Lebanon. He visited the newspaper's premises and toured the offices, in the presence of his partner, the chairman of the board of MTV, Mr. Michel Al-Murr, the editor-in-chief of Nida Al-Watan, Amjad Iskandar, and the deputy editor-in-chief, Rami Naim, the famous lawyer Joseph Raphael and the director Simon Dergham.
A moving encounter with the newspaper team
During the day, Omar Harfouch met with the newspaper's team and website staff, and praised their efforts, commending their high professionalism and important role in the Lebanese media.
In a speech addressed to the editorial staff, Omar Harfouch expressed his emotion during this meeting, stating: "I am moved to be with you today. JI've been with you for almost a year, nearly every day, at five o'clock in the afternoon. We got to know each other through videos, and I discovered that the editor-in-chief, Amjad Iskandar, and I have a lot in common: we frequent the same places, like the same things, and we're very similar. He would tell me about you, and the next day I would read what you had written, until I knew each of your personalities: who is mischievous, who is easygoing, who is difficult. And I love you all.
Omar Harfouch emphasized the importance of the printed newspaper: “I learned more about Lebanon thanks to Nidaa Al-Watan, which was improving day by day. With the printed version, the written word takes on immense value. Even if people read on social media today, the printed word on paper retains its sacredness, as it did in sacred texts. Everything written on paper remains.”
"I draw my courage from yours."
According to Harfouch, change in Lebanon began with the launch of the online newspaper: “The positions taken by Nidaa Al-Watan were bold and risky, a threat to anyone who worked there. I draw my courage from yours, and every day I felt that what we had started in Paris with Michel Al-Murr was not just words, but a reality that was growing stronger day by day.”
Omar Harfouch also spoke about his experience in the media: "I have extensive experience in the media – newspapers, magazines, radio and television – and I learned a great deal from Mr. Amjad Iskandar." He specified that he reads the newspaper daily from the first page to the last: "By 5:30 in the morning, I've already finished reading it completely, and I enjoy the newspaper even more when I don't know in advance what it will contain."
Michel Al-Murr, a model of excellence
During his speech, Omar Harfouch paid tribute to Michel Al-Murr: “Michel Al-Murr is a self-made man with a clear vision. Today, he leads a media empire recognized in the Arab world, France, and the United States. Having the opportunity to participate in this project, even in a modest role, is a tremendous honor, and I am very proud of it.”
"Upright people in Lebanon are suffering from fatigue and pressure."
Omar Harfouch concluded his speech by paying tribute to people of integrity: "Upright people in Lebanon suffer fatigue and pressure, are marginalized... but this minority is the country's most precious treasure. If I can transform them into a majority, that will be my dream."
The visit ended with a convivial moment, with the cutting of a cake to celebrate the event…
