Under the patronage and in the presence of the Director General of La Régie Libanaise des Tabacs & Tombacs (Regie), Engineer Nassif Seklaoui, the Al-Fajr Cultural Club held its yearly traditional event, presented by Ali El-Khalil.
The event was attended by the Imam of the town, Sheikh Ali El-Hijazi, the head of the Municipal Union of Zahrani Hajj Ali Matar, the cultural responsible of the 5th region Nidal Abbas, Head of El-Khrayeb Municipality Hassan El-Dorr, municipal members, as well as representatives of Amal Movement and Hezbollah, State Security Major Ibrahim Sharqawi, and a number of municipal chiefs and members, mayors, and crowds from neighboring towns.
The event was commenced by Lebanon’s national anthem, and then the head of the club Qassem Hayek delivered a speech in which he thanked Eng. Seklaoui for his sponsorship and praised the role of Regie in supporting planting and the farmers.
In his speech, he expressed his hope that tobacco planting starts again in the town after it had stopped and also hoped for renewing the licenses for tobacco planters. He also talked about the importance of the event that aims at decreasing the gap between the past and the present while preserving the spirit of the old town through poetry, traditional food, and assistance in preparing and organizing the event.
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He thanked “each and every” worker, whether from “nearby or far-off regions, who sacrifices time away from their families to earn a livelihood, wholeheartedly contributing to this institution and safeguarding its sources.”
Addressing the workers, he said: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for every drop of sweat and effort you make to maintain productivity.”
He further emphasized: "Just as we recognize the dedication and gratitude of employees who contribute diligently and acknowledge the support provided by the institution, we also notice those who undervalue their responsibilities, their time at work and their superiors. Anyone found doing so will be held accountable.”
He carried on, stating: “In the current delicate situation that Lebanon is witnessing, your commitment to the institution is paramount. Therefore, rise above sectarian divisions and let the lessons of the Lebanese war guide your actions. Sectarian incitement and engaging in political discussions only serve to undermine the institution.”
He emphasized, “having your own beliefs is a right to all, yet it does not allow you to disparage the belief of others. As integral members of the institution, your conduct shapes its reputation. It is thus imperative that each of you upholds the institution’s values through your actions.”
He concluded with a powerful assertion: “Within the Regie family, there is no room for despair. We stand tall like the cedar tree, firmly rooted in the ground yet reaching for the skies. We are resilient like the flint of Jabal Amel and the rock of the shore of Tyre.”
Seklaoui paid tribute to the steadfast tobacco farmers in the villages who endure daily challenges and bombardment with remarkable resilience.