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January 12, 2007
Lebanon District Marks AGBU Centennial With Opening of Medical Center
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Mrs. Rita Demirdjian (left), representing the AGBU Lebanon District Committee, and Minister Leila Solh-Hamadeh (right), representative of the Walid bin Talal Foundation, cutting the ribbon to inaugurate the new AGBU Medical Dispensary in Antelias, Lebanon. -
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The sign of AGBU's new Antelias Dispensary. -
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Minister Leila Solh-Hamadeh tours the new AGBU Dispensary in Antelias, Lebanon on November 7, 2006. The facility's medical equipment was donated by the Al-Walid Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation.
On November 7, 2006, AGBU Lebanon District inaugurated a new medical center in Antelias, in commemoration of AGBU’s 100th anniversary. With the opening of this facility and sponsorship of three cultural events this past fall, AGBU Lebanon revived the centennial spirit that was temporarily muted by the country’s 34-day war this past summer.
The medical center, outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment thanks to the generosity of the Al-Walid Bin Talal Humanitarian Foundation, will bring much-needed healthcare services to the region’s population, which includes a large Lebanese Armenian community.
Covered by national media, the ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including Her Excellency Leila Solh-Hamadeh, Lebanon’s former Minister of Industry; the Mayor of Antelias, Eli Abu Jaoude; and members of the AGBU District, Education, Armenian Youth Association, Veterans, Women’s and Asbeds Committees were all also in attendance, along with a group of leading Armenian officials and educators.
After a warm welcome by AGBU leaders, Solh-Hamadeh, who performed the ceremonial ribbon cutting, was greeted by two young women in historic Armenian costumes offering the traditional Armenian greeting of bread and salt, along with flowers. Solh-Hamadeh expressed her appreciation to the Armenian community, especially AGBU, during her dedication speech. Highlighting the organization’s work for the Lebanese community in the fields of education and healthcare services, she commented, “Philanthropy is one of the most magnanimous human feelings and customs. I am glad that your organization is accomplishing this, bringing joy to many, for the past hundred years, here and elsewhere.”
As part of the opening ceremony, guests were offered tours of the facility and an opportunity to meet with the medical personnel.
Also in the month of November, to strengthen ties between the local community and its peers in Armenia, the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon Vahan Ter Ghevondian (November 15, 2006) on the occasion of Armenian Independence and Yerevan State University’s Professor of Armenian Studies Samuel Mouradian (November 20, 2006) were invited to Beirut by the Lebanon District to participate in special gatherings.
For more information on AGBU Lebanon District, please email agbu@cyberia.net.lb or call the AGBU Demirdjian Center at (961)(4) 522-842.
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