Poland in Lebanon

It was happening here. Exactly here. In this Monastery.

One hundred eighty five years ago.

Imagine Słowacki as he talks with the monks and with the Lebanese living around. He admires the Italian artist working on the paintings that you can see right now in this outstanding house of God.

He meditates: about him as a man, as an artist, as a poet, as a Polish patriot. This place changes him. It changes Polish culture and history.

At that time Poland was partitioned, occupied by neighboring powers. Słowacki was a political exile. Forced to leave his country.

Słowacki dreams of Poland as an independent country.

During that time, the ideas of romanticism flourished in Europe. Artists were asking about the role of outstanding individuals in changing history. Calling for the heroism of an individual for the sake of a greater cause.

Especially for the Polish artists, this question was not, at all, rhetorical. Forced to emigrate, repressed, deported to Siberia, forced to abandon their language, they felt, even more, the imperative to fight for freedom. With their creativity and commitment they are a proof that Poland exists as long as we, Polish, are alive.

I want us to think for a moment about independence.

What does it mean?

What is the nation?

What are our shared values?

Why do we look for a common future together?

What can we sacrifice to preserve our common dreams?

Independence is a constant effort. It can only be earned. It requires constant attention, constant care to preserve it.

Especially when there seems to be no hope.

And Słowacki is our inspiration. Thanks to visionaries like him, Poland survived.

On 11^th of November 1918 we finally regained our independence. The century that followed was difficult and sometimes tragic. But we persevered. And this is the most important lesson.

Everything valuable in life comes with real effort and sacrifice.

There are nations right now, fighting for their Independence. For their right to live the lives according to their own values and traditions.

To them I say, on the anniversary of Poland’s Independence: Don’t give up. 

The White Eagle of Poland and the Green Cedar of Lebanon. Two Nations. Two countries that seem to be far away. And yet we are connected.

Hundred eighty five years ago Słowacki, here in this serene place has created an epic tale of the nineteenth century Polish exiles, patriots sent to the frozen hell of Siberia by the Russian Tzar. An epic tale that, in the darkest times, gave the generations of Polish the hope for freedom and independence. He gave us a constant inspiration and profound pride.

 

About hundred years later, during the Second World War, by a pure chance and coincidence, thousands of Polish war refugees found their safe haven in Lebanon. After their thousands of kilometers epic odyssey from Siberia, chased out from Poland by the communist Soviet Union regime. Through Tashkent, Teheran, Bagdad, they finally found their temporary homes in the very same area of Lebanon Słowacki has visited. In Ghazir, in Ajaltoun, in Zouk Michael and other towns of Lebanon. For the hospitality of the Lebanese who accepted them, who sheltered them for years Poland will be eternally grateful. Choukran.

In a moment we will start an artistic journey from Poland to Lebanon. A joint creative effort of Polish and Lebanese artists.

For our journey I want to thank especially the students of ALBA and USJ. I know it was a challenging mission we solicited with such a very short notice. Let me say this: You surpassed any expectation I had.

The amazing paintings, the animations and the acting I have seen during the preparations for today’s event moved me deeply. Your dedication, creativity and insight deserve a full recognition and acclaim.

To the professors of ALBA: Alain Brenas, Araz Kelian, Kabalan Samaha, Ricardo Mbarkho, Youssef Aoun, Mansour Habre, Noelle Farah, Gregory Buchakijan and of USJ: Toufic El Khoury and Betty Taoutel who guided you patiently and generously in your artistic journey I say: you deserve such students. And yes, only with Culture and Education, there is hope for Lebanon. You should be proud of them and of yourselves. Thank you. Can You please, students and professors, stand up?

The visual creations you have worked on would not be complete without the musical experience. To Maestro Zbigniew Graca and Tadeusz Melon who worked on arranging the scores of Anhelli,  to Poet Habib Younes who wrote the perfect lyrics inspired by Anhelli, to the super resilient musicians from Lebanese choirs, classical and oriental orchestras, who believe that cultural life of Lebanon is worth fighting for, we express our deepest gratitude. Eli Hardane, Mario Rahi you are the best!

Tonight’s performance is the proof that the common effort of many talented individuals from different fields united and focused on a joint project is possible.

I wish this collaboration will be an example to follow and a showcase of Lebanese artists’ unity.

You all have so much to offer to the world, and together you can move mountains.  

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the entire Maronite Order, hosting us today in their incredible Monastery (sorry for all the hassle we have caused you), and hosting the permanent symbolic exhibition commemorating the stay of Słowacki. They always said to me: This is your home, here in Ghazir.

We, Polish, certainly do feel here at home.

The Ministry of Culture and National Heritage and The Museum of Literature that produced the “Słowacki in Lebanon” symbolic exhibition which Mr. Kacper Sakowicz will declare open in a few moments on behalf of His Excellency, Professor Piotr Gliński, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and National Heritage of the Republic of Poland.

We could not be here without the support of our longtime and trusted friends that helped us pull resources to make this evening possible.

Prosec, Samana Travels, Technica International, Tipplers, Catering Boutique and Kor.

Your support is very much appreciated.

To our Master of Ceremony, Mrs. Nadine Njeim and to our beloved soprano Mrs. Nadine Nassar. Thank you for being a genuine ambassadors of Polish –Lebanese relations.

My Embassy’s Team: Thank you!

On behalf of myself and my team I thank my partner Michele Fenianos. Without her support, guidance and creativity, today would have been different. Thank you Michele.

To my Polish Compatriots, and to all of our Lebanese friends from all walks of life I say thank you for being here with us and sharing this special moment.

Let’s continue our journey.