Hope Out of Patience

By Marcelle Mansour OAM

Sydney – Australia 17 August 2018

Have you ever seen the beautiful splendor

Of the dignified Palestine Land?

Have you ever wonder why?

Historical Palestine vanishes from the world map?

O dear Palestine, ancient Palestine!

Will never be wiped off the map.

Have you ever experienced the empathy from home expel?

Or hung around your neck

A precious ancient key belongs to your stolen home?

Have you ever felt the bravery,

In those daring charming eyes?

Or sewed the unique cross-stitch

Of the iconic Palestinian embroidered dress?

Or touched the Cactus of Palestinians’ hearts?

Walking on just a ripple of burning hope …

To find a way to live and cope …

Patience becomes the way of life …

The symbol of Palestinians’ strife …

Longing for justice and liberation

Throughout the painful decades of Israeli occupation

Seventy years of the raven Nakba!

Fifty-one years of the dark Naksa!

And twenty-five years of impotent peace talk!

Left Palestinians with nowhere to walk …

Seven harsh decades of the Palestinian cause

Of preserving self-humanity…

And keeping dignity …

In limitless means …

Constantly echoing, ringing, and whispering in the ears …

Palestinians’ Right of Return is a global role

Concerns on the matter of international laws

Should never make the issue closed

Hoping to make the conflict resolved

A two-state solution will definitely work!

For the sake of world’s magnificent love

The hope of peace will rekindle soon from above

Palestine will hug the joyful lyrics of divine Dove.

By Marcelle Mansour OAM

It is with great pride and pleasure that Al Mustaqbal, (Future) Lebanese and Arabic Newspaper in Australia launched the Partnership with Al Markazia Central News Agency in Lebanon, who recently announced the appointment of Al Mustaqbal newspaper as Correspondents for the Australian Continent.  The launch officially took place on Friday the 20 July at Al Mustaqbal’s premises, Bankstown, in the presence of The Hon. Shaoquett Moselmane, MLC, Parramatta Liberal Geoff Lee MP, Joseph Rizk OAM; CEO & Managing Director at Arab Bank Australia,  Community Organizations’ Leaders, Political and Social Figures, Media Representatives, and Friends.

For several decades the newspapers have played an integral part in the Australian Arabic Communities. Al Mustaqbal (Future) newspaper is the essential source of grassroots, Australian local news and Overseas and Lebanese information that matters most to readers.

The General Manager of the Al Mustaqbal, Dr. Jamil El-Doaih, welcomed all and said the partnership project was founded by Mr. Joe Khoury OAM, who is regarded as the Dean of Journalism and Media in Australia. Al Mustaqbal and Al Markazia exchanged journalism will remain open to everyone in Lebanon and Australia, for democracy depends on reliable access to true information. This encourages all to know what’s happening in our world, and it can help all to have access to true information for years to come. El-Doaih also welcomed all interested people to contribute to the newspaper and to cooperate fruitfully as one family for the public goodness.

The President and Editor-in-Chief of the Al Mustaqbal, Joe Khoury OAM, said it is exciting to have a key milestone to deliver news and information on the latest top stories with one of the top leading agencies.  Al Markazia was established in 1974 and today, it is one of the leading agencies in Lebanon and the Middle East, and now in Australia. The mission of the partnership is to create and deliver first quality service. It will hopefully be an excellent source of news designed to help the fast easy communications between Australia and Lebanon. It will cover the news of the most important topics that include political, social, cultural and economic issues.

Shaoquett Moselmane MLC stated that Joe has been providing journalism service to the community for nearly half a century, and he has a deep understanding of the important issues of both societies of Australia and Lebanon. Shaoquett awarded Joe with a gift of appreciation in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the media in Australia and Al Markazia Agency in Lebanon.

Geoff Lee MP congratulated Joe and his entire team on behalf of New South Wales government, for his continued work and the fantastic role that plays an integral and important part in bringing together the Australian Lebanese Community relation. “This is the next stage in your business from Lebanon to Australia and vice versa,” he said.

Dr. Mustapha Alameddin praised Joe Khoury’s credibility as a long lasting service, a long time ago as a journalist in the days before the World Wide Web. “What we’ve witnessed today is a historical event and a long-term project. In the world of journalism, Australia and Lebanon can’t live without each other for they have a cultural bond like an iron chain that binds their two societies together.” Alameddin said.

Mr. Ibrahim Barrak gave an expression of gratitude toward Joe Khoury who has been working hard silently in providing the truth in his journalism, acknowledging that Joe is a pleasant fellow who is the symbol of kindness, clarity, and a grateful heart, and has never caused any harm to any person during the long period of his journalistic profession. Undoubtedly, one of the project‘s aims is to show the good image of Lebanon and Australia.

This was followed by a number of prominent speakers who spoke highly of Joe Khoury for his friendly popular personality and professional journalistic efficiency.

It is worth mentioning here that I personally have known Joe Khoury for forty years, and I believe that his personality is extremely ethical that is characterized by the conception of honesty, transparency, luminosity, and integrity.  Joe is a rare unique community friend who has a soundness of moral character and depends on reliable access to information.  His newspaper of Al Mustaqbal (Future) newspaper is based on his profound success and constructed expertise in trustworthy journalism.  The partnership with Al Markazia Central News Agency in Lebanon will definitely make it more competitive and highly rewarding, for it will act as the backbone of the media industry in both printing press and digital media.

Congratulations to Mr. Joe Khoury OAM on the appointment of Al Mustaqbal newspaper as Correspondents for the Australian Continent, and extending warm Congratulations to the launching the partnership of Al Mustaqbal Lebanese and Arabic newspaper in Australia with Al Markazia Central News Agency in Lebanon, with the best wishes for continued future success.

Prof. Philip Salem spoke at St Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Sydney.

By Marcelle Mansour OAM

Prof. Philip Salem spoke at St Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Sydney.

During his short visit to Sydney in Australia, The Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand organized a seminar, held by Prof. Philip Salem on Friday the 2nd of March, 2018. at St Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, Punchbowl, in the presence of the Primate, Archimandrite Basilios (Kodseie), Metropolitan of Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania Diocese, And a number of bishops and priests, government officials, professionals, physicals, media, and community representatives. 

The topic was about “The Meaning of Suffering “where Prof Salem spoke about the meaning of suffering and understanding pain through faith.  He talked about his experience in the research and the treatment of cancer and medicine, as well as religion, family values, ethics and the significant roles of technology in our present digital age and other related topics.  Prof Salem expressed his concern about future values such as love, nobility, compassion which computer cannot serve. He warned his audience about technology; in his own words” There is nothing better than simple values which serve humanity… we should use technology to our advantage and should not let technology rules us.”

Dr. Philip A. Salem is a physician, researcher, educator and international statesman in cancer medicine and he is a recipient of many awards from all over the world for his contributions to cancer research. In the last 15 years, he was selected annually in the editions of America’s Top Doctors by Castle Connolly. 

Prof Philip Salem was invited to Australia by the Council of Bishops and representatives of the Council of Eastern Churches in Australia and New Zealand where he was warmly welcomed by various community churches and organizations who all shared the celebration of the milestone  of his 50^th work Anniversary in the field of oncology since joining the world of medicine and research.

The event presenter described Prof Philip Salem as” highly prestigious personality, hardworking, honest, humble, happy in doing his job and has a sense of humor.”

It was an honor and a privilege to attend this seminar, in particular, to listen to Prof Philip Salem’s brilliant talk that has enriched us all.

By Marcelle Mansour OAM

Sarkis Karam, Bilingual Writer and Editor of the Australian Affairs in AnNahar Arabic newspaper launched his new English book “Wings of Life” on Sunday 25^th February at the Seniors’ Room, Lady of Lebanon Cathedral in Sydney. The book launch event was successful with great speakers as follows: His Excellency Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay. Poet Badawi El Hage, Mr. Anwar Harb AM, Mr. Joe Baini, Dr. Emad Berro and Dr. Anthony Hasham.

Wings of Life is a book of literary collection of poetry and prose of the author who was born in Lebanon and immigrated to Australia where he lives and adopts the new country as his wonderful home. It is a book of a collection of reflections that moves through the pages. Each page contains a reflection on wisdom where the author speaks for himself, from his heart, from his thoughts, from his memories and from his own assimilated experiences in solemnity. The collection contains pieces of work describes the author’s memories, contradictions, discoveries and life lessons one experiences when one is neither seen as fully Australian nor fully foreign.

In his fifth book, Sarkis reflects on his life journey exploring various topics where he was able to articulate his thoughts and ideas in a creative way. It is interesting to see how he starts his poetry reflections with the poem of Memory that reflects hope. To my surprise, this title of his poem is the same title of one of my latest artworks that were exhibited at the Corner Gallery Stanmore in October last year. Sarkis is a good friend of mine and I was grateful that he attended my art exhibition with other friends, and it is pleasant to see him giving his poem the same title of my artwork. The significance of this particular work is actually important to me for I believe that Memories living inside us are the foundation of who we are and the source of our roots and moral conscience that keeps our minds revived in all matters. The author seems optimistic by showing the link between memory and hope when he says:

Revived by fragrance

Of a pine tree… a rock …. A grain…

A flower… a soil…

It is carried away on wings of hope.

And in the poem of Wings of Life he writes:

Suddenly, memories entrenched

in our dreams,

long ago, tend to reappear,

for they have dwelled in our minds….

In the same poem, Sarkis describes his tireless journey of discovery which in fact applies to every one of us as immigrants where “our memories never left.” “From the innocence of “childhood” to the adventures of “youthfulness” through different stages of our ages, our trips are carried “on the “wings of love”’ and ‘on an endless flight.”’

Sarkis Karam’s poems are flame with a passion for life’s love, faith, and hope. His words explore the meaning of those conceptions and the bliss he has from “family” love and lasting “friendship.”  His poetry in general offer rich study of the meaning of various topics that he encounters in his life experiences as immigrant who is torn between two countries, that is his motherland “Lebanon” and his new adopted home “Australia,” This definitely applies to every one of us as immigrants. He Explores the connection between his beloved old village in Lebanon and his adopted home Australia. He is in deep love with his old village that he departed, in his piece of prose of Lebanon, his heart is still in Lebanon saying “How can we desert our hearts.”

Sarkis reveals his real self, his inner self through the” sighs of nostalgia flying.”  In Motherland, through the “magic of her tenderness”, he draws a ‘sketch of pictures of his dreams’ a visual‘ ”image” that ‘’would not shine without the colors of his motherland.”

And in his piece of prose Australia: “A shelter for humanity, a home of comfort, peace, and justice…A refuge for liberty and freedom for the expression” this great Aussie land we call home.

Then in Strength, he proclaims “no strength without faith, no strength without the Lord.” For only in the Lord he finds strength as well as in the Light of Life he finds peace. To him, Ehden, in fact, is ‘EDEN’! and Youssef Bey Karam “lives on as my inspiration.”  Sarkis also honors both his country of birth and Virgin Mary by saying O Mary, “Lebanon dwells on your heart.” for they both unite together.  His other poems are also glorious and provocative.

As an author, Sarkis has been known for his nice technique and style of writing and the power he evokes from his ideas in his literary pieces that refer to content. In other words, his poetry involves the method which a poet uses to convey meaning and feelings. The themes of his poetry tend to be of positive nature with wisdom, faith, and hope.

His poetic voice is direct and honest, where he expresses his thoughts, feelings, and memories in easy language, in a way that builds a sense of connection between himself and his readers.

This book is worth reading. Congratulations once again to Sarkis Karam on his new achievement and best wishes for his future success.

By Marcelle Mansour OAM

It is with great pride and pleasure that The “Two Brothers Mediterranean” restaurant was newly opened in the Castle Hill area on Wednesday evening, December 20, 2017. With the advent of Christmas on the doors, the place was decorated with the flavor and colors of Christmas’ lights.

The nun Irene Bou Ghosn gave the spiritual word to bless the food, calling for the audience to be blessed with a delicious meal. The young man Louis (older of “Two Brothers Mediterranean”) delivered a brief speech in which he welcomed everyone and thanked all those who provided support, whether in their presence or giving of gifts or a bouquet of flowers.

The place was filled with a lot of friends and loved ones from Lebanese and Mediterranean communities who enjoyed the quality of authentic Lebanese food of delicious quality alongside the music of the musician Alex Hadchiti and singer John Khalil in a charming atmosphere.

As we saw yesterday night, the restaurant was characterized by a beautiful atmosphere and simple decorations in a mixture of modern and traditional touch with the addition of some warm touches of elegant taste that gave the calm and comfort to enjoy.

This restaurant has luxurious style, offering fine quality food prepared by professional experienced Lebanese chefs who perfect authentic traditional recipes. It appears that the El-Khoury family will be one of the pioneers of the excellent service that offers elegant Lebanese traditional cuisine in a relaxing atmosphere characterized by sophistication and originality.

The grand opening of the new restaurant was a great success, as it was a delicious dining experience with a group of friends of the community that was filled with a friendly and loving atmosphere.

Congratulations to the brothers Louise and Savoi, and to their friendly parents, Yves and Leila, and their beautiful sisters, Monay and Shiraz, for this family is characterized by generosity, hospitality, and dynamic activity. All guests were thankful for the invitation and expressed their commendation on the grand opening of the new restaurant with sincere wishes to a prosperous business venture to continue the journey for many years to come.

For the lovers of the most delicious classic Lebanese cuisine and fresh healthy Mediterranean, may explore the (Tow Brothers Mediterranean) restaurant at the following address:

Garden Plaza, 3-9 Terminus Street, Castle Hill NSW 2154 Tel: 0433 662 232