November 26, 2025 – Marking two historic occasions—the Lebanese Independence Day and the upcoming papal visit to Lebanon from November 30 to December 2, 2025—Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) and the Maronite League hosted an open dialogue titled “Lebanese Entity: A Journey Toward Belonging.” The event aimed to consolidate the principles of coexistence and reinforce the spirit of national unity.
The panel featured key speakers including Engineer Maroun El Helou, President of the Maronite League; Judge Sheikh Khaldoun Araymet, Head of the Islamic Center for Studies and Media; Sheikh Rabih Koubayssi, Secretary of the Committee for Muslim-Christian Encounter; Judge Sheikh Gandhi Makarem, Member of the Christian-Islamic Dialogue Committee; and Dr. Imad Mrad, Historian and Lecturer at the Lebanese University. The discussion was moderated by media professional and university instructor Yazbek Wehbe.
The Issam Fares Conference Hall was filled with NDU students, faculty, and staff, as esteemed guests were welcomed by NDU President Fr. Bechara Khoury. Among the attendees were President Michel Sleiman; Her Royal Highness Princess Hayat Arslan, Coordinator of the Civil Society Dialogue; MP Nada Boustany representing the head of the Free Patriotic Movement MP Gebran Bassil; MP Dr. Selim Sayegh representing the Head of the Lebanese Phalanges Party Sheikh Sami Gemayel; MP Dr. Antoine Habchi representing the Head of the Lebanese Forces Party Samir Geagea; former MP Bahiya Hariri representing H.E. Saad Hariri; former Minister of Information Georges Cordahi; Sheikh Wadih El Khazen, Dean of the Maronite General Council; General Rodolphe Haykal, Commander of the Lebanese Army represented by Brigadier Nadim Al Kanoun; Major General Raed Abdallah, Director General of the Internal Security Forces represented by Colonel Georges Salloum; Michel Matta, President of the Maronite General Council; as well as prominent personalities from the media and religious fields.
Majed Bou Hadir, Director of the Office of Public Affairs and Protocol at NDU, opened the event with a word on the university’s connection to Lebanon: “We are gathered here today because we believe in it, in its eternity, its mission, its exemplary nature, and its depth.”
Fr. Khoury described the dialogue as “exceptional,” emphasizing the complementary missions of NDU and the Maronite League: NDU’s enduring national and human mission since 1736, and the Maronite League’s historical role in supporting pivotal political and religious decisions. He then placed forward two important questions: “Which Lebanon do we want? Which entity will we protect?”—particularly relevant given the timing between Independence Day and the papal visit.
Moderator Yazbek Wehbe first approached the topic from an academic perspective with Dr. Mrad, who confirmed the existence of a curriculum problem in schools: “We should make sure both educators and students are attached to their land, not merely teaching or learning history as material,” adding that Lebanon historically grew hand-in-hand with the Maronite patriarchy. From a historical point of view, Dr. Mrad pointed to the influence of neighboring countries, which increased the sense of danger among the Lebanese, and the impact of external interference, reflecting the “envy” of powerful countries over the decades.
From his perspective, El Helou asserted that “the issue does not lie with Lebanon as an entity, but with our Lebanese identity and sense of belonging,” stressing that such belonging can only be fostered through stable institutions that ensure national governance. He further emphasized that the solutions are available; they merely require implementation.
Reflecting on pivotal moments in Lebanon’s history—1861, 1920, 1926, and 1945—Sheikh Araymet urged the audience that it is high time to learn from the past, particularly ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s visit: “It is imperative for us, Muslims and Christians alike, to steer away from sectarianism and cultivate loyalty solely to our country.” He stressed that it is both possible and necessary to live in a spirit of faithful nationalism and reconciliation.
Sheikh Koubayssi then took the floor, advising that “we should listen to each other, not merely hear each other,” highlighting how Lebanon’s religious diversity constitutes a source of strength and a foundation for peace. He further added that dialogue alone cannot effect change without practical implementation, illustrating his statement with the recent example from the recent war in the South of Lebanon, where Lebanese citizens rushed to assist one another without regard to religious affiliation.
Judge Sheikh Makarem expressed the hope that the upcoming papal visit would be more than just a protocol, as these are desperate times for a serious seeking of peace. For Makarem, establishing clearly defined national borders is essential to reinforce Lebanese unity, noting that the presence of Syrian and Palestinian populations on Lebanese soil has divided us further: “The Lebanese people alone are able to coexist,” he asserted, a pointed reminder to the nation’s leaders.
An interactive Q&A followed, during which Dr. Habchi highlighted the pivotal role of universities in driving change, believing that Lebanon should be seen not as a “melting pot” but as a “salad bowl.” Princess Arslan also commended higher education institutions for teaching authentic history, emphasizing that educating youth who are capable of holding leaders accountable is essential for achieving lasting peace.
In conclusion, despite the diversity of religions and potential differences of opinion, all speakers aligned on one fundamental point: defining the Lebanon we aspire to requires a profound love for our country, a natural capacity for coexistence, and a resolute rejection of external influence. This open dialogue, organized by NDU and the Maronite League, demonstrated to the NDU community, guests, and the live audience that change lies in the hands of educators and youth, fostering hope for more peaceful Independence Day celebrations and a papal visit that genuinely guides the nation in the right direction.