(WARREN, MI) — The Lebanese American Club of Michigan (LACOM) honored the Christian Lebanese Foundation in the World (CLFW) and Project Roots at their annual Trailblazer Award Gala on November 22.
CLFW is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that aims to connect Lebanese expatriates with their roots, by registering them as Lebanese citizens.
The award was accepted by Nada Abisamra, the director of CLFW and Project Roots, who spoke about the importance and simplicity of registering births and marriages in Lebanon.
“Lebanon needs us,” she said. “We must act now to preserve our roots. If we don’t act now, Lebanon will lose its cultural diversity and confessional conviviality.”
Abisamra said it should be a “civic duty” for the Lebanese diaspora to register in Lebanon.
“We are guilty for leaving Lebanon, but also guilty for detaching ourselves from our roots. Registering yourself and your children is not only a right, it is a priority and a civic duty,” she said.
LACOM says it is pleased to recognize an organization that works to maintain balance among Lebanon’s religious communities.
“LACOM is proud to help facilitate a cause that aims to portray a pluralistic Lebanon and to strengthen Lebanon’s image as an oasis of freedom and democracy in an already troubled Middle East,” said Dr. Wissam Shaya, president of LACOM.
Bishop Elias Zaidan, who serves the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, delivered keynote remarks, urging political groups to stay out of Lebanon’s influence.
“Lebanon should not be working for political parties. Political parties should work for Lebanon,” he said.
He also called Abisamra and other CLFW regional representatives “missionaries” for traveling across the country and spreading a “positive and critical” mission.
Michigan CLFW Campaign Coordinator Charlie Kadado hosted a registration campaign on Nov. 23, where he called on the Lebanese-American community to “urgently” register to protect Lebanon’s diversity.
“CLFW and Project Roots both exemplify the spirit of coexistence and unity, while strengthening demographics to maintain pluralism in a country that relies on religious balance and harmony,” he said. “Now is your chance to register your births and marriages and preserve the qualities that make Lebanon so unique.”
To register in Michigan, call Charlie Kadado at (248) 924-4854. For all other states, visit clfw.org for a list of regional representatives and coordinators.
To view photos of the gala, click here.