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 News

Hezbollah retaliates; kills 2 Israeli soldiers

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Hezbollah retaliated against Israel on Wednesday for a Jan. 18 Israeli airstrike in southern Syria that killed six Hezbollah members and an Iranian general.

The group fired a missile at an Israeli army vehicle killing two Israeli soldiers and wounding several others, in what was widely considered the biggest escalation since the 2006 war.

A member of a United Nations peacekeeping force from Spain was killed by Israeli strikes following the retaliation.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah lashed out against Israel for reportedly killing several of its members, describing Israel as “a cancerous growth” and a “bacterium of corruption.”

“Our brothers in Quneitra were killed in a clear assassination, in a decision taken by Israel,” Nasrallah said. “Israel has not yet claimed responsibility for the airstrike believing that Hezbollah is weak and would disregard the attack.”

Nasrallah said Hezbollah is prepared to fight Israel, despite committing resources in Syria and Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley.

“If Israel is thinking that we fear war, then I tell it that we do not fear war and we will not hesitate to take it if it is imposed on us,” Nasrallah said.

A Foreign Ministry statement said Lebanon remained committed to U.N. Resolution 1701, arguing that Hezbollah’s attack did not amount to a violation of the 2006 deal since it targeted an Israeli military convoy inside the Shebaa Farms, which is occupied Lebanese territory.

Former President Michel Sleiman called on political forces to stand behind the Lebanese government, cautioning that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to take advantage of Lebanon to serve his election interests.

“Israel should not be allowed to take advantage of Lebanese divisions,” Sleiman said.

LISTEN to Nasrallah’s remarks from January 30, 2015:

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 News

Lebanese anchorwomen are too sexy for Egypt

(CAIRO, EGYPT) — Lebanese anchorwomen may be a little much for Egyptian television viewers to handle these days.

Asharq Al-Awsat reports that Lebanese women are sparking controversy among conservative Egyptian TV executives because they’re considered “exotic” by the Egyptian general public.

It adds that Lebanese anchorwomen are more “relaxed” and “outgoing,” which threatens the jobs of homegrown journalists, who are generally more tense and impartial.

But the Lebanese style of broadcasting has boosted ratings and saved money for Egyptian TV channels, according to a TV executive speaking on the condition of anonymity.

“A satellite channel is essentially a business enterprise and Lebanese anchorwomen accept lower pay compared to others,” a senior executive at a private Egyptian TV channel told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“They are ready to work at any time, and are willing to go out in the field and present from the ground. As for Egyptian presenters, time is a major problem since they follow strict working hours.”

The analyst added, however, that Lebanese women have a “special appeal” for the Egyptian public.

Egyptian journalist Faten Abdul-Ma’boud, who works for Egypt’s state-owned TV channel, says it only becomes a problem when “Egyptians start copying their style of dress and presenting.”

Abdul-Ma’boud warns that Egyptian anchorwomen may feel compelled to change their fashion choices to resemble the Lebanese newbies.

“The way Lebanese anchorwomen dress is incompatible with the conventional dress code the Egyptian viewer is used to seeing,” she told Asharq Al-Awsat. “Many Egyptian households may not accept the ‘Lebanese style’ which they are not used to seeing on Egyptian screens.”

Among the new Lebanese faces on Egypt’s TV screes are Raghda Shalhoub, a new addition to Al-Hayat TV, and Liliane Daoud, who was recently hired by ONTV.

Farouk Abu Zeid, head of the media department at Egypt’s Misr University for Science and Technology, said the job threat for homegrown Egyptian journalists is an “over-exaggeration.”

“There is no problem; the number of Lebanese TV presenters working in Egypt currently stands at just between 20 and 30,” he said.

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 News

Texas parents upset over name of ‘Lebanon High School’

(FRISCO, TX) — Some Texas parents are angry over the name of a new high school set to share its name with Lebanon, saying it doesn’t fit their community, which historically shared the same name.

“The present-tense name of a country that was in the news all the time with reference of war and battleground was always what was on my mind when I would say the name ‘Lebanon,” parent Liffey Skender told the Frisco school board last month, according to the Dallas Morning News.

Skender alleges receiving more than two dozen phone calls and 100 emails from concerned parents who object to the name, “Lebanon High School.” She urged the board to consider “Freedom High School” instead.

“The word ‘Lebanon’ still reminds me of all the sad and turmoil that goes on in the Middle East,” she said.

But the school district says the name will honor the town’s history, which was called Lebanon a half a century before the city of Frisco was established.

“Memories of Lebanon may be found throughout Frisco,” the school district said. There’s a road and a Baptist church that still bear the name, and there even used to be a Lebanon school, although it closed in 1947, according to BBC News.

School district Spokesman Shana Wortham told the Dallas Morning News that the school board may add another word to Lebanon, such as “community,” to avoid confusion.

There are 16 cities in the United States named “Lebanon.”

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 Entertainment

Hiba Tawaji wows judges on France’s ‘The Voice’

(PARIS, FRANCE) — Lebanese singer Hiba Tawaji wowed judges on the French version of ‘The Voice’ on Saturday, after performing the Arabic rendition of Michel Legrand’s Les moulins de mon cœur, or The Windmills of my Heart.

All four judges granted Tawaji a standing ovation following her live performance. They praised her “audacity” that defied traditional elements of Arabic music.

“I’m blushing because you are a great singer,” Lebanese-British singer Mika told Tawaji, who later selected him as her mentor.

Tawaji is widely known for collaborating with prominent producer and composed Oussama Rahbani in 2007.

In 2014, Aline Lahoud also wowed judges after performing “Khedni Maak,” but was eliminated in the second round.

WATCH Tawaji’s performance here:

http://www.wat.tv/video/orient-invite-grace-hiba-avec-777q7_4cw81_.html

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 City Beat, Detroit

Imam Al-Qazwini resigns amid Islamic Center controversy

(DEARBORN, MI) — Imam Hassan Al-Qazwini resigned from his duties as spiritual leader of the Islamic Center of America (ICA) on Ford Road in Dearborn, Mich. on Friday.

In a speech to the Young Muslim Association, Al-Qazwini called ICA board members “racist” and “selfish,” and called on the packed congregation to urge them to step down.

“For 18 years, I kept my mouth shut,” he said. “I’m not going to take it anymore.”

Al-Qazwini has been the target of anonymous letters that accused him of corruption and adultery, including diverting mosque money for his father’s projects in Iraq.

He has strongly denied all allegations, except admitting that he sent some money to his father’s charitable orphanage in Iraq.

Al-Qazwini, who was born in Iraq, says he was also the victim of racism by Lebanese board members, who wanted to fund projects in Lebanon, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Ron Amen, the chairman of the board, confirmed Qazwini’s resignation.

“The news came as a total shock to the board,” Amen told the Arab American News. “I think it’s a huge mistake. There have been derogatory comments about the Sayed, but I don’t believe resigning is the way to handle the adversary.”

Lebanese-American radio host Afaf Ahmad says she’s being attacked for publishing controversial YouTube videos about ICA issues.

“It’s very said,” she said. “This is how the Arab community reacts to a female journalist is doing her job and telling the truth. Thanks to those who believe in my mission since only brainwashed people are attacking me mostly from fake accounts.”

On Twitter, supporters are defending Al-Qazwini with the hashtags #SupportQazwini and #WeSupportQazwini.

“The community I know is better then this,” wrote Danielle Mallad. “Should we not come together instead of dividing apart? Stop the hatred!”

Another Twitter user wrote: “I admire and respect you for your 18 years of loyal service to our community, you will be greatly missed.”

WATCH Imam Hassan Al-Qazwini speak to the Young Muslim Association:

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 City Beat

American Foundation for Auxilia elects new president

(WASHINGTON, DC) — The American Foundation for Auxilia recently elected Dolly Gebeily president of the charitable organization, assuming roles and responsibilities from outgoing president Najib Rached.

“I believe it’s time someone new come in and take over with new blood and new ideas,” said Rached. “Dr. Gebeily’s dedication and commitment to the organization will bring a good attitude and trust from the people.”

Gebeily, who has administrative experience in the health care industry, says she is “honored” to have this position.

“I will do my best to continue the work that my predecessor, Mr. Najib Rached, has done for many years,” she said. “We promise to maintain transparency in the donation process and maximize efficiency in channeling the donations to the sponsored children.”

Auxilia says the 2015 Board of Directors are President Dolly Gebeily, Treasurer Fady Chaccour, Secretary Samar Malouf, and Board Members Najib Rached, George Nassar, Joseph Dfouni, and Nada Al Haddad.

The organization is planning to launch a website in the coming weeks, according to Gebeily.

“(Auxilia’s) new interactive website will display its activities, increase the visibility of the organization, and attract volunteers. I am confident that our team will excel in achieving these ambitious goals, and I look forward to working  to continue strengthening AFFA,” she said.

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 City Beat, Raleigh

Lebanese director continues film tour in North Carolina

(RALEIGH, NC) — Lebanese director Philippe Aractingi continued his film tour in the United States to promote “Heritages,” an autobiography film narrating the exile of his family across four generations.

Aractingi visited North Carolina State University for a screening hosted by the Moise A. Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies, according to the university student-run newspaper.

Akram Khater, the Khayrallah Center director, says Aractingi’s film can educate the general public about Lebanese history and the growth of the diaspora.

“So this event that we had tonight was specifically part of our mission to bring this kind of information to the general public and the United States,” Khater told The Technician. “We arranged for him to come here, because we thought it was an important film for the North Carolina State to see.”

Aractingi says Lebanese parents, especially emigrants, should talk to their children about Lebanese history and culture.

“Do not make a cut with our past and where we came from. It is important to give our lives and stories to our children,” he said.

VIEW photos of Aractingi’s visit to North Carolina:

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RELATED: Lebanese film director Philip Aractingi visits NY to promote latest film. Read more.

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 City Beat, Detroit, Success Stories

Michigan’s newest county commissioner was born in Lebanon

(DETROIT, MI) — Lebanese-American Abdul Haidous is one of Michigan’s newest county commissioners having carried a swift primary election and uncontested general election.

Haidous is the former mayor of Wayne, Mich., where he served for 13 years as the first Muslim of Arab descent to be elected mayor in the United States, according to his biography.

Haidous was born in the southern Lebanese village of Bint Jbeil, where he spent his early years before moving to Senegal to work at a family business.

After deciding to immigrate to the United States, Haidous worked for a Monroe area restaurant and General Motors before opening “Al’s Friendly Market” in Wayne, which he ran from 1974 to 2007.10868096_10152574396346437_4345506690406031292_n

On January 21, Consul General of Lebanon in Detroit Bilal Kabalan and several community activists visited Haidous to congratulate him on his recent election.

“Commissioner Haidous is an American Lebanese success icon with more than two decades of regional political history,” Kabalan said in a statement. “His high ethical standards are an example to be followed.”

Haidous is the recipient of dozens of prestigious honors, including being named “Person of the Year” in 1991 by the Wayne Chamber of Commerce and receiving a “Service Award” from the Arab American and Chaldean Council in 2007, among others.

Haidous and his wife Balassem celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary on election day. They have five children and 10 grandchildren.

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 Entertainment

VIDEO: Jon Stewart responds to Miss Universe selfie debate

(MIAMI, FL) — Jewish-American comedian Jon Stewart introduced a new segment on his show on Monday he called: “What Picture Is Upsetting the Middle East This Week?”

The segment poked fun at Miss Universe competition, following controversy after Miss Israel Doron Matalon posted a selfie of herself, Miss Lebanon, Miss Japan, and Miss Slovenia.

Some called for Greige to lose the title over the selfie, especially because Lebanon and Israel are considered enemies.

“It’s a beauty pageant– they’re all enemies,” Stewart responded in the segment.

Greige says she was “photo-bombed” by Matalon and tried to distance herself from her.

“Does everything that happens between Middle Eastern countries have to be a bombing?” Stewart exclaimed.

WATCH the segment here:

 

RELATED: Selfie sparks debate over Lebanese-Israeli engagement rules. Read more.

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 News

Israel on “high alert” for possible Hezbollah retaliation

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Israel is on “high alert” for possible retaliation attacks following an Israeli airstrike in Syria that killed six members of Hezbollah and an Iranian general.

Israeli defense officials say they increased security measures on Wednesday, beefing up its air defenses and closing a number of roads after receiving reports of “suspected infiltration by a number of militants,” according to Beirut-based newspaper, An-Nahar.

Al-Arabiya Television reports the five suspected infiltrators “vanished” when the Israeli army arrived near the area.

According to Israel’s Jerusalem Post, suspicious activity was no longer reported and most roadways had been reopened.

Israel was already on high alert over possible retaliation by Hezbollah, after the unprecedented Israeli airstrike killed senior commander Mohammed Issa and Jihad Mughniyeh, a son of Hezbollah’s top military commander Imad Mughniyeh who was killed in a 2008 assassination in Damascus.

Top Iranian general Mohammad Ali Allahdadi was also among the victims of the Quneitra strike on Sunday.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said the group reserves the right to retaliate for attacks provoked by Israel. He also says the group may retaliate at any time for the assassination of Mughniyeh.

On Tuesday, thousands of Hezbollah supporters swarmed the coffin of the highest-ranking commander killed among the group. Media reports say around 10,000 supporters took part in his funeral in the southern Lebanese village of Arabsalim.

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