This January 22, we remember the destruction of Damour and the massacre which accompanied it. A part of the damouriens, attended the celebration dedicated for this memory in St Elie church in Damour.
Thirty years already. A round number, which however did not raise crowd. A round number which will pass like the 29 preceding years. It will be judicious Today to ask one simple question :
For which reasons the damouriens did not return to live in Damour? I ask myself this question every time I see these empty buildings. However 2500 of our Co-citizens live there and their destiny is linked to Damour.
The first reason is related to safety. Palestinians who took part in the destruction of the city are always installed in the famous tunnels at the edge of the city. Many damouriens are afraid.
The second reason is related to the lack of planning in the operation of the return 14 years ago. The destruction push several damouriens in poverty, they were obliged to reconstitute elsewhere a new life starting from zero and in very bad conditions.
The third reason is related to the lack of vision among our politicians.
The fourth reason is related to the corruption, the inequality and the injustice between areas and in the cities.
The fifth reason is related to mistrust installed in the heart of the damouriens.
The sixth reason is related to the total absence of any public initiative.
It is not difficult to enumerate the reasons of failure. However what misses more our city, is love. Love in the heart of damouriens.
Let us remember every day from now on Damour is a Beating Heart. It is in the eyes of children who grow in our streets, in the eyes of our Co-citizens who have decided by choice to return to live in this city, and Damour is a beating heart in our dreams.
What can I make for Damour? Is the question that each one of us should ask today? Every initiative will give hope and courage to those who hold the city in their heart.
Future is in Damour this is a question of time. Where will be the damouriens? Time will say….
In this sad occasion I'm asking you to remember:
- January 22, 1976 a crime occurred in Damour.
- Damour is waiting for you.
- The future will be in Damour
Take the initiative of speaking about your history and to dare to imagine the future in this city. And don't forget Damour Is a beating heart.