On the 14th Anniversary of the profound martyrdom of His Excellency Late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, the RHU Student Representative Committee organized a remarkable event under the title "14 times 14 February". The event outpoured the bitter emotions that always accompany the harsh memories of this occasion but trespassed them to the brighter horizons corresponding to a steadfast commitment to realize the Rafik Hariri vision of Lebanon and underscore the importance of learning and education that Martyr Rafik Hariri valued the most. The event was held on February 12, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in the RHU main theater.
The event was attended by RHU President, Dr. Makram Suidan, RHU Vice Presidents, deans, faculty staff and students. It hosted Mr. Mounir Al Hafi, the renowned media figure and member of the Political Bureau of Future Movement, as event key note speaker. Moreover, Future Movement general secretary, Mr. Ahmad Hariri, was represented by the Future Movement sector coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Saad. In addition, the Future Movement Mount Lebanon coordinator, Mr. Walid Serhal, Dr. Mohammed Yassine, and cultural and educational bodies attended the event.
White roses and bracelets imprinted with "14 times 14 February were distributed by the SRC to all the attendees as a message of both hope and resolution. The event began with the Lebanese national anthem and a moment of silence in the memory of Martyr Rafik Hariri. RHU civil engineering student Ms. Ghina El Hajj, master of ceremony for this event, invited RHU President, Dr. Makram Suidan, to deliver his speech that depicted RHU’s devotion to fulfill Martyr Rafik Hariri’s dream.
“This University,” he said “is dedicated to making your dreams a reality. Our team of students, staff, and faculty members are committed to the dream of a united Lebanon regardless of faith or political affiliation. We will never compromise our mission to instill and inspire excellence. Challenges do persist, and we will commit to our national responsibilities and preserve our country and unity in the face of strife and divisiveness. This is our promise to you beloved Martyr Rafik Hariri.”
Mr. Mounir Al Hafi then delivered his word that remunerated the many extraordinary qualities of Martyr Rafik Hariri: “We lost Rafik Hariri the human, the citizen, the Lebanese, the Arab, the statesman, the international forums leader! I am not the first to say this, and I will not be the last. Everyone, even his most formidable antagonists, say that the loss of Rafik Hariri was an irreparable one. Rafik Hariri had many qualities, most notably in my own opinion was his love for his country, and when a person loves something, he works for it and for its benefit, and so he did.”
Then it was a word from Mr. Ali Serhal, representing the RHU Student Representative Committee. He said addressing Martyr Rafik Hariri, “Dear Martyr Rafik Harri, you once said Congratulations to Beirut with a new generation, equipped with knowledge and protected with morals, no for war and yes for true coexistence. Long live Beirut and long live Lebanon.” He then added “and here we tell you Congratulations to us and to the University that bears your name, dream and vision and we shall continue on your path are complementary. We belong to your school, and to your approach and we will complete the last of us in Lebanon, like what you wanted. And your immortal memory among us and assure that your martyrdom is our path and our path and you are always present absent.
Ms. Hakima Haiti, Head of Liberal International, delivered a final word in this event that ended with sending off white balloons to soar high in the blue skies as a manifestation of hope and optimism.