RHU faculty, staff, and students joined the commemoration of the 18th anniversary of the assassination of H.E. Martyr Rafik Hariri, organized by the Student Representative Committee on February 16, 2023. The event began at 11:00 a.m. in the MEA Conference Hall.
SRC Member Ms. Yasmina Helou started the event by requesting the attendees to stand for a moment of silence in honor of Martyr Rafik Hariri and then invited SRC member Ms. Zein Abdel Rahim to deliver a short word on behalf of the Student Representative Committee, comparing the state of Lebanon today with its condition before February 14, 2005.
RHU Vice President for Development, Mr. Hisham Kobrosli, then delivered the word of RHU President of the Board of Trustees Mrs. Nazek Rafik Hariri, which she especially wrote for this commemoration. Her word expressed deep sorrow and longing for his responsible leadership and decision-making. We are called upon to exhibit his political morality and patriotism, put all differences aside, and prevent the catastrophic collapse of our country.
RHU Interim President Dr. Hiam Lotfi then took the stage to address the audience. After 18 years of his assassination, Lebanon realizes its tremendous loss. The Martyr was a man of remarkable vision and keen awareness. He spread positivity and hope and devised solutions to any problem. I remember his efforts to push the youth to follow the path of knowledge. His legacy lives on through education, solid and unbreakable.
A final word by RHU student Omar Abdul Wahad outpoured with emotions. I am proud to belong to Rafik Hariri University, an institution named after a great man who valued knowledge and education. Rafik Hariri University will always be a microcosm of the Lebanon you dreamt of; a united, tolerant, and co-existing society. We promise to be loyal to the principles you instilled in us, and we are not alone, as your students and loved ones are many.
The assembly ended with a video prepared by RHU student Mouaz Kabour from the Communication and Alumni Relations Office. RHU dedicated this video to the memory of RHU Founder, H.E. Martyr Rafik Hariri, vowing that this institution shall flourish into the future to perpetuate his commitment to education and learning.
The SRC then laid a wreath of white roses at the tree planted in memory of Martyr Rafik Hariri at RHU.
Countries do not grow on fanaticism, extremism, and self-centered attitudes; they evolve on serious, responsible, and patriotic consideration of the countries' best interests – Rafik Hariri.