Lebanon Resistance and Liberation Day

Lebanon Resistance and Liberation Day

May 25

A recently established tradition in Lebanon, this day celebrates the end of Israel's 22-year-long military occupation, which occurred in 2000. That year Israel completed its withdrawal from the country's southern region. Immediately after, the cabinet under Lebanese prime minister Salim al-Hoss declared the public holiday on May 25.
Conferences, rallies, and speeches commemorating the anniversary are commonplace, particularly in southern Lebanon, the region most directly affected by Israel's intervention. In 2000, tens of thousands rejoiced over the retreat of the Israeli defense forces by swarming around public locales in the former war zone. Many displaced individuals were able to return after spending years away from their home communities. The anniversary's political significance has endured for the Lebanese, particularly in view of the renewed combat between Israel and Hezbollah paramilitary forces in 2006.
Resistance and Liberation Day can also be an occasion to turn public attention to the country's ongoing reconstruction efforts. Such was the case for the 2007 anniversary, when Lebanese leaders marked the day by announcing the reopening of the Zahrani bridge, an important road link destroyed in a July 2006 Israeli air strike.

CONTACTS:
Friends of Lebanon
12 Berry Lane
Rickmansworth
Hertfordshire WD3 7HQ United Kingdom
www.friendsoflebanon.org
Embassy of Lebanon
2560 28th St. N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
202-939-6300; fax: 202-939-6324

Celebration day: May 25