“Philanthropy is Spontaneous, and I don’t believe in Political Bequeathing”
In her first appearance since she held the post of Vice-President of the Walid Bin Talal Humanitarian Organization in 2003, HE Ms. Leila El Solh Hmedeh agreed to be hosted by “Success Story”, an event organized by the Public Relations Administration at Beirut Arab University for the fourth year running. The event was a friendly interview that threw light on the personal, familial and professional aspects of her life, and was attended by Prof. Amr Galal El Adawi, President of BAU, the deans, staff-members and a large political, diplomatic and spiritual crowd, as well as the heads and directors of various organizations, universities and hospitals.
The event opened with the Lebanese National Anthem and the BAU Anthem, followed by the BAU film. Afterwards, Ms. Zina Ariss Houri, Director of Public Relations moderated the interview, gave an introduction in which she described the honored guest as having achieved glory because she has deep roots and is engrossed in public and political life, which all honorable people aspire to. She also succeeded in elevating the status of women through her ceaseless efforts. Ms. Ariss also added that Leila El Solh Hmedeh managed to become the queen of people’s hearts because of her philanthropy that sows goodness with the rise of every sun.
After a documentary of Mrs. El Solh’s life, struggle and charity efforts through Walid Bin Talal Organization, Mrs. Solh and Mrs. Zina Ariss moved to the stage where a “studio” had been set up for the occasion. In the interview, she spoke of Riad El Solh, her father’s achievements, highlighting that his name had determined her, her family’s and Lebanon’s destiny. This in itself was a challenge which made her acquire an exceptional bravery and great wisdom to confront these challenges.
El Solh wished she had lived her father’s era, a time that enjoyed feelings of pride and true independence, pointing out that the assassin of Riad El Solh had sought to murder Lebanese sovereignty and nationalism which Riad El Solh had embodied together with President Bchara El Khouri.
Ms. El Solh argued that a life of prosperity does not cancel out consideration of the other. This conviction is the basis of her dream to delve into charity-work, being affected by her mother’s activities in the field. She also stated that she does not believe in political bequeathing, which has proven its failure.
She also spoke of the standards adopted at El Walid Bin Talal Humanitarian Organization, highlighting that the activities are followed in accordance with the prioritization of health services, educational services and developmental services throughout Lebanon. There is no discrimination of any kind, be it religious, sectarian or regional. It is this factor that has secured the success of the organization.
Ms. El Solh also stated that the experience of the Ministry of Industry in Fall 2004 did not live up to her expectations. She added that during that period she preferred to listen, rather than to talk, since political activities are fraught with dispute and skirmishes that are not acceptable for Lebanon. She stated that she is one of the people who prefer to work on the ground and take action rather than to theorize and talk.
El Solh addressed the students and the Lebanese youth, advising them not to stop giving to their country, in all forms and across all available domains. She also called upon them not to emigrate, but rather to invest their energies in the prosperity of Lebanon.
Prof. Amr El Adawi spoke next, thanking El Solh for accepting the University’s invitation and praising her courage in presenting her opinions. In her presence he announced that the Faculty of Health Sciences has attained international accreditation.
The event concluded with the President presenting an honorary shield to El Solh, as a token of appreciation. El Solh, in turn, presented a set of books on Riad El Solh and the History of Lebanon to the University library.
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