Embraced by the theme of legends, the 7th annual awards ceremony of May Chidiac Foundation was held on October 12 in the Seaside arena.
The hall was decorated with pictures of legends like Frank Sinatra, Mohammad Abd El Wahab, and Om Kolthom; and it was filled with media figures, politicians, business leaders and many others.
The event was hosted by the two TV personalities Alia toucan and Aiman Kassouny, and it was attended by the officials: PM Saad Al Hariri, former president Michel Sleiman, MP Sethrida Geagea, ambassador Jean Macaron, minister of Foreign Affairs Jebran Bassil, former minister Salim Al Sayegh, former PM minister Fouad Al Sanioura, and minister of health Ghassan Al Hasbani
Today is not merely a social event; it’s a stand on the values of democracy, freedom, justice and human rights,” said Dr.May Chidiac in her opening speech. “In our modern days we are suffering from a lack of these values, and we can see that in the verbal and physical abuse that journalists are facing. More than 79 journalists were killed last year while on duty,”she added.
She also highlighted that four out of the five awardees are women, which shows that women are excelling in the field of journalism. She also went on to discuss the problems faced by the media in Lebanon and mentioned several issues, such as Annahar newspaper’s latest release of blank pages.
However, she ended her speech in a hopeful tone: “Let us all continue our fight so that democracy can thrive in the light. Long live the commitment of journalism, long live the freedom of the press and long live Lebanon!”
Candle centerpieces decorated the fancy tables where guests were treated with a mouth-watering dinner and refreshing drinks. The band “One Night on Broadway” cheered the guests, along with a performance by Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram
