BEIRUT: Lebanese officials paid tribute to the women who raised them Saturday, with some using Mother's Day to call for justice.
“If we want to honor her and be loyal to her unlimited love, we should do justice to her,” Free Patriotic Movement party chief Michel Aoun posted on Twitter.
Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk posted on Twitter a black and white photo of him and his mother, writing: “To the mothers of Lebanon, the most beautiful of mothers, to their patience, their firmness and their hearts from the pulses of which we derive strength, life and joy, a salutation of unlimited peace, love and gratitude.”
Justice Minister Ashraf Rifi and Kataeb MP Sami Gemayel also posted pictures of them and their mothers.
“To my mother, my wife and all mothers. Happy [Mother’s Day,]” read the caption under the image posted by Rifi, which showed him kissing the head of his mother lying in what looked like a hospital bed.
Army commander Gen. Jean Kahwagi addressed in particular the mothers of the Army’s fallen soldiers.
“Nobody understands the meaning of martyrdom like the mother who gave the life,” he told NBN TV.
“While every mother represents generosity, the martyr’s mother is the lady of generosity, because she gave twice: once to life and once to the nation.”
He went on to promise all mothers that justice will be served in the cases of their martyred and kidnapped sons.
“On this occasion, we pledge before you that we will not accept any compromises or concessions at the expense of the martyrs’ blood, and that we will bring back all our captives held by terrorist groups whatever the price of the sacrifices,” he said.
General Security chief Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, who heads a task force negotiating the release of the 25 abducted servicemen being held by jihadi groups, also addressed mothers in a letter through NBN.
“A mother cannot rest calm when she has a missing son,” he said, vowing to protect their captive sons.
Former Telecoms Minister Nicolas Sehnaoui posted a picture of a soldier with a sunset in the background that read: “The Army is a father... and a mother. To the women of the Lebanese Army, happy Mother’s Day.”
Hezbollah’s MP Nawwar Sahili also paid tribute to mothers in a speech at a ceremony celebrating Mother’s Day in the public library of Hermel, in northeast Lebanon.
“I salute all mothers, especially those who raised their children on the line of resistance and sacrificed their [son] for the sons of others to live with pride and dignity.”
