São Paulo – The presence of Lebanese worldwide will be the theme of a seminar by Saint-Esprit de Kaslik University (Usek), in Kaslik, Lebanon, on Thursday (14) and Friday (15). Lebanese immigration to Brazil and its importance in the country’s development are among the themes of the talks and debates. The event is organised by the university’s History Institute.
As part of the meeting, there should be a photography and painting exhibit on the Amazon, by Lebanese photographer Jacques Menassa and by the Ukranian-Lebanese painter Iryna Novystska-Zein. Menassa lived in Brazil for almost ten years, between the 1980s and 1990s, and made several incursions in the Amazon, from which arose some photography collections. Iryna painted inspired on photographs by Menassa.
The Lebanese photographer will give a talk about the Lebanese in the state of Amazonas. The director of the Centre for Latin American Studies and Culture (Cecal) at Usek, Roberto Khatlab, will speak about the Lebanese in Latin America, especially in Brazil, focussing on theme “The Lebanese and the economic and political power in Latin America: emerging nations”. Khatlab is Brazilian, but lives in Lebanon and has books written about Lebanese immigration in the country.
"The Lebanese in Latin America and mainly in Brazil worked hard, started as peddlers and sent their kids to the best universities. They adapted to the society of Latin America and their generations currently head great companies and are influential in politics, having helped and still helping in the development of the country that accepted their forefathers,” said Khatlab, recalling the strong presence of descendants in the National Congress and the vice president of the republic, Michel Temer, who has Lebanese roots.
This is the second seminar Usek promotes on the theme. The first took place in March 2012. Among the axes for discussion is how the Lebanese transmit their message worldwide in the cultural, artistic, media and humanities areas. Another focus is contribution in geopolitical matters and another is the part played by the Lebanese in uniting fragmented societies.
Opening of the colloquium is scheduled for 11:00, counting on the director of the History Institute at Usek, Jean-Maroun Maghamès. The event is at Jean B. El Hawa Auditorium, on the main campus of the university. After the opening of the colloquium, the photography exhibit should be opened. Khatlab is expected to give his talk at 2:30 pm.
*Translated by Mark Ament
