Beirut: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, upon invitation from Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salam©, sponsored the commemoration of the first anniversary of the passing of Elias Khoury, a renowned novelist, author, and journalist, held at the National Library in Sanayeh. The event was attended by key figures including the Prime Minister's wife, Ambassador Sahar Baassiri, ministers Tarek Mitri, Hanin Al-Sayed, Amer Al-Bassat, Egyptian Ambassador Alaa Moussa, as well as cultural representatives and the family of the deceased.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the ceremony began with a welcoming speech by the Executive Director of the National Library, Ms. Jelnar Atwi Saad. This was followed by a heartfelt speech from Abla Khoury on behalf of the Khoury family. In his address, Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salam© reflected on the mid-twentieth-century generation's commitment to freedom, a principle that Khoury embodied throughout his life, especially in his stance on political sectarianism and the Palestinian cause.
Salam© highlighted Elias Khoury's contributions as a journalist, literary critic, professor, and publisher. He noted Khoury's role in reframing news, promoting contemporary Arabic literature, and managing cultural publications. Salam© praised Khoury's prolific work as a novelist, underscoring his influence on the Arabic novel with works like "The Little Mountain" and "Bab Al-Shams."
Prime Minister Salam presented the National Cedar Medal to Khoury's family, a token of honor from the President of the Republic. Additionally, the Vice President of the American University of Beirut announced an annual award in Khoury's honor for an outstanding literature student. Beirut Mayor Ibrahim Zeidan also announced the renaming of the Beirut Public Library - Al-Bashoura in Khoury's honor.
The commemoration concluded with a tour of an exhibition showcasing Khoury's works, articles, and personal belongings, celebrating his enduring legacy in the literary and cultural landscape.