The Zghartawien community in Sydney, through its community organisation , The Association of Zgharta (Youssef Bey Karam Batal Lebnan) Australia, held a Memorial Mass for the late Monsignor Boutros Barakat (1927 – 2006) at 11 a.m. on Sunday, 24th December 2006 at Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Harris Park, Sydney Australia.

Fr Sam Wehbe celebrated the Mass assisted by Monsignor Bechara Mary, Monsignor Michel Bou Melhem, Fr Antoine Tohme, Fr Elias Ayoub, Fr Pierre Khoury, Fr Antoine Bou Antoun and Fr Nakhle Akiki.

Many members of the Zgharta and Lebanese community attended the service.

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The thoughts and prayers of the Zgharta Zawie worldwide community are with Lebanon and our local community today as events unfold in Beirut.

For the last few days the atmosphere in Zgharta has been subdued and quiet. Local traffic is sparse and there are parking restrictions near the Serial building, it is understood, for security reasons.

Today, Wednesday, 22nd November 2006, is Lebanon's Independence Day.

Following the assassination of Minister Pierre Amine Gemayel yesterday, the national celebrations for Independence Day have been cancelled and three days of official mourning have been announced.

Today also tragically marks the anniversary of the assassination in 1989 of President René Mouawad (1925-1989) and seven of his entourage. Those killed with the President were:

Joseph El Bacha
George Khouand
Assad Anwar Mouawad
René Kadou Mouawad
Yacoub Sakkal Mouawad
Sayed Elias Moura
Colonel Joseph Ramia

Due to the current situation in Lebanon it is not known whether the traditional Zgharta Mass for the late President and those who died with him will be held this weekend.



Update: 23 Nov 2006 - The planned Requiem Mass at St John Cathedral, Zgharta on Saturday, 25th November has been postponed.

Minister Pierre Amine Gemayel was assassinated today, Tuesday, 21st November 2006, on the eve of Lebanon's Independence Day and the seventeenth anniversary of the assassination of President René Mouawad.

The death has also greater immediacy for Zgharta Zawie as the Minister leaves a Zgharta widow being married to Patrica Daif who comes from Zgharta. They have two children, Amine and Alexandre.

The Minister was born on 23rd September 1972 and is the son of former President Amine Gemayel and nephew of former President Elect Bachir Gemayel who were the sons of the founder of the Kataeb party, his namesake, Pierre Gemayel. His uncle, President Bachir Gemayel was elected President on 23rd August 1982 but who before he took office was assassinated on 14th September 1982. His father, President Amine Gemayel was President from 1982 to 1988.

The Minister has a sister, Nicole and a brother, Sami. He was elected Member of Parliament in the 2000 and 2005 Lebanese General Elections for the Second District of Mount Lebanon - Metn. In July 2005 he was appointed the Minister of Industry.

The photograph shows the Minister and (L to R),his mother Joyce; his late grandmother Genevieve;his father and his aunt, Sister Arzeh greeting his father,at Beirut Airport in 2000.

We send our condolences to the family.

In recent weeks there has been two new planned developments in Ehden announced by Europtima S.A.L. The first development is near the Mar Sarkis Monastery and it will be called "Kroum", the other development will be at the bottom of the Saydet Al Hosn Mountain and it will be called "Les Parcs d'Ehden".

We hope to report more on the developments but in the meantime we put online (PDF) an article which appeared on 11th October 2006 in the Tripoli base newspaper, Attamaddon ,written by Roy Araygi, which reports on the propose developments and the controvesary which has arisen as a result. Due to its length we are unfortunately not able to translate the article into English.

The land for the two developments have been leased from the Monastery and has nothing to do with the long awaited ski resort development, Ehden 3000, by the same company. On the subject of the ski resort, those with long memories will recall that this time last year in our article, "Property Spotlight on Ehden" , we reported that in the September 2005 issue of the Lebanese magazine, Lebanon Opportunities, it featured Ehden. In the article, the President of the Zgharta Ehden Municipal Council, General Joseph Maarrawi was quoted in saying that the ski project was undergoing a study phase where "some technical studies are carried out and might be subject to changes to conform to certain criteria, concerning, amongst other things its ecological impact". We have not heard what has happened since last year nor whether the Council plans to go ahead or not with the project. Lets hope the ski resort's propose name refers to Ehden's elevation in feet and not to its completion date!

The American local newspaper, The News Times of Danbury, Connecticut, reported today, Wednesday 27th September 2006, on last Sunday's fund raising dinner for relief work in Lebanon. Among those organising the event were the Mayor of Waterbury, Michael Jarjura and the President of the Ehden Lebanese American Club, Michael Macary, whose families originate from Ehden.

Once again such reports show that those from Zgharta Zawie play a role in the communities they live in and support the land of their forebears. The article appears below.

$9,000 raised for Lebanon relief

DANBURY -- More than 70 supporters dug deeply into their pockets over the weekend and donated $9,000 toward bolstering humanitarian relief efforts in Lebanon.

The funds were raised at a dinner organized at the Lebanon-American Club in Danbury on Sunday by state political officials and local representatives of the Lebanese American Community of Connecticut.

"We are very pleased that many people from outside the Lebanese community also attended and were very generous with their donations," Danbury City Councilman Tom Saadi said Monday.

Saadi was one of several community leaders involved in organizing the fundraiser.

Others included Joe Walkovich, president of the Lebanon-American Club of Danbury, Waterbury Mayor Michael Jarjura, Michael Macary, President of the Ehden Lebanese American Club in Wolcott and state Sen. David Cappiello, R-Danbury.

Saadi said the money raised Sunday will go directly to AmeriCares, a Stamford-based international relief organization that helps with emergency medical needs and long-term humanitarian assistance programs.

The programs include providing medicines, medical supplies and other basic humanitarian needs.

Featured speaker John Zogby, president of Zogby International Polling, praised the work of the Lebanese American community in Danbury and throughout the state for their help in providing humanitarian relief in Lebanon.

Zogby, whose own son was caught up in the recent war between Hezbollah and Israel this summer, urged Lebanese Americans to stay in touch with their Lebanese heritage even in difficult times.

"It was a wonderful event but somewhat poignant for me," said Saadi, a first generation Lebanese American. "The message was that we should stay in touch with our roots while being a patriotic and hard-working American because the two can go hand-in-hand."

The American newspaper, The Times-Tribune , of Scranton, Pennsylvania, USA, over the weekend reported on the Zgharta Zawie community in West Scranton and the local Lebanese Festival.

The article appears on the Full Story page.


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On Tuesday, 29th August 2006, the Lebanese Directorate General of Internal Security Forces announced that work on the western lane to Beirut of the damaged Chekka tunnel has began. Traffic will be diverted to the tunnel area right after the Hamat Bridge to the eastern lane for 50 metres.

The Directorate General also announced that a new road near the damaged Madfoun Bridge was opened on Monday. This will ease traffic congestion on the Batroun highway's western lane leading to Beirut.

Still many in Zgharta are starting their travelling day before dawn to beat the traffic.

Although Zgharta Zawie was not adversely affected directly during the 34 days of the conflict this summer, other than the Aitou aerial bombing, many of its citizens are now suffering its consequences daily when it comes to travelling to their places of work in Beirut and Jounieh.

As a result of the bombing of the coastal highway bridges - Ghazir Bridge - Maameltein Bridge, near the Casino du Liban - Halat/Fidar bridge near Jbeil ( Byblos) - Madfoun Bridge - the journey times between Zgharta and Beirut/Jounieh have quadrupled in length. It has added in some cases six hours to a working day, to go and come back from work. Those who are fortunate to have places to stay in Beirut do so during the week, travelling on Sunday night and coming back late on Friday.

What no one knows for certain is how long such a state of affairs will continue and concern is expressed about the forthcoming winter months, if the road situation remains the same until next year.

It is therefore good news to hear that the George Frem Foundation-Indevco has announced that it has written to the Lebanese Prime Minister, Foud Siniora, expressing the wish to reconstruct the bridge at Jounieh. The Foundation was created by the late former Minister George Frem who was born in 1934 at Haret Sakhr (Jounieh). In 1955 he founded the Industrial Development Company (INDEVCO). He served as an Member of Parliament for Kesrouan, Mount Lebanon from 2000-2004, not standing in last year's General Election; holding various ministerial offices since 1982. In recognition of his services to Lebanon he was made an Commander of the National Order of the Cedars. He also received from Pope John Paul II, the Papal Order of St. Sylvester. Posthumously he was bestowed with the Lebanese Golden Order of Merit. The Minister died after a lengthy illness in May of this year.

As we reported earlier, former Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati was reported to have commissioned the public works company, Dar al-Handassah to rebuild the Madfoun Bridge.

The Foundation's offer will assist the travelling problems which the citizens of North Lebanon and in particular Zgharta Zawie, are now facing due to the conflict. The photograph is of Minister George Frem.

Across Lebanon the roads are full of returning refugees to the southern suburbs of Beirut and south Lebanon. Since the ceasefire on Monday, zgharta.com understands that the great majority of the refugees in Zgharta's schools have left to return to their homes. Those remaining, some 15%, are expected to depart shortly.

Fuel shortages are expected to ease within the next couple of days with the anticipated arrival on Thursday of two fuel tankers, one destined for Tripoli.

On Wednesday, 16th August 2006, the Lebanese Confederation of Public Drivers and Transport Unions published a new pricing list for public transportation. The new transportation charges are: within Beirut - LL1,500; from Jounieh to Beirut - LL3,000; from Jbeil to Beirut - LL4,000; from Tripoli to Beirut - LL7,000; from Zahle to Beirut - LL10,000; from Ajaltoun to Beirut - LL3,000; and from Bikfaya to Beirut LL3,000.

Good news for those Zghartawiens who have been marooned outside Lebanon owing to the closure of Beirut's airport. The airport is expected today to see the arrival of the Lebanese national airline, MEA, flight from Jordan, which hopefully will herald an official statement that the airport is open for commercial flights. There are many families in Zgharta Zawie waiting to see their long absent love ones.

As life gets back to some sort of normality, commuters to Beirut from Zgharta are facing long delays.

A combination of refugees travelling south and road conditions are causing long traffic queues along the roads leading to Beirut and the South. On Monday one commuter by bus told us of a three hour trip in the morning from Chekka to Beirut and six hours coming back to Ehden. Travelling from Beirut, buses and large vehicles, on part of the route, are diverted to the old sea road.

The Ghazir Bridge; the Maameltein Bridge, near the Casino du Liban; the Halat/Fidar bridge near Jbeil ( Byblos) and the Madfoun Bridge, were hit on 4th August 2006. Former Lebanese Prime Minister, Najib Mikati is reported to have commissioned the public works company Dar al-Handassah to rebuild the Madfoun bridge. In addition the governing board of the Casino du Liban is said to have pledged to rebuild the bridges of Maameltein and Ghazir. The photograph is of the Madfoun Bridge.

In addition to such problems, petrol is still scarce and expensive. The mood of most people is a mixture of relief that the fighting and bombing has ceased but yet anxiety for the future, both for Lebanon, Zgharta and themselves.

We also hear of help being given by Zghartawiens from overseas. The American newspaper, The Bristol Press of Connecticut, reports today that, the Mayor of Waterbury, Michael Jarjura, whose family comes from Ehden, is involved in local relief efforts for Lebanon. The newspaper further says that, " The Ehden Lebanese-American Club in Wolcott and the Lebanon American Club of Danbury are also working with AmeriCares in an attempt to lessen the burden of Lebanese civilians." The organisation, AmeriCares, is an international relief organization based in Connecticut, which works with local partners in Lebanon to provide medical and humanitarian assistance to people who have been injured or are homeless.

People's thoughts in Ehden this weekend are focused on Monday morning, 0500 GMT, (8 a.m. Zgharta Time) and whether there will be long term peace in Lebanon. In view of the uncertainty for Monday and as the next day is an national public holiday, the Feast of the Assumption, many will not travel to Beirut for work on Monday.

The humdrum of daily life continues with long queues of cars for petrol and the search of particular items of food and other essentials, not found in the usual shop.The photograph shows one queue for petrol over the weekend.

The official price of petrol was put up last Tuesday, 8th August 2006, when the Ministry of Energy and Water, announced an increase in the price for 20 litres, for the areas of Beirut, Mount Lebanon and North Lebanon, to LL 24,900. For Bekaa and South Lebanon the price is LL25,100. The price of diesel is set at LL20,000 and LL20,200 respectively.

The Israeli Air Force dropped leaflets on Zgharta at approximately 10.30 a.m. ( Zgharta Time) this morning, Thursday, 10th August 2006, warning trucks against travelling on the coastal road after 8 p.m. Similar leaflets were dropped elsewhere in North Lebanon. When we have more details we will update this article. (Posted 11.50 a.m. Zgharta Time)

NEWS UPDATE- 12.10 p.m. ( Zgharta Time) The news agency, Associated Press, has reported that,

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) - Israeli warplanes dropped leaflets over northern Lebanon for the first time Thursday, warning trucks off a coastal road linking Lebanon to Syria, residents said.
"Any pickup or truck of any kind moving on the coastal road as of 8 p.m. (1700GMT) will be attacked because it is suspected of carrying rockets, military hardware and saboteurs," the single-page document read.
"You must know that anyone who moves in a pickup or truck is endangering his life."
The leaflets fell north of Tripoli, Lebanon's second largest city, some 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the Syrian border. The blanketed area includes the Palestinian refugee camp of Beddawi.
It was unclear whether the curfew would be 24-hours a day, starting Thursday night, or whether it was only a nighttime ban on traffic.
The leaflets were signed: "The State of Israel."

The Lebanese Government has put online a map of the major roads of Lebanon as part of its reporting of those roads & bridges which have been hit by bombs.

The map also shows the roads near Zgharta, which puts into perspective the impact the warning will have on Zgharta Zawie drivers. To view the map go to the Forum - Announcements - Zgharta Road Map and download the map.

The René Moawad Foundation's Community Clinic in Zgharta and its three mobile dispensaries are playing a key role in the provision of humanitarian aid to refugees.

The René Moawad Foundation says in a recent update on its website that,
"In the North of Lebanon (Koura, Tripoli, Zgharta and Minnieh), RMF is coordinating with local committees working with government institutions. It is providing assistance in 30 schools for about 1000 families. The relief support includes: the distribution of food items, mattresses and bed sheets, providing medical services (consultations and medicine distribution) via the RMF's medical clinic in Zgharta and the three mobile dispensaries, and organizing activities for the children aiming at relieving them from psychological traumas".

When the RMF was established in 1990 it took over management of the existing Community Clinic in Zgharta, which had began in 1969. In 1994 the clinic moved to its present location, providing in addition, dental, consultation and laboratory facilities. An ophthalmic service was established in 1996 and a pharmacy in 1997. The first mobile dispensary was started in 1991, with a second added in 1997 and a third in 1998. In 2001, the Rotary Club of Kesrwan, donated three new replacement mobile dispensaries, with the Lebanese community in Brazil donating equipment for them.

The photograph is of the clinic.

The Lebanese Government has created its own website, www.lebanonundersiege.gov.lb giving information concerning the humanitarian relief work in Lebanon, including Zgharta, with maps, statistics and announcements.

Schools in Lebanon not in the direct conflict zone have become the chief haven for many refugees, including those in Zgharta Zawie.

It was reported in the Lebanese newspaper, An Nahar, of 2nd August 2006, that the Lebanese Ministry of Education has yet to decide whether it needs to postponed the start of the new academic year as a result of the present situation. The Ministry said that it will do its best not to disrupt childrens education. It has requested that schools be made available for refugees and that their heads and support staff continue to attend. The article also talks about the steps taken to enable students who have sat examinations to obtain their results. The article ( Arabic) can be read from this link.

The schools in Zgharta which are providing the main shelter for refugees in the Caza of Zgharta Zawie include the Tony Frangieh, Georgette, Badra and Mahaniet Zgharta schools.

zgharta.com are told that there are some 10,000 registered refugees in the Caza, dispersed between schools, private homes and hotels in the locality. Those who are staying at hotels pay for their own accommodation but if they are registered they entitled to food and other assistance if in need.

As we have reported in recent days many organisations in Zgharta Zawie are providing humanitarian assistance such as the El Marada Party, the Zgharta Zawie Rotary and Rotaract Clubs, the Zgharta Zawie Lions and LEO Clubs.The René Mouawad Foundation, we learn, are in addition providing 500 meals a day at their Centre in Mejdlaya.

Sunday, 6th August 2006 in Ehden was full of people and the evening passed peacefully and without incident. It seems many people who live and work in Beirut during the week are extending their stay for at least a couple of more days to see how the situation in Beirut develops.

Those who do venture to travel to Beirut take some three uneasy and nervous hours to reach their destination. Keeping in constant contact with their families on the mobile to reassure them.

The photograph was taken during the evening, others can be seen (including some taken during the day on Monday) in the Galleria - New Photos - 7/08/06 - Today in Ehden

Both the Lions and LEO Clubs of Zgharta Zawie are working together to provide humanitarian aid for the evacuees in Zgharta.

On the 1st August 2006 the Club's aid work was formally launched with Dr. Fayette Dabboussi, District Governor of the Lions Clubs, Mr. Charbel Sarkis, President of Zgharta- Zawie Lions Club and Mr. Antonio Antoun, President of Zgharta- Zawie LEO Club together with their respective members, distributing some 200 bed sheets to those evacuees in particular need. The Club's will next distribute some 2000 towels and sponges.

Both Clubs are part of Lions Club International, one of the world's largest service club organizations, with clubs around the world. The Lions Club are the senior of the two. It estimated that there are some 46,000 Lions Club in 193 countries and geographical areas. In Lebanon there are some 74 Lions Clubs. The Zgharta Zawie Lions Club was formed in 1990. There are some 5,400 LEO Clubs in 130 countries. In Lebanon there are 26 LEO Clubs.The Zgharta Zawie LEO Club was formed in 2001. The age limit for LEO Clubs is 28.

The Clubs have opened an special bank account for donations, details of which appear below.

Byblos Bank sal
Baabda 2 - Cap Center Branch
Beneficiary: The International Association of Lions Club - ZGT
Account: 530 4750952 004 USD
Swift: BYBALBBX

This Saturday, 5th August 2006, was the eve of the Feast of the Transfiguration and it appear that owing to the present situation in Lebanon there were little if none of the traditional fireworks in the streets of Ehden. A combination of peoples respect for the suffering of others and the presence of the Army ensured a trouble free night in Ehden.

However the peace of Ehden was disturbed around 11pm by the sound of bombing thought to be near what is known as the "French Room" on top of the mountain near the road of Inata Al Ariz. It is not far from the Kornet Al Sawda, Lebanon's highest mountain. The "French Room" is named so because it was built by the French Army. It is popular with off roadand skidoo enthusiasts as an landmark and meeting place.

The rest of the evening was peaceful in Ehden. Photographs of Ehden on the Eve can be seen in the Galleria - New Photos - "Today in Ehden".

One of the most active charitable organisations in Zgharta Zawie, the LEO Club of Zgharta Zawie, are assisting in the humanitarian relief work for evacuees. Their work was reported in the Lebanese newspaper, Al Anwar, on Wednesday, 2nd August 2006.

The Club has opened an special bank account for donations, details of which appear below.

Byblos Bank sal
Baabda 2 - Cap Center Branch
Beneficiary: The International Association of Lions Club - ZGT
Account: 530 4750952 004 USD
Swift: BYBALBBX

The LEO Club of Zgharta Zawie is part of Lions Club International, one of the world's largest service club organizations, with clubs around the world. There are twenty-six LEO Clubs in Lebanon. The LEO Club of Zgharta Zawie was formed in 2001. The age limit for the Club is 28, with new members being sponsored by existing members.

The Club’s contact details are: phone +961 3 661885 & +961 3 743282; fax + 961 6 555514; email ZghartaElZawiehLeoClub@hotmail.com & JawadNakad@hotmail.com

The Lebanese media is reporting that four bridges on the coastal highway from Beirut to North Lebanon have been attacked by Israeli aircraft bombs today, 4th August 2006. The Daily Star said that "The jets struck two bridges on the coast road 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Beirut, including a main bridge near the "Casino du Liban". It went onto say that the Fidar bridge in the village of Halat and the Madfun main bridge were also hit. Other reports say that the bombs left huge holes in the bridges and that the Fidar Bridge had collapsed.

Reports are also saying that three or four people died and that at least twelve people were wounded. There is no indication where such casualties came from. The attacks were said to have been made in the "early morning".

The coastal highway is the main route from Beirut - Jounieh to Zgharta, although there is still the old coastal road.
(Posted 11.30am Zgharta Time)

NEWS UPDATE: 05.08.06 - The names of those who died have been given as Omar al-Shami, Zyad Damaa, Qassim al-Baaryni, Joseph Bassil, and army officer, Nazeh Khaled Mohammad. The bridges which were attacked are: the Ghazir Bridge; the Maameltein Bridge, near the Casino du Liban; the Halat/Fidar bridge near Jbeil ( Byblos); the Madfoun Bridge linking Northern Lebanon with Mount Lebanon. In addition the Afqa Bridge connecting Mount Lebanon with the Bekaa Valley was also attacked.

There are many stories in Zgharta circulating of drivers who usually drive over the bridges in the morning but who by luck or God's protection were not on them at the time. Our own Co- Founder, Rodrigue Dahdah, says that it was only because he over slept, for the first time, by some twenty minutes, that he was not there at the time.

The Parish of Ehden-Zgharta held on 25th to 29th July 2006, a week of prayer, in the churches of Ehden and Zgharta. The theme of the week was "Pray and never become discouraged" and consisted of prayers, hymns and contemplation. A large number of parishioners and clergy attended.

We have often said that history is made up of little stories, snapshots, rather than the bigger picture. Once such “snapshot” of our present travails is told by a Zghartawien mother and how she and her three sons got home from Lebanon last week.

The mother is Mireille Sleiman (née Raffoul) who originates from the Zgharta Zawie village of Ejbeh. Her husband, George, is from Aitou, another village of Zgharta Zawie, which is spread across a hill on the North - Eastern slopes of the Aitou Mountain. They have built a beautiful family house there for summer vacations. As well, her parents have a house there.

During the year they live at the famous Belgium town of Waterloo, with their three sons Anthony (11), Marc (8) and baby John-Paul (7 months). All share American nationality, as both Mireille and George lived and worked there for many years.

It is part of the family yearly itinerary that they travel back to Aitou to visit family and friends in the summer. This year Mireille and her three sons arrived on 27th June, with her husband scheduled to come on 15th July. All was looking forward to a happy and peaceful vacation.

As the situation in Lebanon got worse the family decided that it was best that Mireille and the three sons would return home via Cyprus where George was waiting for them. What follows is an edited version of the email Mireille has sent to friends on coming home. It is a vivid account of a mother’s story of bringing her children out of harms way. When asked by her husband a few days later, after her safe arrival, whether she wanted to go away on holiday somewhere, she categorically said NO!

To read the email click on the Full Story tab.


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Since the events of Sunday in Qana, it seems that the pretence of normality has slipped. On Monday evening Ehden was empty and there was an absence of traffic.

People are finding it increasingly difficult to get petrol, causing them to question the need or wisdom to travel. Although petrol prices are the same as before it is rare to find a petrol station open in Zgharta and Ehden, perhaps no more than two. When they are open drivers need to queue and can only buy 10,000LL worth of petrol,which gives you nine litres. That will take you to Beirut from Zgharta but not the return journey. So it's a question of finding a petrol station for the homeward journey. On Monday one contributor could not find a petrol station open in Zgharta and had to queue for more than an half hour at the petrol station in Sbeeil on the Zgharta- Ehden road.The official price of 20 litres of petrol remains at 23,000 LL (15.32 $US) , but it was reported that in Beirut the price was 20$US at some petrol stations.

Many people in Zgharta Zawie are now considering their future plans, whether in the short, medium or long term, especially the young when it comes to university and post graduate studies. The new academic year is not that far off and we hear of more and more cases where Zghartawien sons and daughters are applying to go to overseas universities.

Up to the 12th July 2006 the option of staying in Lebanon was becoming more attractive than in the past. There was an optimism that Lebanon was on the way of providing more opportunities which meant that one did not have to do what past forebears did - leave.

On a more upbeat note, the Ehden Lebanese American Club has been featured again in the American media, this time on, Republican-America. The Club's President, Michael Macary is interviewed, whose mother is still in Ehden. The Club's annual Mahrajan on 12th &13th August defiantly goes ahead he says.To read the article click on the Full Story tab.


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Last Saturday, 29th July 2006, was very busy in Ehden. Sunday was less so, put down to the sound of military airplanes flying over Tripoli and people wanting to return to Beirut and Jounieh during day light. Media reports are saying that people are travelling less, a mixture of fear and the high cost of petrol.

The overall picture on food supplies is mixed. It seems to be a combination of people still buying more than they immediately need and difficulties in receiving supplies in North Lebanon.

Today, Monday, 31st July 2005, has been declared a National Day of Mourning, following the tragic events at Qana.

The Palm Beach Post, USA, reported today about members in its community who found themselves caught up in the conflict in recent weeks. The newspaper quoted the story of the family of Joseph Kortabani, the custodian of St. Mary's Antiochian Orthodox Church, whose wife and daughter are in Zgharta, saying,

"Meanwhile, Joseph Kortabani, the custodian at St. Mary's, counts the days until his 14-year-old daughter, Natasha, will leave Lebanon. He has tried to change her ticket for more than two weeks, but airline officials told him that nothing can be done.

Natasha and her mother, Terese, are visiting Terese's ailing parents in Zgharta. The teenager will travel with her relatives to Damascus, Syria, so she can board her flight Aug. 20 back to the United States."

To see some photographs taken on Sunday in Ehden, see the Galleria - New Photos - 31 July - Today in Ehden

zgharta.com has been given a video taken on Saturday, 22nd July 2006 of the bombing of the antenna on the Aitou Mountain. The nearby village of Aitou is one of the Zgharta Zawie villages, and is spread across a hill on the North - Eastern slopes of the Aitou mountain, whose peak is some 1400 metres.

To view the video click here