(Tribute to a Leader (by JC

Article written by JC:

During my 20 years of living in exile, I almost lost hope and faith, I had questions regarding my cause, the Lebanese Cause, doubted my beliefs, cursed the time that I joined the LF, regretted the minute that I took my weapon and gear heading to the battle field in 1975 and hated every minute that followed.

I felt sorry for myself when I was forced to travel leaving behind my comrades, my home, my family, my children, my neighborhood, my country that I sacrificed so long and so much for.

In my exile I have spent many white nights thinking about my situation, the LF status, Lebanon’s present and future “if it had any”, followed my LF comrades’ actions, protests and their persecution by the bias government and its law enforcement; I envied them and regretted my absence in the front lines sharing their struggle.

Dear Hakim, I watched you being arrested and taken into custody with river of tears pouring out of my eyes, I was furious and angry, I was sad and proud that you / we never compromised our goals no matter what the rewards were or could have been.

I followed all your trials and read all comments, seeing you handcuffed filled me with rage, but looking into your eyes I knew that they were the prisoners and you were the free man. Each sentence you were given was a golden medal on your and our chest and forehead.

From your solitary confinement in a tiny cell you were filling their hearts with fear and terror, you were lighting our path, illuminating our time, guiding our steps, broadening our horizon, expending our limitations, increasing our potential, keeping that torch fully blowing at the end of that dark tunnel and you restlessly continue doing that. From your solitary confinement in a tiny underground cell you had lit my long dark days & years, you have given me hope, courage, strength and patience to endure and over mount all obstacles awaiting 26 July 2005 where 4114 days elapsed until you set us free again, and paved my way for a descent home return. You paid the price in full, on our behalf, despite knowing that we will never be able to pay you back.

Thank you for your leadership, guidance, sacrifices and for being my Idol with whom I will stand now, more than ever, shoulder to shoulder until I stop breathing.