BASHIR IS NOT DEAD   
By: Elias Bejjani

It is historical fact that patriotic, national, religious causes cannot be killed by assassinating their founders or those who lobby for them. In fact, the contrary usually happens. History shows that major worldwide religions spread after the departure of their founding leaders. Christianity, for example, spread all over the world after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The Pharisees crucified Jesus, believing his death would put an end to his new religion. They were disappointed, and Christianity became the number one religion in the whole world. Luke 12:4 in the Holy Bible reads, "Don't be afraid of those who kill the body and can do nothing more."

In 1982, following in the steps of the Pharisees, Lebanon's collaborators joined by some regional tyrants deluded themselves into believing that assassinating President-elect Sheik Bashir Jemayel, would also kill the Lebanese cause. They thought killing Bashir would destroy Lebanon's history and identity, and sever the Lebanese from their roots. What happened 2000 years ago, happened again in a way. History repeated itself and the contemporary Pharisees were no more lucky than the Pharisees of old. Today the Lebanese cause is known worldwide and every day more Lebanese everywhere are committing themselves to it.

On the 18th anniversary of his assassination (September 14) we renew our vows and declare again our commitment to Bashir's cause and dream, to our national Lebanese identity, to liberation, to basic dignity and to holy resistance against the occupation.

Bashir's cause is not dead. It cannot die, will never die as long as one Lebanese remains committed to Bashir's patriotic beliefs and loyalty to Lebanon, to 6000 years of history and civilization … Lebanon the 10452 km2.

Bashir's national dream for Lebanon is not dead, for no criminal can kill dreams about freedom. Dreams are acts of intellectual imaging and portrayal of aspirations, objectives and hopes that people endeavor to fulfill in reality. Bashir's dream is alive in the hearts and spirits of every patriotic Lebanese all over the world.

Our deep-rooted Lebanese identity is unique. It was carved by our faithful ancestors in Lebanon's mighty mountains and planted with sweat and blood in its holy soil throughout six thousand years of heroism and sacrifices. Generation after generation, Lebanese have built Lebanon and made it into a fort and oasis for freedom, and an asylum for the persecuted…. Lebanon may not be a big country, but it is big in deeds. For 6000 years Lebanon was successful in surviving with dignity, through hundreds of invaders, tyrants and conquerors…all were forced to depart in humiliation, defamed. Bashir gave our identity worldwide dimension and made it a cause and purpose for each and every Lebanese.

Lebanon's liberation is the aim of every patriotic Lebanese. Virtues of dignity and resistance are known characteristics for Lebanon and its people. They are deeply rooted in Lebanon's holy soil and in the Lebanese minds, spirits and conscience, as well as in their noble conduct and faith. Bashir portrayed and personified wisdom, patriotic conduct, courage, national devotion and leadership traits, all the distinctive Lebanese virtues. He carried the liberation torch, and never abandoned the Lebanese cause, and became its martyr.

Bashir Jemayel scared those who feared truth, justice and sainthood. He frightened collaborators, traitors and those who never believed in Lebanon's history and identity. Bashir was a nightmare for all Lebanon's enemies when he was alive, and still is, sixteen years after his assassination.

Sheik Bashir, Sheik Bashir, Sixteen years after your departure, you are still in our conscience and hearts. Your dream is still our dream, and we are still fighting for the same cause. Lebanon is still occupied and the 10452 km2 are not yet liberated. But in spite of all hardships and difficulties, the torch that you carried is still held high, and the battle rages. By God's will, the fight will not cease before the complete liberation of our Lebanon, the Lebanon that you loved, cherished and worshipped.

Bashir, Bashir, you are alive. When the Pharisee's murdered you, only your flesh passed away. And in that moment your sanctified image was burned forever into the hearts of your people. Your heroism was sealed. Bashir, you speak to the conscience of every Lebanese who believes. You live on in us, our blessed heritage.

Long Live Free Lebanon.