March Lebanon launched the “What United Us Matters More” festival on February 16, 2025, in the heart of Tripoli, specifically in Syria Street, the former demarcation line between Jabal Mohsen and Beb El Tebbeneh.
The festival was rooted in the belief that bringing people together around what unites them is more significant than focusing on what divides them. This very street, once a frontline that separated the neighborhoods of Beb El Tebbeneh and Jabal Mohsen, and long associated with armed conflicts, has chosen to become a platform for peace and coexistence.
This festival was not a one-time event, but the culmination of a decade of unwavering dedication by the youth of MARCH, who have long been committed to peaceful reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts within their communities. After breaking down walls of hostility and building bridges of cooperation, the youth of MARCH aimed to create a ripple effect, spreading the message of unity and peace throughout their communities.
The Journey of Change: From Conflict to Peace Builders
Amid the escalating local and regional tensions, the role of these young people emerged as a cornerstone in promoting a culture of dialogue and peace within their communities. These youth, once part of circles of sectarian clashes and violence, have now become voices of change and peacebuilders. They worked tirelessly to ease tensions, prevent escalation, and create a more stable environment. Through the MARCH program, they also collaborated with the Lebanese Army to implement development projects that benefited all members of the region. They realized that their future is not built on conflict but on cooperation and unity.
A Festival That United Lebanon at the Heart of Tripoli
Through MARCH, these young men and women, who chose to be agents of change and peace, organized the festival in collaboration with the Lebanese Army, the Tripoli Municipality, and Lebanese University students. The festival carried the slogan: “What Unites Us Matters More.”
The play “What Unites Us is More Important” Moves the Emotions
One of the festival’s most memorable moments was the play “What Unites Us is More Important,” performed by youth from Tripoli and Beirut. The play brought together former fighters from different sects in Tripoli and young people from diverse areas and sects in Beirut. The play, which touched the conscience with its message of coexistence and breaking preconceived judgments, emphasized that the new Lebanon will only be built on understanding and love, not on fear of the other.
Honoring the legendary artist Salah Tizani “Abu Selim”
Believing that art and culture are powerful tools that unite people, the association, in collaboration with the Tripoli Municipality, wanted to honor the Lebanese art legend Salah Tizani (Abu Selim), who hails from the Bab al-Tabbaneh area. This was in recognition of his long artistic career and his significant impact on spreading joy and smiles in the hearts of the Lebanese people across generations.
Lebanese Army’s Performances Amaze the Audience
The Lebanese Army’s presence at the festival was incredible showcasing its military skills through various performances. To the rhythm of military music, its units presented a symbolic military display, and the First Intervention Regiment performed a breathtaking rope descent display reaffirming once again that the Lebanese Army is a full partner in building peace and strengthening national unity.
This event was not just a festival; it was a message of hope sent to all of Lebanon from the heart of a region once classified by terrorism and marginalization. Today, however, it inspired everyone, proving that change is possible. These youth were a testament to that.
As the festival brought together people from Baalbek, Beirut, the South, and Tripoli and featured military, artistic, and entertainment performances, along with shared messages, cultural activities, and artists where all celebrated together in Syria Street, a place that was once a symbol of fear but is now alive with hope despite all the hardships.
