Liberation And Resistance Day
Resistance and Liberation Day is a public holiday that’s observed annually on May 25th in Lebanon. This holiday celebrates and commemorates the end of Israel’s two-decade-long military occupation of the country’s southern region in 2000. This day is celebrated each year by a variety of events.
Events that include political speeches and rallies, parades, festivals, and conferences. It’s also a day that people use to highlight the reconstruction efforts of Lebanon and the work that’s being done to repair some of its crumbling infrastructure—especially roads and bridges that were affected by Israeli airstrikes.
The History Of Resistance And Liberation Day In Lebanon
Israeli forces would invade southern Lebanon on June 6, 1982. This invasion was to attack the PLO who was operating in the region at the time. This invasion would end up sparking the 1982 Lebanon War.
In 1985, the Lebanon War ended, but Israeli troops remained in southern Lebanon. On May 24, 2000, a full Israeli withdrawal took place. Not long after, the Lebanese Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss declared Resistance and Liberation Day as a national holiday.
Interesting Facts About Lebanon
Below are a number of facts about Lebanon to consider on this holiday, or on any other day of the year. Let’s take a quick peek at them before talking about how Resistance and Liberation Day is celebrated in Lebanon.
- During the 1960s, Lebanon was known as the Switzerland of the East.
- In 332 BCE, Alexander the Great conquered the area where Lebanon is now located.
- Lebanon has seven main political parties.
Observing Resistance And Liberation Day In Lebanon
This holiday is observed in a variety of different ways. On this holiday there are political speeches, parades, and other special events. This is particularly true in southern Lebanon where this holiday is celebrated with more enthusiasm.