The Lebanese American Commission for Democracy (LACD) is following with deep concern the growing controversy surrounding the memorial project dedicated to Lebanese Mahjar writers and early Lebanese immigrants in New York City, amid widespread objections raised by Lebanese cultural, academic, and diaspora figures both in Lebanon and the United States.

LACD affirms that the legacy of Lebanese Mahjar writers constitutes an essential part of Lebanese and Arab cultural memory, as well as the history of the Lebanese diaspora worldwide. This requires that any project carrying such national and cultural symbolism be approached with the highest levels of responsibility, accuracy, and consultation.

LACD considers that any memorial established in the name of Lebanese immigrants abroad must clearly and accurately reflect Lebanese cultural identity and the history of the first Lebanese immigrants, and should be carried out in coordination with Lebanese cultural institutions, the Lebanese diaspora community, and academics and specialists in Mahjar literature and history.

In light of the growing objections raised regarding the content, design, and preparation process of the project, LACD calls for suspending the project in its current form until a transparent and comprehensive review is conducted, taking into consideration the views of relevant cultural and artistic institutions, in order to preserve Lebanon’s cultural image and honor the memory of the pioneers of the Lebanese Mahjar.

LACD also reveals that it is following this matter through consultations and communications with Lebanese cultural and diaspora figures and organizations in the United States, alongside ongoing efforts by Lebanese and international cultural bodies, with the aim of reconsidering the project in a way that preserves the cultural and historical symbolism of Lebanese Mahjar writers.

Furthermore, LACD calls on the Lebanese Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Culture to officially follow up on this matter and engage with the relevant authorities in New York in order to ensure respect for Lebanese cultural heritage and its representation in a manner worthy of Lebanon and the Lebanese diaspora.

LACD stresses that defending Lebanese cultural identity does not contradict openness and diversity, but rather stems from respecting historical truth and preserving the memory of Lebanese figures who helped build cultural bridges between Lebanon and the world.

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