Patriarch Arida surrounded by President Camille Chamoun and Abdallah al-Yafi. (Credit: L’Orient-Le Jour archive photos)
On the Lebanese–Palestinian border, on March 27, 1934, many were waiting for Dr. Haim Weizmann to arrive. The Russian-born chemist, who became a British citizen, had traded in his lab for the plush embassy rooms and international conference halls for some time now.To achieve his dream of creating a Jewish state, the president of the World Zionist Organization worked relentlessly to gain access to influential circles around the world. That evening, several prominent figures were expecting him in Beirut.His first official stop the following day was at the Grand Serail, where he met the French High Commissioner to the Levant, Mr. de Martel. Their discussions focused on expanding trade between Palestine and the countries under French mandate, as well as strengthening friendly ties between the peoples of the two neighboring countries. The...
On the Lebanese–Palestinian border, on March 27, 1934, many were waiting for Dr. Haim Weizmann to arrive. The Russian-born chemist, who became a British citizen, had traded in his lab for the plush embassy rooms and international conference halls for some time now.To achieve his dream of creating a Jewish state, the president of the World Zionist Organization worked relentlessly to gain access to influential circles around the world. That evening, several prominent figures were expecting him in Beirut.His first official stop the following day was at the Grand Serail, where he met the French High Commissioner to the Levant, Mr. de Martel. Their discussions focused on expanding trade between Palestine and the countries under French mandate, as well as strengthening friendly ties between the peoples of the two neighboring countries. The...
