Mohanna: “We build centers because we believe that every door opened to people is a door closed to despair.”

Returning to one of the cities that embraced the beginnings of its humanitarian mission, Amel Association International inaugurated its new Social and Development Support Center in the city of Hermel. The opening ceremony was attended by Amel President Dr. Kamel Mohanna, representatives of UNICEF, including Mr. Mohammad Saleh, Child Protection Programme Coordinator, Amel Administrative Director Dr. Ahmad Abboud, and members of the organization’s team. The event was held under the patronage of the local authorities, represented by Abdel Ghani Bleibel, President of the Union of Hermel Municipalities; Ali Taha, Mayor of Hermel; Deputy Mayor Wafiq Qansouh; former Mayor Sobhi Saqr; Municipal Affairs Officer Mahdi Mostafa; members of the municipal council; local officials; representatives of civil society organizations, partners and supporters; and members of the Hermel community.

The center, supported by UNICEF, opens at a critical moment for Lebanon, as the country continues to grapple with the consequences of the Israeli aggression, a deepening economic and social crisis, and growing humanitarian needs across the country. These challenges are particularly acute in the Bekaa, a region that has endured decades of deprivation and marginalization while today hosting large numbers of Lebanese displaced from the South as well as Syrian refugees. In this context, strengthening social protection and community development programmes has become both a national and humanitarian imperative.

The new center represents a continuation of Amel’s mission, which began in 1979 with a commitment to defending human dignity and rights without discrimination or political affiliation. Guided by the belief that sustainable development begins with people, Amel continues to invest in the resilience, capacities, and empowerment of local communities.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Kamel Mohanna emphasized that the inauguration marks a return to one of the places that welcomed Amel during its earliest years.

“Today, we are not simply opening a new center; we are returning to an old home—a city that embraced Amel’s message from the very beginning. Just as a tree can only grow when its roots are firmly planted in fertile soil, Amel could never have become what it is today without the communities that believed in its mission. Hermel has always been at the forefront of those communities.”

Dr. Mohanna noted that despite its rich history, cultural heritage, and human potential, the Baalbek–Hermel Governorate has paid a heavy price for decades of neglect. He stressed that development is not a privilege granted to regions but a fundamental right of every citizen.

“It is time to build a Lebanon where the rights to health, education, decent work, and social protection are guaranteed to every person, regardless of geography, political affiliation, or sectarian identity. Societies are not built through slogans but through justice, and they achieve stability only when every citizen feels they are a full partner in their country.”

Reflecting on Hermel’s national role throughout history, Dr. Mohanna described the city as a symbol of resilience and generosity.

“Hermel resembles its Assi River—it never surrenders and never bends in the face of hardship. It has given Lebanon distinguished scholars, physicians, educators, and innovators, while also sacrificing many of its finest sons and daughters in defense of the country’s sovereignty and dignity. Today, despite its own needs, Hermel continues to open its doors to displaced families, proving that solidarity remains deeply rooted in the spirit of its people.”

He also underscored that defending human dignity is inseparable from defending justice and the rights of peoples.

“Whenever we witness a world that sides with power instead of justice, and grants legitimacy to the aggressor instead of standing with the victim, we become even more committed to the cause of justice. We exist to say ‘no’ to all forms of oppression and occupation, and to empower people to defend their rights and shape their own future. Amel will always stand alongside the just causes of peoples—foremost among them the Palestinian cause. We will continue to reject every attempt to legitimize the Israeli occupation of any part of our land and will defend the right of the people of South Lebanon to return safely to their villages and live in dignity on their own land.”

Dr. Mohanna further explained that the new center embodies Amel’s vision of humanitarian action as a catalyst for social transformation rather than merely a provider of services.

“We build centers because we believe that every door opened to people is a door closed to despair. We want this center to be an open home for the people of Hermel—a beacon of development, a space for health and social care, the empowerment of women and youth, support for children and older persons, and stronger partnerships with the local community, ensuring that people remain at the heart of everything we do.”

Mayor Ali Taha also addressed the gathering, praising Amel’s longstanding commitment to defending people’s rights and preserving their dignity. He highlighted the importance of the new initiative in strengthening social and health development programmes across the region, commending Amel’s more than five decades of service to local communities, its efforts to reinforce resilience, and its dedication to promoting solidarity and social justice.

The event concluded with a guided tour of the new facility, during which attendees visited its various departments and learned about the programmes and services it will provide. The center is expected to serve as a safe and inclusive space and a catalyst for development for thousands of families in Hermel and the surrounding area, reaffirming that investing in people remains the most effective path toward building a more just, resilient, and inclusive society.