Examiner Staff

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Google honors late Lebanese feminist, writer Anbara Salam Khalidi

Google celebrated the birthday of Lebanese feminist and author Anbara Salam Khalidi Saturday with a Google Doodle — a temporary alteration of the logo on Google’s homepages in the Middle East.

Khalidi, one of 12 children, was born on August 4, 1897 in Lebanon.

She is best known for challenging the status quo in an era when educating girls was considered controversial.

Google Doodle celebrates the life of Lebanese feminist and author Anbara Salam Khalidi. (Google)
Google Doodle celebrates the life of Lebanese feminist and author Anbara Salam Khalidi. (Google)

Khalidi’s father, a deputy in the Ottoman parliament, encouraged her to attend a school in Beirut, and travel to Egypt to further her progressive values.

Among her other activities, Khalidi is known for being the first Muslim woman in Lebanon to publicly abandon the veil in 1927 during a lecture at the American University of Beirut.

Khalidi's book, "Memoirs of an Early Arab Feminist" is available on Amazon in a translated English version. (Amazon)
Khalidi’s book, “Memoirs of an Early Arab Feminist” is available on Amazon in a translated English version. (Amazon)

She translated many globally-known pieces of literature into Arabic, and wrote memoirs about her life as an early Arab feminist.

Google wrote:

Through her activism, translations, and writing, Lebanese feminist Anbara Salam Khalidi greatly advanced the cause of women’s right in the Arab world.

Khalidi was born into a prominent Lebanese family in 1897. As a result of her family’s status, Khalidi was allowed a very unique opportunity for Lebanese women in the early 20th century—to travel through the Arab world in pursuit of worldly education. Her studies abroad were truly transformative, as they enabled her exposure to different languages and cultures through readings and travels.

Her travels changed her own relationship with personal freedoms. As a Lebanese noblewoman, Khalidi wore a full-face veil through her adolescence. At 15, she travelled to Cairo. The relative freedoms of Egyptian women helped inspire her progressive stance towards traditional Lebanese norms, including abandoning her traditional face veil. In 1927, she lectured at the Women’s Renaissance Society with her face uncovered despite the controversy that ensued.

Khalidi was dedicated to advancing women’s rights through education, and wrote to the press about the repression faced by Arab women. She also translated Homer’s classics into Arabic, so that others could benefit from her education abroad. At 81 years old, Khalidi published her memoir, later translated to English under the title ‘Memoirs of an Early Arab Feminist.’

Today’s Doodle highlights how Khalidi used the written word to spread her message of equality.

Happy birthday, Anbara Salam Khalidi!

See photos of new five-star Lancaster Eden Bay hotel in Beirut

Photos inside Beirut’s newest five-star hotel showcase the luxury at Lancaster Eden Bay near Ramlet al-Baida.

According to its website, Lancaster Eden Bay has 144 guest rooms with a view of the Mediterranean sea.

“This luxurious retreat by the sea boasts exquisite accommodation, superior amenities, unmatched hospitality and the exclusivity of your own private community in the city. Stretching along the sandy white shoreline, in the vicinity of high-end Ramlet El Baida, it is a haven overlooking the tranquility of Beirut’s seafront. Its prime location in the heart of Beirut but shielded from the bustle of the city, makes it the perfect getaway that offers families, couples and business guests the best of both worlds. A unique experience in the capital of Mediterranean hospitality.”

Investment in the hotel exceeded $100 million, according to Lebanon Business News.

(Lancaster Eden Bay Hotel)
(Lancaster Eden Bay Hotel)
(Lancaster Eden Bay Hotel)
(Lancaster Eden Bay Hotel)
(Lancaster Eden Bay Hotel)
(Lancaster Eden Bay Hotel)
(Lancaster Eden Bay Hotel)
(Lancaster Eden Bay Hotel)

Lancaster Hotels are owned by Achour Holding, led by company chairman Wissam Ali Achour.

Lebanese police searching for topless, flashing woman on highway

Authorities in Lebanon are searching for a woman who went topless on a Saida highway and flashed her bare breasts to other motorists, the Daily Mail reported.

The photo circulating on social media purportedly shows an unidentified woman standing outside a sunroof and exposing her breasts to another vehicle.

Lebanese road safety organization YASA is calling on Lebanese police to locate and prosecute the woman.

Police in Lebanon are searching for a woman who flashed motorists on a highway in Saida. (YASA)
Police in Lebanon are searching for a woman who flashed motorists on a highway in Saida. (YASA)

“The police must do significant efforts to enforce traffic law not only speed control on few roads,” YASA founder Ziad Akl told the Daily Mail. “This unfamiliar show is illegal and unethical. Penal law must be enforced in parallel with traffic law in order to eliminate such behavior.”

The flashing prank has sparked a debate among Lebanese social media users. Some users see it as harmless fun, while others believe the woman should be held accountable.

According to the Daily Mail, Lebanon sees an average of 4,500 accidents each year on its roads with more than 6,000 injured and 900 killed.

Editor’s Note: Lebanese Examiner censored the photo to conceal the woman’s face, as she has not been charged with a crime.

Mia Khalifa to undergo surgery after hockey puck smashes into breast

Former Lebanese adult film star Mia Khalifa will undergo surgery after a hockey puck smashed into her left breast and ruptured her implant, the New York Post reported.

Khalifa was watching the Washington Capitals during a playoff game when a hockey puck came flying over the glass and toward her chest.

“It caught me so off guard and I had no idea it was coming,” the former porn star told Daily Star Online. “I grabbed my chest and I didn’t want to let go, because I felt like if I did let go blood was going to be everywhere.”

Khalifa, 25, said she plans to undergo surgery and repair the “deflated” implant at the start of next year.

She posted a photo on Instagram and wrote, “The good news is, I got a game used puck from a Capitals Stanley cup playoff game. Worth it.”

A standard hockey puck weighs between 5.5 and 6 ounces.

“They’re really heavy, it’s pure rubber, they go at about 80 mph,” Khalifa added. “My left breast is slightly deflated now.”

Former Lebanese porn star Mia Khalifa is set to undergo surgery after a hockey puck smashed into her left breast and damaged an implant. (Instagram/Mia Khalifa)
Former Lebanese porn star Mia Khalifa is set to undergo surgery after a hockey puck smashed into her left breast and damaged an implant. (Instagram/Mia Khalifa)

Khalifa said she left the porn industry after receiving death threats from terror groups, and called her porn career a “huge mistake.” She now co-hosts the Sportsball podcast on RoosterTeeth.com.

RELATED: Lebanese porn star Mia Khalifa sparks controversy in Lebanon

Her short stint in porn caused a stir in Lebanon after her parents announced they would disassociate themselves from her.

“It all started to spiral out of control when the death threats from ISIS started coming in,” Mia told disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong in an interview. “That’s when I stepped away.”

Actress Shannon Elizabeth: I’m proud of the Lebanese side of my life

As a young girl growing up, actress Shannon Elizabeth always maintained close ties to Lebanese culture. After all, her parents belonged to a local Lebanese-Syrian club in Waco, Texas, and building a strong community bond was central to the family.

“I was really proud of that side of my life,” Elizabeth told Lebanese Examiner. “To be able to experience the food and the culture for me was something I felt a lot of people were missing out on.”

The actress – best known for her iconic roles in American Pie, Scary Movie and American Reunion – was born to a Lebanese/Syrian father and mother of English, Irish and German descent. She says she was always closest to the Lebanese side of the family.

Actress Shannon Elizabeth said she is proud of her Lebanese roots. (Facebook/Shannon Elizabeth)
Actress Shannon Elizabeth said she is proud of her Lebanese roots. (Facebook/Shannon Elizabeth)

“I remember going to my grandparents’ house quite a bit and it was always about cooking and Lebanese food,” she said. “I would get into the kitchen with my grandmother and help make Syrian bread.”

RELATED: Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary: Lebanese heritage influenced my career

Elizabeth now maintains a non-profit animal rescue organization in Cape Town, South Africa called Animal Avengers. She started the organization in 2001 to help in the global effort in saving animals from going extinct.

Ironically, one of her favorite foods growing up was kibbeh nayyeh, or minced raw lamb or beef mixed with fine bulgur and spices. Now, her favorite Lebanese dishes are limited to vegetarian options like grape leaves and falafel.

“My relatives don’t understand it,” she joked. “There are a lot of great things that don’t have meat; it’s just about exploring it.”

Elizabeth initially started her organization as a dog and cat rescue, but expanded to South Africa after learning of the global poaching crisis. Through crowdfunding, she raised $30,000 – and the rest is history.

Shannon Elizabeth is best known for her iconic role in American Pie. (Facebook/Shannon Elizabeth)
Shannon Elizabeth is best known for her iconic role in American Pie. (Facebook/Shannon Elizabeth)

“I loved the people (of South Africa), I loved the culture and I felt like I was closer to the issues here,” she added. “I felt like there was more that I could be doing with my platform.”

Although she is still active in the film industry, Elizabeth said she is dedicated to her organization, which could soon start work in the Middle East. In fact, she already helped sponsor a lion from Lebanon.

“There is a Lion that was rescued that I was told was originally from the Middle East,” she said. “I did a lifetime sponsorship for him to help pay for his expenses.”

She said she still has many connections in Hollywood, and hopes to someday build connections in Beirut.

“I would love to go to Beirut because that’s where our ancestors are from,” she added. “I’m waiting for the right opportunity, but it is very high on my list to get out there very soon.”

Lebanese family accused of stealing $4.3M coin from German museum

A Lebanese family in Germany is accused of stealing a giant gold coin from a Berlin museum worth about $4.3 million, prosecutors said.

Authorities seized 77 properties owned by members of the unidentified Lebanese family suspected of “mafia-style” crimes. The properties included homes, apartment blocks and garden allotments.

Prosecutors said they recovered about $11.7 million worth of property, but were unable to locate the gold coin.

A Lebanese family is accused of stealing a gold coin valued at $4.3 million. (File photo)
A Lebanese family is accused of stealing a gold coin valued at $4.3 million. (File photo)

 

The coin, known as the Canadian “Big Maple Leaf,” belonged to Berlin’s Bode Museum. It was made of pure 24-carat gold, worth about $4.3 million, despite its lower face value.

Prosecutors believe the coin was stolen in March 2017.

RELATED: Duo accused of stealing from 10+ churches in Mount Lebanon

Authorities said they are now investigating 16 members of the Lebanese family involved in an organized crime ring. No one has been arrested or charged yet.

“The difficult thing with these family structures is that you need leads.” Berlin chief state prosecutor Jörg Raupach told DW. “There’s a crime, money is missing, where has it gone? Working out where that money went is a tough task, but sometimes, as in this case, it leads to a partial success.”

Some gold price experts fear the gold may have been melted down and sold.

 

 

Ancient relics of Saint Marina the Monk arrive in Lebanon

The ancient relics of Saint Marina the Monk have landed at the Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, the state-run Lebanese National News agency reported.

Saint Marina’s preserved body arrived in a glass box, and was transported to the Maronite Patriarchate in Dimane.

According to Christian teachings, Marina lived in Lebanon’s Kadisha Valley as a monk in the 5th century. She was disguised as a man under the name Marinos.

Marina renounced women’s clothing and said she wanted to live as a monk to dedicate her life to religion, Maronite accounts said.

Saint Marina the Monk arrives at the Beirut International Airport. (Lebanese National News Agency)
Saint Marina the Monk arrives at the Beirut International Airport. (Lebanese National News Agency)

Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil and Maronite religious representatives welcomed the relics of Saint Marina at the airport, and watched the transfer from Venice to Lebanon.

The relics were kept and venerated in Venice by the Catholic Church for nearly 200 years.

The relics will remain in Lebanon until July 23, NNA added.

Filipino actress Lotlot de Leon engaged to Lebanese businessman

Filipino actress Lotlot de Leon announced her engagement to Lebanese businessman Fady El Soury, reported Filipino celebrity news site PEP.ph.

The proposal was held Sunday at the Nature Wellness Village resort in Tagaytay City, a popular holiday town south of Manila.

The actress was surprised when the waiter served a dish with the words, “Marry Me!”

“I’ve been waiting for a while,” Lotlot said.

El Soury, who goes by the name Fred, is the founder of the Phillipines-based Fady Sports, which sells outdoor and sporting goods.

“I went down on one knee and I told her, ‘Do not cry,'” he told PEP.ph. “I was planning on it — it’s been actually more than a month.”

Filipino actress Lotlot de Leon announced her engagement to Lebanese businessman Fady El Soury. (Instagram/Lotlot de Leon)
Filipino actress Lotlot de Leon announced her engagement to Lebanese businessman Fady El Soury. (Instagram/Lotlot de Leon)

Lotlot de Leon is a well-known actress in the Phillipines, best known for her role in the variety show “That’s Entertainment,” broadcasted by the GMA Network in the late 1980’s.

Her most recent work includes drama, romantic series and action. She was previously married to former matinee idol Ramon Christopher Gutierre before their separation in 2010.

Lotlot and Fady have been together for six years. A beach wedding is planned for December, they said.

Report: Pope approves Lebanon to list of ‘Christian pilgrimage’ sites

Pope Francis has reportedly approved Lebanon to the official list of Christian pilgrimage sites in 2019, according to the state-run Lebanese National News agency.

Lebanese Charge d’Affaires in Vatican City Khalil Karam told NNA the authorization will put Lebanon back on the list of official pilgrimage destinations for the first time in 12 years.

Lebanon was previously on the list in 2007.

Worshipers gather at the site of St. Sharbel in Annaya, Lebanon. (Lebanese Examiner)
Worshipers gather at the site of St. Sharbel in Annaya, Lebanon. (Lebanese Examiner)

Karam said President Michel Aoun discussed the potential move with senior Vatican officials during a visit in March 2017.

He said leaders from the Lebanese government have been holding meetings with Vatican officials about recommended pilgrimage sites, hotels and accommodations.

The announcement is expected to attract thousands of Christian pilgrims to Lebanon, and boost the tourism industry. Lebanon relies heavily on the tourism industry, accounting for about 18 percent of the country’s GDP.

Lebanon is one of the earliest regions to adopt Christianity, and was mentioned in the Old Testament. The country is also home to the Maronite Church and the birthplace to several Maronite saints.

WATCH: Highlights from Shakira’s performance in Lebanon!

Shakira’s performance during the Cedars International Festival in Lebanon drew a crowd of over 14,000 people, organizers announced.

The Colombian-Lebanese superstar performed during the opening night of the festival as part of her “El Dorado World Tour.”

WATCH: Highlights from Shakira’s visit to Lebanon!

A swarm of fans and local media welcomed Shakira at the airport, where she was spotted with her two children Milan and Sasha.

“I am very happy to be here in Lebanon,” she said. “This is the land of my ancestors and I’m very proud of my heritage — my Lebanese heritage.”

She also visited her grandmother’s hometown of Tannourine, where officials inaugurated the ‘Shakira Square’ in her honor.

Shakira gets ready for her performance during the Cedars International Festival. (Facebook/Cedars International Festival)
Shakira gets ready for her performance during the Cedars International Festival. (Facebook/Cedars International Festival)

“I have always thought of my family like the cedars,” Shakira said. “These beautiful trees have been transplanted to Columbia to produce fruit — like the fruit of these Cedars.”

In a statement, festival organizers said they invited Shakira to “send a message of peace from the cedars and from Lebanon to the world.”

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