Casey Kasem: How Lebanese culture influenced his storytelling style and life outside radio

By Lara Akl, Communications & Marketing Manager at House of Lebanon

(Los Angeles, CA) — He is known as the iconic voice of American radio. For decades, Casey Kasem brought millions of listeners together across the country through his nationally syndicated countdown radio show American Top 40. With his warm unique voice, he was able to connect on an emotional level and build distant relationships with millions of followers.

House of Lebanon is saddened by the loss of not only the iconic radio legend, but also the Lebanese American figure, whose legacy brought pride to the Lebanese people-casey-kasem (1)and Arab American community. Becoming a famous legendary radio host and a national American figure, Kasem never forgot about his Lebanese heritage. His cultural background influenced his presentational style as a radio host, was present in his children’s upbringing, and incented him to become a passionate advocate on Lebanese Americans and Arab Americans causes.

As a radio presenter, Kasem was known for short stories he told in between songs during his show. People not only excitedly awaited to learn the number one song, but they looked forward to listen to his feel-good narratives. Kasem used storytelling in his show drawing on his Lebanese background and upbringing. “I was drawing on the Arabic tradition of storytelling one-upmanship,” he told the New York Times in 1990. “When I was a kid, men would gather in my parents’ living room and tell tales and try to outdo each other. I couldn’t understand the language, but I was fascinated…. I was doing trivia before anyone was doing trivia.”

Casey and KerriOn a family and personal level, Kasem was a proud Lebanese American. Born in 1932, Kemal Amin “Casey” Kasem was the son of Lebanese immigrant parents. He was raised in Detroit, Michigan, and had a large extended family. As a Lebanese American father, he wanted his children to learn about their background. Interviewing his daughter Kerri Kasem on March 5, 2014, she told House of Lebanon how “growing up, we used to go spend our summers in Michigan and Detroit with my grandparents. I, my brother, and my sister were surrounded by our large extended Lebanese family. As a family, we regularly gathered around Lebanese food, played cards and danced.” She finished by saying how “family and cultural ties are extremely important for my father. He wanted us to learn about our heritage, our Lebanese Druze culture, and where his family came from. He wanted us to keep attached to our roots.”

Kasem wanted his culture, history, and heritage to be known to everyone. That’s why he supported a Lebanese American organization like House of Lebanon and foresaw the value of establishing the first Lebanese American Cultural Center in Los Angeles. He showed his commitment to our cause by donating to House of Lebanon several times. “We are deeply saddened to lose an active figure like Casey Kasem,” expressed Judge James Kaddo, Chairman of House of Lebanon. “He was a man of conscience, a humanitarian, and an advocate not only for the Lebanese American Community, but also for the Arab American community as a whole.”

As a Lebanese American public figure, Kasem advocated for Arab Americans cause. He was against American mainstream media’s depiction of Arab Americans. In James Zoghby’s words, president of the Arab American Institute, “no one has done more in Hollywood to challenge the negative stereotypes of Arabs in the media than Casey.” Kasem promoted the accomplishment and contributions of Arab Americans. He wrote a brochure published by the Arab American Institute entitled “Arab-Americans: Making a Difference.”

Casey Kasem will be greatly missed. Our condolences to all of his family and children. House of Lebanon is committed to continue working hard on establishing the first Lebanese American Cultural Center that Casey Kasem supported.

 

About House of Lebanon

House of Lebanon is a non-profit organization located in Los Angeles. Its mission is to preserve, communicate, and celebrate Lebanese heritage and culture.

For more information visit www.houseoflebanon.com

Lara Akl is the Communications and Marketing Manager at House of Lebanon.

Kibbe Nayyeh a New York Times “Must-Eat” dish

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(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — The New York Times recently revealed a list of “Must-Eat” dishes in several sections of the world. Kibbe Nayyeh in Antelias, Lebanon was selected by Anissa Helou, the author of “Levant.”

Kibbe Nayyeh in Antelias, Lebanon

Kibbe, a subtly spiced mixture of minced lamb and bulgur wheat, can be found around the Levant, cooked in myriad ways. It can also be served raw, as kibbe nayyeh (nayyeh means raw in Arabic), often called the national dish of Lebanon. It’s sometimes referred to as Arab steak tartare, although it is smoother and spicier — the meat is moistened with olive oil instead of egg yolk, and should ideally be pounded in a marble mortar with a heavy wooden pestle until it turns into a silky paste. I can still picture my Lebanese mother and grandmother sitting on low stools on either side of a beautiful large mortar taking turns to pound the lean chunks of lamb with a big wooden pestle.

As you can imagine, this took quite some time and hardly anyone these days makes kibbe nayyeh by hand, least of all restaurants. But some, like Al-Halabi, a timeless restaurant in Antelias, a northern suburb of Beirut, manage to achieve the same smooth texture despite mincing the meat in a grinder. Its kibbe nayyeh is one of the best in town: as silky as the one I remember from my youth, with the same lovely pale pink color, a sure sign it is mixed just before it is served, with a little iced water added to keep the color and loosen the meat. Al-Halabi also uses a minimal amount of bulgur wheat, which allows for a meatier texture. And the seasoning is subtle, with enough spices to enhance the flavor of the lamb but not overwhelm it.

Read the full New York Times article here.

New contest offers a chance to win free package trip to Lebanon

live-love-beirut

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Do you ever find yourself boasting your Lebanese pride to other people? If so, now’s your chance to become an official country ambassador, as part of a “Live Love Lebanon” contest.

“Live Love Lebanon” is an initiative by the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism that offers travel packages that promotes tourism by region and by 6 themes:

  • Culture Lovers
  • Adventure Lovers
  • Festival Lovers
  • Nature Lovers
  • Wine Lovers
  • Beach Lovers
The contest offers an opportunity to win prizes, including a free trip to Lebanon, by creating a unique video portraying your love to the country.

“From exciting Beirut nights to the serenity of its villages, and from the crashing waves of its shores to its snow-capped mountains, the Lebanese are showing the world what their country is truly about,” they wrote on YouTube.

For more information about the contest, click here. The competition ends on July 9 at midnight.

Watch the promotional video below:

[youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsg4l8HIdhU” width=”500″ height=”300″]

6 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for an Awesome Lebanese Dad

Your 2015 guide to 6 Father’s Day Gift Ideas for an Awesome Lebanese Dad:

1.) A watch

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Let’s face it, Lebanese men (and women) show up late to everything. This should help.

2.) Tarboosh

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A tarboosh to cover his bald spot, if applicable.

3.) BBQ Accessories

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Help the man improve his already superior skills at grilling.

4.) Backgammon Board

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Add these beads and your set is complete:

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5.) Arak

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Real Lebanese men drink real Lebanese Arak. He’ll definitely enjoy this.

6.) Lebanese Tie

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Help him show off his #LebanesePride.

 

Send us your Lebanese Father’s Day gift ideas on Twitter.

Happy Father’s Day!

CNN includes Beirut among up-and-coming cities for the rich

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Forget New York, London and Hong Kong. These 12 cities should give wealthy real estate investors the best returns over the next few years, according to Savills, Candy & Candy, and Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management.

1. Beirut, Lebanon

Despite its violent history, Beirut stands out as being an ideal place for adventurous real estate investors, according to a new report from Savills World Research, Candy & Candy and Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management.

Yes, there has been some recent spillover from the ongoing Syrian conflict. But the Mediterranean coastal city is known for its culture and nightlife, which attracts a young population, said Yolande Barnes, director at Savills World Research. It’s also known as a regional financial hub.

“Real estate in the city still looks very cheap by international standards,” said Barnes.

Prices for two-bedroom apartments tend to range from $180,000 to $500,000, depending on the location.

2. Cape Town, South Africa

In addition to reasonably priced housing, Cape Town offers gorgeous weather, an active culture, an easy-going vibe and sprawling vineyards that surround the city.

“Current market conditions are poor due to the weak rand, high inflation and high interest rates, but this means that bargain hunting is possible and the city looks cheap on an international scale,” said Barnes.

Two-bedroom apartments range in price from $110,000 to $370,000.

Cities where English is the first or second language also tend to be desirable among wealthy investors. English — being the global language for business — tends to enable more commercial activity, so Cape Town is well placed.

It also doesn’t hurt that the city is on the coast. A favorite pastime among locals is called “Sundowners,” which involves watching the sun set over the ocean with a drink in hand.

3. Chennai, India

Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is one of India’s biggest metropolitan cities with a population of more than 4 million.

The coastal city is a hub for commerce in southern India and “has a diverse economic base, strong cultural life and arts [scene], including cinema and film production,” said Barnes.

It is also a magnet for ultra-high net worth individuals in the region.

Of the 12 cities on this list, Chennai offers the most affordable options for real estate investors. Two-bedroom apartments around the city can sell for as low as $40,000, while apartments in prime locations are priced around $160,000.

4. Chicago, U.S.

The U.S. housing market is making a comeback, and investors interested in riding the wave can bet on Chicago real estate.

“Chicago’s growth is likely to be in line with the economic growth of the U.S. so it is an American recovery play,” said Barnes. “Residential prices are now beginning to recover but it still looks cheap in relation to world cities and offers high yields.”

Related: How far will my salary go in another city?

The area is home to the headquarters of various multinationals including McDonald’s(MCD) and Exelon (EXC), and it’s also known for affluent suburbs where ultra-rich individuals live and play.

The typical price for a two-bedroom apartment in Chicago ranges from $250,000 to $700,000.

5. Dublin, Ireland

If you’re looking for value, Dublin is the place to go.

The city was ravaged during the eurozone crisis and the real estate market took a nosedive.

But a recovery is now firmly in place.

“Property is still discounted and could be said to offer good value in the context of strengthening industry and growing employment,” said Barnes.

The city is moving to attract young people and technology companies. Google (GOOG) andFacebook (FB) both have large offices in the city.

A two-bedroom apartment typically costs from $210,000 to $560,000.

6. Istanbul, Turkey

Turkey has received some bad press lately: a deadly mine disaster, anti-government protests, a corruption investigation. But that’s overshadowed the fact that the country, which straddles Europe and the Middle East, is becoming quite prosperous.

“Foreign investment has steadily increased since 1990 and has contributed toward growth in the construction, automotive, banking, insurance, electricity and information technology sectors,” said Ruth Lux, managing director at the political risk consultancy firm Strategic Analysis.

The country’s main stock market index has more than doubled in value over the past five years, unemployment has been falling and Turkey has surged up global rankings for competitiveness, attracting a growing number of multinational companies.

Throw in a young, vibrant atmosphere, bustling tourism and a rich history, and you’ve got a recipe for a possible housing boom.

Prices for a two-bedroom apartment currently range from $125,000 to $280,000.

7. Jakarta, Indonesia

Jakarta is a major urban center that has seen real estate prices shoot up as the country’s economy flourishes. The city’s property market has benefited from demand from abroad and a middle class that’s increasingly affluent.

Jakarta resident and Canadian expatriate Wendy Rudder says new residential towers marketed to international investors are constantly cropping up.

“Half the people in my building are Japanese because the Japanese are very interested in investing in Indonesia over the long term,” she said.

Prices for a two-bedroom apartment typically range from $90,000 to $260,000.

8. Lagos, Nigeria

Lagos, a rapidly growing city of 20+ million people, has a large population of ultra-rich individuals, said Barnes.

“The sheer size and power of the city, fueled by oil and natural resources, points to real-estate growth,” she said. “But lifestyle, safety and quality of the housing product is still an issue.”

Indeed, the terrorist group Boko Haram seems intent on wreaking havoc across Nigeria, launching devastating bomb attacks and kidnapping school girls. Boko Haram hasn’t ever attacked Lagos, but the U.S. State Department recently warned that “groups associated with terrorism” may be planning to target a Sheraton Hotel in the area.

Still, brave investors may be able to snap up some bargains. Prices for a two-bedroom apartment can range from $70,000 to $300,000.

The makers of the Monopoly board game have also taken note of the city’s property market. In 2012, Monopoly released its first African city edition based on Lagos.

9. Melbourne, Australia

Sydney who?

Melbourne, with its population of about 4.3 million people, has caught the attention of property experts.

It’s a highly developed, growing city that could act as a safe haven for real estate investors who are too nervous to put their money in emerging markets.

The government forecasts the city’s population will balloon to nearly 8 million by 2051 and builders will have to meet housing demand by constructing another 1.6 million dwellings.

Currently, prices for a two-bedroom apartment range from $320,000 to $675,000.

10. Miami, U.S.

Miami was arguably the epicenter of America’s property bubble in 2008, with prices crashing hard during the financial crisis. But now high-end properties in prime locations have seen prices bounce back to peak levels and residential real estate across the city is rebounding.

Barnes said that if she could buy real estate anywhere right now, she would invest in Miami, noting that property in non-prime locations provides the best opportunity for capital growth.

The Miami market is also supported by demand from rich South Americans who want to invest in U.S. real estate, giving investors indirect exposure to the South American market.

Typical prices for a two-bedroom apartment range from $275,000 to $900,000.

11. Panama City, Panama

Panama is a major beneficiary of globalization, with the country sitting between North and South America and trade routes between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

“Panama is forecast to be one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America in the coming years and is uniquely placed to reflect the growth of world trade as all types of shipping pass through its famous canal,” said Barnes.

As the country’s economy grows, Panama City has seen new hotels and restaurants crop up. Property investors are taking notice.

Barnes said the city is especially attractive for people looking to buy a place and then rent it out, predicting smart landlords could see annual returns in excess of 8% a year.

“Demand for rental property should remain strong given the likely strength of the economy and number of people coming to the city to work,” she said.

The price for a typical two-bedroom apartment ranges from $200,000 to $500,000.

12. Tel Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv’s thriving tech scene and young, educated population have helped the city prosper over the years. Most of the population is fluent in English, making it an easy place to do business.

The city is considered a cultural hub with plenty of museums, a hopping night life and a beautiful Mediterranean coast.

But that’s pushed up real estate prices across the city. Tel Aviv is the most expensive cityon this list.

The cost for a two-bedroom apartment ranges from $500,000 to $1.45 million, depending on location.

“Tel Aviv displays a large number of the characteristics we have identified as boding well for residential property markets,” said Barnes. “Even its UNESCO world heritage site status mark it out as a typical ‘rising second-tier’ world city.”

 

Source: CNN

Original Article

World’s first floating island being created in Lebanon

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(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — The first floating island in the world was designed and is currently being created in Jounieh, Lebanon. Jounieh Floating Island Resort is the first floating island in the world based on the Dhow-4 technology. It is expected to be at sea in summer 2015.

The JFIR will be a five-star resort with a surface area of 3400 sqm, including 64 rooms, 80 cabins, a roof top restaurant, a sea side restaurant, a nightclub, and various sea-sport activities. They currently have 290 engineers, technicians, and administrators staffed on the project.

“I found that its true there are no rules and no theories to build floating islands, so I had to work 15 years to change the rules and that’s it, we have now an advanced engineering of the floating island were you can build resorts, naval basis, villas etc.,” said Dr. Abdullah Daou, the Founder of The Advanced Engineering of the Floating Island.

Watch the video below for more details:

[youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWRSJO45sOA” width=”500″ height=”300″]

11 Reasons Why Being Lebanese is Awesome

By Charlie Kadado

Egocentric? Self-centered? OK, you guys can call us whatever you want. We’re flaunting our Lebanese pride and we’re not ashamed to create a random top 11 list about it.

1.)  Succulent Cuisine

lebanese-cuisine-lebanese-examiner

Actually that vibrant 25-dish smorgasbord was just the mezza, the real food is on its way.

In the amount of time it takes to go skiing and swimming on the same day, at least one mouthwatering entrée makes it way to an already filled dinner table.

2.)  Everlasting Hospitality

lebanese-hummus-lebanese-examiner

If we ate everything we were served, Lebanon would add “World’s Most Obese Country” to its list of achievements. Fortunately, our “class” and “elegance” forces us to keep food on our plate, so it doesn’t look like we’re voracious.

*Puts a napkin over the food*

“You want more?”

“No thank you.”

“OK, here’s more.”

3.)  Sensational Singers

habibi-lebanese-examiner

We’re known for a medley of music from Fairouz to Haifa.

But one quick question: Is it against the law to exclude the word “habibi” from a song?

4.)  Religious Diversity

religious-diversity-lebanese-examiner

18 religions somehow fit in land smaller than the size of Connecticut. It sounds like the perfect ingredient for religious conflict and fighting. Luckily, we’re still alive.

But really, think about it: We share more similarities than we do differences.

5.)  ‘We are (one big global) family’

[youtube url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBpYgpF1bqQ” width=”500″ height=”300″]

“Lebnani w matrah matrouh, hamel watanak, aleb w rouh.”

If you’re lucky enough to find another Lebanese immigrant, you make instant friends.

6.)  Dashingly Elegant

lebanese-women-lebanese-examiner

Pondering the food on her plate, she uses her fork to relocate her meal into different regions of the plate, acting as if she took a bite. That’s supposed to be elegant.

Varied with French-inspired sophistication and European chic, Lebanese women have garnered a dangerous combination of grace and glamour. They are also commanding creators of one hell of a bloodline.

For the record, “No makeup” means there is less makeup than usual.

7.)  Natural Wonders

natural-wonders-lebanese-examiner

“VOTE FOR JEITA GROTTO”

Yeah, we’ve heard it before. Just vote for the whole damn country, because the whole thing is pretty much a natural wonder.

8.)  Unwavering Resilience

lebanese-flag-lebanese-examiner

Through thick and thin, Lebanese resilience pulls through with unwavering strength and an eternal backbone that will never perish. The Lebanese boast enduring spirits that have survived decades of war. They have enough spirit to go to the nightclub on Friday, even though they don’t even have a president.

9.)  Trilingual Talk

lebanon-languages-lebanese-examiner

“Hi! Keefik? Ca va?”

Nuff said.

10.)Home of the Phoenicians

phoenicians-lebanese-examiner

Phoenicians were brilliant traders and builders, sailors and business people. We still are.

Phoenicians invented the alphabet. Imagine life without ABC’s.

11.)Amal Alamuddin

amal-alamuddin-lebanese-examiner

George Clooney engaged the whole country when Amal became his fiancée. Lebanese Parliament can’t agree on a president, but who cares, Clooney engaged Amal! May the frenzy continue….

 

But really, we are pretty awesome. We’re so awesome that we linked a list of famous Lebanese-Americans here.

Journalists from Egypt, Tunisia and Syria win the 2014 Samir Kassir Award

BEIRUT: The EU Special Representative for Human Rights Monday said the freedom of expression and freedom of the media were two essential prerequisites for active and engaged citizenry.

“Without freedom of expression and freedom of the media, an informed, active and engaged citizenry is impossible,” Stavros Lambrinidis said during the annual ceremony for the Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press in Beirut.

Lambrinidis highlighted how freedom of expression online and offline was essential for the fulfilment and enjoyment of a wide range of other human rights, including freedom of association and assembly, freedom of thought, religion or belief, the right to education, the right to take part in cultural life, the right to vote and all other political rights related to participation in public affairs.

The Samir Kassir Award for Freedom of the Press is granted by the European Union, and rewards journalists who have distinguished themselves through the quality of their work and their commitment to human rights and democracy.

Organised every year since 2006, the Samir Kassir Award honours the memory of Lebanese journalist Samir Kassir who was assassinated on 2 June 2005 in Beirut.

As in previous years, an independent jury selected the winners. It comprised seven personalities from Europe and the Middle East. The award ceremony was hosted by Mona Wehbi, journalist at Al-Hurra TV.

The Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon, Ambassador Angelina Eichhorst, underlined that “the yearly edition of this unique award is a tangible proof of the EU’s unwavering support to freedom of expression as a key element of deep democracy.”

“Journalists pay a high price to expose abuses and raise awareness about violations of fundamental rights,” Eichhorst continued. “Rewarding excellence in journalism needs to be distinguished because our ability to act as informed citizens of the world also depends on media that can work freely and safely.”

The three winners of the 2014 edition, each of whom received awards worth €10 000, included print journalists Hanene Zbiss from Tunisia and Mohamed Abo El-Ghit from Egypt and Syrian journalist and filmmaker Orwa Mokdad.

El-Ghit published his article “Season of the living dead” in renowned Egyptian Al-Shorouk newspaper on January 3, 2014. In his article, El-Ghit described the violent clashes that opposed, before the ouster of former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, supporters and opponents of the Muslim Brotherhood.

“He deplores the “herd” mentality that pushed people from both sides to resort to the worst levels of violence,” according to a statement issued by the EU delegation.

As for Hanene Zbiss, she published her investigative report “Quranic kindergartens in Tunisia” in the magazine “Réalités” (Realities) on October 10, 2013. Her article describes how Tunisia has witnessed, since the January 2011 uprising, the proliferation of so-called “Quranic kindergartens,” established by religious associations.

Syrian journalist and film maker Orwa Mokdad won an award for his audiovisual report titled “Syrian Music.” Mokdad’s work depicts how the Syrian war affected young Syrian singers and musicians living in Beirut and their struggle to combat violence through art.

 

Source: The Daily Star

Original Article

Tenants fear new rent law will drive them to the streets

BEIRUT: The crumbling facade of the once-elegant Hasbini Building in Zarif mirrors the eroding foothold of longtime tenants in the capital and across the country, following the passing of the new rent law.

The law, passed in April but under constitutional review after a challenge by former President Michel Sleiman, would affect thousands of families and individuals. It has pitted old tenants and activists against landlords, and, on a broader ideological level, social welfare advocates against free market liberals for the future of the city.

The landlord of the Hasbini Building, Samir Hasbini, blames its dilapidated state on the lack of income from longtime renters. If the new rent law goes into effect, he says he would be able to invest in the building, although he admits that he would prefer to sell the land.

Samir Hasbini’s father, Mohammad Hasbini, built the five-story building around 90 years ago as a newly married man with a young family. The Hasbini building boasts embellished columns, intricate balustrades and tall ceilings, but years of neglect have taken a toll.

At the time it was built, it was one of many fine buildings in the area that borders Zoqaq al-Blat, home to some of Beirut’s outstanding architectural gems. Today, many of the historical buildings have been torn down or are in such disrepair that residents consider it only a matter of time before they too become casualties of the construction boom.

Hasbani, 70, explains that he owns the building with eight of his sublings, “and each of us gets not more than LL200,000 ($132) a year. That apartment across the street was rented for $1,200 a month … [as an] investment.”

“If one of my apartments were emptied, I could get a minimum of $500,000 for it,” he says.

The law in its current form would raise rents gradually over six years to 5 percent of the unit’s market value, which would be decided by court-approved appraisers. However, after nine years, landlords could evict longtime tenants, even if they are paying the higher rent. Tenants who qualify as poor would have 12 years before they could be evicted, during which time the increase in their rent would be covered by a special fund.

Hasbini, who also lives in the building, says his support for the law has not affected his relationships with his neighbors and tenants, which he describe as “good.”

Reda Hamdan, a tenant who has lived in the building for 35 years, is fatalistic, declining to give an opinion on the new law.

“Whether it’s good or not good, it’s the state’s decision,” he says. “If they raise the rent, we will pay, if they don’t, we won’t.”

Around the corner at a nearby mechanic shop, Mohammad Jamal, 55, speaks bluntly of his opposition to the law.

“Three of my children are studying to be doctors and two more are also studying medicine, and I work night and day to educate them,” says Jamal, who pays LL1,000,000 ($662) a year for a home in Corniche al-Mazraa. “If they kick me out and I need to rent a new house, I won’t be able to.”

Jamal estimates that he has paid half the value of the apartment since he moved in, and called for the state to come up with more affordable housing options.

“How can I afford a house for $1,000 a month?” he says. “There is no housing, no nothing. Should I go live in the streets? … Of course I am against [the new law].”

Urban researcher and activist Nadine Bekdache sees the new law as a means of emptying old buildings over the next few years for the benefit of real estate investors, exacerbating the displacement of lower and middle-income families from Beirut.

“There was already a development boom before this rent control law that is replacing rent controlled buildings with new constructions, affecting the history and social context of each neighborhood,” she said.

Bekdache says small landlords will not be able to sell or renovate immediately, but that large developers, on the other hand, can afford to wait until the nine- or 12-year mark passes and then snap up the empty properties without having to compensate the tenants.

“Everything we know of Beirut is tied to the old rent law,” she says. “There should be a proper survey, and a proper debate. [The law is] a chance to talk about housing policy in the city, how it’s being emptied of low- and middle-income people.”

Joseph Zoghaib, president of the Landlords’ Association, insists the law has been misrepresented to the public by rich tenants and the Communist Party.

“We are in a free economic society and we value this very much,” says Zoghaib, who argues that freeing up old rent apartments will actually bring down the inflated rent prices in Beirut. “Who said the free market doesn’t respect the right to housing? … I would never like to see my compatriots living in the streets.”

Zoghaib says that when landlords are able to make a decent income off their properties, they will have less incentive to sell to large developers.

“Poor people have nothing to fear; they get compensation and they have the next 12 years [before they can be evicted],” he says. “If they are old, 12 years is more than enough, and if they are not old, let them come up with a plan and move their butts a little. Not everyone should throw themselves on the state.”

The rent law law was passed in early April and published in the Official Gazette on May 8. Sleiman, backed by 10 lawmakers, questioned its constitutionality and referred it to the Constitutional Council. Although it has been passed and published, the law cannot be implemented until the review is completed.


Source: The Daily Star

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