Omar Harfouch: Lebanon must stop being Anti-Sémitique, Discriminatory and racist country .
United Nations: Omar Harfouche delivered an influential speech calling for the abolition of a racist law and the dissolution of the military court in Lebanon.
Geneva, September 26, 2023 - The United Nations Human Rights Council, at its 54th regular session held today, heard an inspiring speech from Omar Harfouch, the famous Lebanese pianist, during its twenty-fourth meeting.
Harfouch was born a Sunni Muslim and educated in a Christian school, reflecting the religious diversity for which Lebanon is famous. However, his presence on the council was not mainly due to his musical talents, but to highlight a pressing issue he faces in his homeland.
The musician revealed that he is being persecuted by the Lebanese government because of his opinions and interactions. He highlighted the charges brought against him by the Lebanese Military Court, confirming the threat of execution simply for being in the same room with an American-Israeli journalist and giving a speech in the European Parliament in presence of pro- Israeli, Juifs and Israeli citizens ( according to the Lebanease Gouvernement ) .
His accusations against the Lebanese government were radical. Harfouch honestly expressed: “Lebanon is an anti-Semitic, discriminatory and racist country.” He called on the international community, especially those present at the Human Rights Council, to challenge Lebanon's strict policies that restrict freedom of expression and communication with anyone of the Jewish faith, Israeli nationality, or Zionist.
In a poignant moment, Harfouch addressed the audience, asking if there were Jews, Israelis, Zionists, or supporters of Israel among them. He stressed that, according to Lebanese law, he must discriminate against them. “Which I refuse to do,” he said enthusiastically. He stressed that no one should be judged based on their place of birth, religion or nationality, and urged council members to support his call to repeal the “discriminatory and racist law”.
The sermon sparked widespread attention, with many ambassadors and human rights advocates expressing concern over the accusations and showing their solidarity with Harfouch.
This article was written in cooperation with John Pinch