Meeting Honors Argentina’s Syrian-Lebanese Community

Buenos Aires, Argentina – The Rotary Club of Montserrat and its satellite Club of Communities joined with UPF-Argentina and the City Legislature in honoring Syrian and Lebanese immigrants in Argentina during their third “Communities Honor our Homeland” event, on September 23, 2025. The program, which also celebrated the UN International Day of Peace, took place at the Buenos Aires City Legislature’s Golden Hall, attended by diplomats and community leaders.

The program began with interfaith prayers by Mr. Adnan Kassab, representing the Islamic Center in Argentina, and Ms. Gabriel Arriola, representing the Ecumenism Commission and Interreligious Dialogue of the Buenos Aires Archdiocese of the Catholic Church. They were introduced by Ms. Andrea Fernández Bevans, director of the Communication Council of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and coordinator of the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD).

City Legislature Deputy Mr. Francisco Loupias served as host and welcomed all participants, followed by speeches from the organizers, Mr. Miguel Werner and Mr. Horacio Daboul. The “Communities Honor our Homeland” initiative seeks to recognize immigrants who arrived in Argentina in different waves, highlighting their values and cultural, social and economic contributions to the country.

Mr. Adam Husein, secretary of the Buenos Aires Syrian-Lebanese Club and chief editor of the Syrian-Lebanese Newspaper, gave a historical overview of the first families who came from the Middle East in search of peace and opportunities, escaping wars, persecution and crises. He lauded their integration without abandoning their roots.

Mr. Husien estimated there are more than three million Argentinians with Syrian-Lebanese heritage. He explained that, despite linguistic and cultural differences, their immigrant ancestors settled in various parts of the country, weaving networks of labor, solidarity and culture, initially based on commerce and industry, building a future for their children.

“The history of our community is a clear example of full integration, where cultural mixing has created a richer and more diverse Argentinian identity,” Mr. Husein said.

Certificates of recognition were given to Dr. Ricardo Simes, president of the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital and the Syrian-Lebanese Foundation for Health; Mr. Yaoudat Brahim, president of the Syrian-Lebanese Club and director of the Syrian-Lebanese Newspaper of Buenos Aires; and Dr. Santiago Pezz, president of Palpitar Foundation, which offers cardiovascular treatments and surgeries at the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital.

The certificates were presented by Peace Ambassador Mr. Horacio Daboul, founder of the Rotary Club of Parque de los Patricios and president of the Cultural and Social Arab League; Mr. Miguel Werner, president of UPF-Argentina; Ms. Susana Espósito, governor of Rotary International’s District 4895; and Ms. Ruzhka Nicolova, president of Montserrat Rotary’s Club of Communities.

Ms. Susana Espósito, in her concluding remarks, referred to the significance of the UN International Day of Peace and National Migrants Day, which was celebrated on September 4.

Attendees from the diplomatic community included Syrian Ambassador Mr. Sami Salameh and the chiefs of mission from Lebanon, Dr. Tannous Kabiity, and from the Palestinian State, Dr. Riyad Al Halabi.

The audience was treated to performances by the Lebanese ballet group Firqat Tannourine, led by choreographer and teacher Ms. Sandra Salinas; singer Ms. Alicia Haddad; and pianist Mr. Osvaldo Belmonte, who concluded with the emblematic song “Honrar la Vida.”  

The “Communities Honor the Homeland” initiative, for the integration and development of peoples, sustainability and peace, is part of the Friendship and Cooperation Convention signed by UPF-Argentina and Rotary International’s District 4895 in May 2023, at the Legislature’s Golden Hall. Previous events honored the Spanish and Italian communities in Argentina.

By Miguel Werner, President, UPF-Argentina  September 23, 2025