FOLLOW US
Peace Education
A Young German Woman Recalls Growing Up in Lebanon
Written by Gregor Sattler, secretary general, UPF-Bonn
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Bonn, Germany—Personal recollections of Lebanon’s people and culture by a German who grew up there were the highlight of a Lebanese cultural event.
Natascha Schellen, who is currently completing her master’s study at Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University, grew up in Lebanon where her parents still live and involve themselves in several peace projects.
On November 19, 2017, she expressed her enthusiasm for her homeland at an event held jointly by the Bonn chapters of UPF and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), an affiliated organization. Ms. Schellen gave a vivid report about the country and its history, centering on its people, their attitudes and traditions.
Although she mentioned various conflicts in Lebanon, she stressed the exceptionally good and pleasant interactions that she experienced in her school time with children and families of various faiths.
The country’s constitution aims at peaceful coexistence by recognizing 18 religions, and it specifies that the president should always be a Maronite Christian and the prime minister a Sunni Muslim. In the current crisis following the resignation of the state president, the citizens are striving to find a solution without their country becoming a pawn to be abused by foreign powers, Ms. Schellen said.
The speaker showed impressive photographs demonstrating the diversity of the countryside—the sea and beaches, mountains and valleys, towns and villages—and she related many personal experiences, giving a vivid impression of her country.
Her remarks about architecture and music were most informative, and many of the audience practiced the dabke dance under her guidance.
Especially appreciated at the end were the Lebanese delicacies that Ms. Schellen had prepared, such as hummus, falafel, mutabbal and tabbouleh.
If you find this page helpful and informative please consider making donation. Your donation will help Universal Peace Federation (UPF) provide new and improved reports, analysis and publications to you and everyone around the world.
UPF is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and all donations are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are automatically provided for donations of or above $250.00.
|
Donate to the Universal Peace Federation: Your donation to support the general programs of UPF. |
Donate to the Religious Youth Service (RYS): Your donation will be used for service projects around the world. |
Donate to UPF's Africa Projects: Your donation will be used for projects in Africa. |
Related Articles
Germany
UPF-Germany Program Honors Japan’s Culture
Stuttgart, Germany—Japanese calligraphy, music, origami and cuisine were presented at a cultural afternoon held by UPF.
Albania
UPF-Albania Honors Ambassador for Peace on UN International Day of Peace
Peshkopi, Albania—One of the first Ambassadors for Peace was posthumously made an Honorary Citizen of the city.
Argentina
Community Activities for Peace Road Argentina 2023
Godoy Cruz City, Argentina—Peace Road Argentina 2023 is celebrated in three community events.