Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad said Sunday that the Lebanese will not lose hope in their country and will continue to celebrate the holidays despite all difficulties.

“Hand in hand, we will rebuild Lebanon; a nation that our ancestors have given their lives to protect,” Moawad said during a recital organized by the Rene Moawad Foundation at Our Lady of Zgharta church. The recital was one of several activities held within the framework of “Christmas village 2015” campaign held under the slogan “Live, Love Zgharta.”

The ceremony was attended by former Social Affairs Minister Nayla Mouawad, Bishop Paul Abdul Sater, former MP Jawad Boulos and his wife, Zghorta Governor Iman Rafii, Zgharta and Ehden mayor Shahwan Ghazal Mouawad and his wife, Progressive Socialist Party Vice-President Dr. Kamal Mouawad and his wife, Lebanese Forces official in Zgharta Sarkis Bahaa Doueihy and Free Patriotic Movement official in Tripoli Tony Maroni, along with representatives of civil society groups and local municipal officials.