As 2024 draws to a close, hope is returning to the streets of Beirut. After a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon came into effect on November 27, calm has been restored to the city. Among the many residents returning home is Lebanese entrepreneur Elie Jabbour, who brings with him renewed optimism for the future.
Jabbour, like many others, had fled the turmoil but is now back to embrace the peace. “My wish for 2025 is simple,” he says. “I want to spend more time with my family and focus on the simple joys of life.”
His sentiments resonate deeply in a country eager for stability and normalcy. As part of a global movement to share hope and aspirations, Jabbour participated in the “1,001 Wishes for 2025 #Hello2025” campaign launched by CGTN. The campaign invites people worldwide to share their wishes for the new year and is available in 81 languages.
The streets of Beirut are once again bustling with life as families reunite and businesses reopen. The ceasefire has not only halted the conflict but also ignited a sense of unity and hope among the Lebanese people.
For the youth in Lebanon and across the Global South, stories like Jabbour’s are a testament to resilience and the power of community. As the world steps into 2025, the collective wish is for peace, family, and the simple joys that make life meaningful.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
