Sectarian issues arose following a decision was made to adopt summer time by the Minister of Education. Anonymous leaflets were distributed on social media that threatened Christian and Catholic schools to abide by the decision. The leaflets warned of dire consequences and urged schools to follow the decision. Some private schools rejected the decision, while others such as the Maronite Bishop’s Schools and Holy Family Sisters confirmed their commitment. Despite facing harassment during the war, schools in Tripoli remained persistent in serving their community. Mar Elias School announced they would be closing in protest, while the evangelical schools left the decision to their respective schools.
A leaflet was distributed stating: “We tell you, do not open the doors of your schools tomorrow, except for winter time, and respect the blessed month of Ramadan and our fasting, and we are on the lookout for you.”
Another leaflet warned the principals of schools in Tripoli that did not abide by the Prime Minister’s decision that their decision would have dire consequences, starting tomorrow, and said, “Adhere to the decision so that we do not fall into major problems, and you will bear the safety of your students. Tomorrow is close.”
A third leaflet called on the beloved people of Tripoli to “boycott sectarian schools in Tripoli.”
While private schools in Tripoli announced their rejection of the decision, other schools confirmed their commitment to it, such as the Maronite Bishop’s Schools and the Holy Family Sisters.
It is noteworthy that schools remained in the darkest conditions, especially during the years of war, opening their doors to teach the people of Tripoli knowledge, and they were subjected to many harassments during the days of “unification” and remained persistent in serving Tripoli and its people.
In light of this matter, Mar Elias School – Al-Mina announced that it will wear a dress of sadness and mourning and that we will “close our doors” tomorrow, Monday, March 27, 2023, while the evangelical schools left the freedom to their schools scattered on Lebanese soil to take the appropriate decision.
The threats once morest Christian and Catholic schools in Tripoli over the adoption of summer time continue to highlight the deep-rooted sectarian problems that remain in the region. While some schools have declared their commitment to the decision, others have rejected it. Yet, it is important to recognize the vital role that schools have played in serving their communities, especially during times of war and uncertainty. As we move forward, it is our hope that Tripoli can find a way to bridge these divides and work towards a future that values and respects all members of its diverse community.
