This year’s commemoration of Kamal Jumblatt marks the final one, as a longstanding tradition of honoring the late leader will come to an end. Following the fall of the Syrian regime and the arrest of one of the key figures involved in his assassination, justice has been served, leading to the conclusion of the annual remembrance
The ceremony this year holds even more significance, symbolizing the triumph of justice and the end of a chapter that has spanned decades.
“This year, the roses on Kamal Jumblatt’s tomb were different, filled with the spirit of victory. It represents the triumph of both the Lebanese and Syrian people with the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which was involved in the assassination of the leader in 1977 on the Baakline-Deir Dourit road in the Chouf,” said Fahd Mounzer, Arabic literature teacher and activist in the progressive socialist party.
The ceremony’s main slogan was: “We endured, we stood firm, and we triumphed,” alongside other slogans tied to the occasion that reflect the core principles laid down by the martyred leader Kamal Jumblatt and reinforced by Walid Jumblatt.
The Secretary-General of the Progressive Socialist Party, Zafir Nasser, highlighted the special significance of this year’s commemoration, marking 48 years since Kamal Jumblatt’s assassination, as it comes after major transformations most notably the fall of the Syrian regime.
“That regime crush achieved great dreams, one of change, progress, development, democracy, freedom, and human dignity. This is why this year’s anniversary holds unique symbolism,” he said.
“This adds an extraordinary weight to an already extraordinary figure,” he added.
His spirit, philosophy, and legacy have lasted far longer than his assassin, who is now irrelevant.
Kamal Jumblatt was a prominent Lebanese political leader, philosopher, and champion of social justice. He was known for his commitment to progressive ideas and his strong advocacy for the rights of all Lebanese people. He played a crucial role in shaping Lebanon’s political landscape.
He was a fierce opponent of oppression and injustice, both in Lebanon and the wider Arab world and his stance on unity, peace, and freedom made him a respected figure, but it also made him a target. In 1977, he was assassinated by the Syrian regime with political motivations.
Despite his death, Jumblatt’s legacy has endured, with his ideals continuing to inspire generations of activists and politicians, particularly in the Druze community.
During his last meeting with Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, he was told his political career was over, and Sadat urged him to stay in Egypt and not return to Lebanon. But Jumblatt chose to die among his people, in the heart of the mountains, just days after that meeting.
His political choices sought to preserve Lebanon and all its people without discrimination, to stand for Palestine and freedom and to uphold Arab unity.
Speaking at the 48th anniversary of his father’s assassination, Walid Jumblatt said: “Today, as the sun of freedom rises over Syria, after 54 years of oppression, with the fall of the regime of tyranny, and the liberation of the Syrian people, and as the new leadership under Ahmed Al-Shara’a has arrested the man responsible for the assassination, Ibrahim Hwayji, I hereby announce the end of this tradition, for the justice of history has taken its course, even if delayed.”
He further stated that he would discontinue the tradition of marking his father’s assassination, as “the justice of history has finally run its course, even if delayed.”
In a significant development, Syrian authorities arrested last Thursday former General Intelligence chief Ibrahim Hwayji, accused of involvement in the assassination of Kamal Jumblatt 48 years ago. The arrest comes just days ahead of the anniversary of the Lebanese leader’s killing on March 16, 1977.
Jumblatt further emphasized that Moukhtara and the Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) are looking toward a new phase of struggle and challenge, specifically adopting a more humanistic form of socialism.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining Lebanon’s Arab identity, which had been distorted by oppressive regimes, intelligence agencies, and autocratic rule.
His idea was, and will always remain, stronger than any army or aggressor, as seen through the eyes of a supporter and the cousin of a martyr who was killed in the assassination of Kamal Jumblatt. “Honoring his legacy means more than just remembering him, it requires a commitment to the fight against the very forces he sought to destroy, to ensure they never rise again.” Farid Fatayri told NOW.
The aftermath that the Syrian Baath party created
Following the assassination of Kamal Jumblatt in March 1977, the Chouf region was plunged into violent sectarian conflict, particularly between the Druze and Maronite communities.
In retaliation for Jumblatt’s killing, Druze gunmen launched brutal attacks on the local Maronite population, leading to the Chouf Massacres. These massacres, which occurred primarily in the towns and villages around Baakline, saw Druze fighters target Maronite civilians in an attempt to avenge their leader’s death.
This led to increased hostilities and the further fragmentation of Lebanon’s fragile political system, eventually contributing to the escalation of the Lebanese Civil War, where sectarian violence between the Druze, Christians, and other groups intensified.
Rodayna Raydan is a Lebanese-British journalist. You can follow her on Twitter @Rodayna_462
The views in this story reflect those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of NOW.
