As part of the “Youth Solidarity Against Extremism and Promoting a Culture of Tolerance” project, funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in cooperation with the Lebanese Organization for Studies and Training (LOST), a dialogue meeting was organized at LOST main branch in Baalbek. The dialogue session titled “The roles of sports, environment, media, and economics in promoting or tackling extremism among youth” brought together some youths and the local stakeholders, Eng. Nasser Toufaily, Athlete Nidal Solh, Journalist Sulaiman Amhaz, Mr. Ayman Khazaal founder of Al Awael NGO, and Writer and Researcher Mr. Oussama Abdul Ghani.
The aim of these gatherings that are taking place in various areas under the log frame of the YSAE project, is to create an opportunity for youths to communicate and engage in larger community connections. During this gathering, each of the stakeholders dealt with the issue of extremism from his own field and experience, and participants with their core group discussed and expressed in their own ways.
Mr. Toufaily broke the ice and started the dialogue by presenting the 3 terms of initiative, innovation, and creativity. Attendees differentiated between these terms and explained them each from his/her point of view.
Athlete Nidal Solh described how sports can help tackle extremism and help in development and peace, “People have different definitions and views on sports. Some of them think it is watching a football game, hiking, or just walking. These might be considered as sports indeed, but in fact, sport is the powerful tool of self-discipline and that’s how we connect it here to civil peace and tolerance. To be a person who is open to all opinions and characters, to accept the differences, and to avoid extremism, a man should train himself”. As he also spoke about the importance of sport activities in nature in enhancing communication between people away from noise, daily burdens, and social media.
Speaking about social media and its critical role in promoting ideas nowadays, Journalist Sulaiman Amhaz stated, “It is very satisfying seeing all these youths here as part of such a huge project. Concerning social media and its impact in promoting tolerance or extremism, the issue lies in good use of these media platforms. Social media helps in breaking barriers, and knowing traditions and cultures of different people and countries which contributes to the increase of youth maturity.
Mr. Ayman Khazzal shared his experience as an NGO founder and a social activist, “Freedom generates tolerance, for freedom comes in the first place. People are free to agree or disagree with an idea, they are free to practice their beliefs and ideas, and to say NO. Once people are free and respected, they would show respect in return”.
Dr. Oussama Abdul Ghani spoke about religious extremism and its negative impact on people, “I don’t accept the reality of anything without searching and thinking about all of its ifs buts and maybes. I urge my mind to think objectively aside from feelings, preferences, and tendencies. No religion promotes extremism although people might go extreme in their religious applications and refuse any opposite belief”.
Participants also had a space to add their own thoughts and comments on the subject:
Sulaiman Allam, 18-year-old student, a core group member said, “One great cause for extremism in our area is poverty. People should above all get enough awareness on how to tackle this issue, and most important, projects and efforts should be done to decrease unemployment rate that is keeping our generation desperate and hopeless”.
Hamoud Chouman, 25 years, a core group member, “Slogans are easy, real actions are what matter. We all should start with our own selves, believing in our governments and local authorities, using public transportation, supporting public education and so on. We can only tackle extremism by tackling our own extremist judgements and mentalities towards everything”.
Natalie Asheq, 24 years, a core group member commented, “We cannot call for equality blindly. What we need is social and economic equity, and same is the case with many concepts. We need to realise these misconceptions, and treat ourselves and everyone in a fair way”.
Young men and ladies debated on the issues in hand and described their experiences under this project. This one of many gatherings being done, was much appreciated and welcomed by the youths, who are demonstrating gradual acceptance and improvement towards greater tolerance. This project has indeed developed the youths’ spirit of cooperation, participation, initiative, freedom of speech, and broke the barriers among them.
