Questions for Emigrants! - The Orange Room

Nadnoud

A friend of mine is preparing her final year project at university about “the Lebanese Emigration” , and she needs testimonies from lebanese living abroad.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
Here’s the list of the questions to which she needs answers. I thought I could help her through this forum, of which a lot of members are abroad.<o:p></o:p>
I kindly ask the ones concerned to answer the questions below.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
1) Were you born in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>? or your parents were emigrants and you were born abroad? And for how long you (or your parents) have been abroad?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
2) What were the reasons of your (or your parents’) emigration?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
3) What does <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> represent to you? Is it your home? Your parents’ country? A country you care about? Just a country like any other in the world? Else?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
4) Are you living in a Lebanese atmosphere? (Tell us about your neighbourhood, your friends, your surrounding, etc..) Are you accustomed to the Lebanese traditions ?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
5) Do you think that the Lebanese government is taking care of you? How?<o:p></o:p>
Do you feel ignored and forgotten by the government? Why?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
6) What are you doing for <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> now? How do you think you’re helping or <o:p></o:p>
defending it?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
7) How many times have you been to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
8) Where do you see the position of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> in the international community? <o:p></o:p>
And what do u think about the conflicts going on ?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
9) For those who don’t have the Lebanese Nationality: do you wish/desire to <o:p></o:p>
have it? And are you ready to stay in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> for 3 consecutive months in <o:p></o:p>
order to get it? And for what reason?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
10) How do you think you can help in promoting for <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
11) What about creating a Lebanese lobby? Do you think this will help?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
12) Any additional comments?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I urge you to post the answers to these questions in here, or send it to me by PM (private message) in case you don’t wanna reveal any information about yourself in public. <o:p></o:p>
Thanks for your time and for being helpful!<o:p></o:p>

Cheekie

1) Were you born in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>? or your parents were emigrants and you were born abroad? And for how long you (or your parents) have been abroad? I was born in Australia. My dad has been in Australia since 1968 and my mother from 1972.
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
2) What were the reasons of your (or your parents’) emigration? My dad left Lebanon to see what future he could have in another country. He wasn't thinking about leaving Lebanon, but given the opportunity he took it.
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
3) What does <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> represent to you? Is it your home? Your parents’ country? A country you care about? Just a country like any other in the world? Else? Lebanon is the country where my parent's are born, their homeland and where my heritage comes from. To me Lebanon is my second home.
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
4) Are you living in a Lebanese atmosphere? (Tell us about your neighbourhood, your friends, your surrounding, etc..) Are you accustomed to the Lebanese traditions ? In the area I live in there are some Lebanese people and we mix with them. My cousins and I are always together and 99% of my friends are Lebanese. I am accustomed to the Lebanese traditions as that's the way parent's have brought me up.
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
5) Do you think that the Lebanese government is taking care of you? How?<o:p></o:p>
Do you feel ignored and forgotten by the government? Why? No the Lebanese government is not taking care of me as it can't take care of itself. I do feel ignored as a Lebanese citizen living abroad I don't get to vote and have a say on who should be president in the homeland.
<o:p></o:p>
6) What are you doing for <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> now? How do you think you’re helping or defending it? Right now I think about how I want people to see the real beauty of Lebanon and not its political life. I am encouraging family and friends to see Lebanon. I guess you can call me a walking advertisement for Lebanon.
<o:p></o:p>
7) How many times have you been to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>? I have been 3 times to Lebanon and hoping for my 4th trip soon.
<o:p></o:p>
8) Where do you see the position of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> in the international community? I don't know really.
And what do u think about the conflicts going on ? Conflicts are silly, you would think they are kids. Come to think of it I guess kids could do a better job than our politicians.
<o:p></o:p>
9) For those who don’t have the Lebanese Nationality: do you wish/desire to <o:p></o:p>
have it? And are you ready to stay in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> for 3 consecutive months in <o:p></o:p>
order to get it? And for what reason? You just never know when you will need it to come back to Lebanon and live. I recommend if you can get the citizenship do it.
<o:p></o:p>
10) How do you think you can help in promoting for <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>? Speak highly of it, share experiences and photos and perhaps set up a website.
<o:p></o:p>
11) What about creating a Lebanese lobby? Do you think this will help?It could help, i guess there are daring people out there.
<o:p></o:p>
12) Any additional comments? Long live Lebanon!!!

Motorcity

1) Were you born in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>? or your parents were emigrants and you were born abroad? And for how long you (or your parents) have been abroad?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>Born Abroad, in a different country than the one I reside in!
Father has been out since 1964, Ma in 73!
<o:p></o:p>
2) What were the reasons of your (or your parents’) emigration?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>Economic & Social/reasons!
<o:p></o:p>
3) What does <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> represent to you? Is it your home? Your parents’ country? A country you care about? Just a country like any other in the world? Else?

Home Sweet Home,and since i here on this Forum 24/7, then yes I do care about!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
4) Are you living in a Lebanese atmosphere? (Tell us about your neighbourhood, your friends, your surrounding, etc..) Are you accustomed to the Lebanese traditions ?

Pretty much I live in Dearborn, South Lebanon, 48126!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
5) Do you think that the Lebanese government is taking care of you? How?<o:p></o:p>
Do you feel ignored and forgotten by the government? Why?

I don't feel Ignored, and I wonder what the goverment could do other than what its already doing!
I think we should stop complaining, and see what we should instead do for for Lebanon!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
6) What are you doing for <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> now? How do you think you’re helping or <o:p></o:p>
defending it?

I am not doing anything at this time, with the exception of supporting some relatives back home!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
7) How many times have you been to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>?

Once!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
8) Where do you see the position of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> in the international community? <o:p></o:p>
And what do u think about the conflicts going on ?

I don't understand your first part!
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
9) For those who don’t have the Lebanese Nationality: do you wish/desire to <o:p></o:p>
have it? And are you ready to stay in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> for 3 consecutive months in <o:p></o:p>
order to get it? And for what reason?

I do have it, but I can't stay that long if I didn't!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
10) How do you think you can help in promoting for <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>?

keep & spread a good word about its beauty,hospitality, culture & cuisine!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
11) What about creating a Lebanese lobby? Do you think this will help?

Lobby for what, whom?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>

Jerry

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nadnoud

A friend of mine is preparing her final year project at university about “the Lebanese Emigration” , and she needs testimonies from lebanese living abroad.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
Here’s the list of the questions to which she needs answers. I thought I could help her through this forum, of which a lot of members are abroad.<o:p></o:p>
I kindly ask the ones concerned to answer the questions below.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
.....

Nadnoud i would like to help and answer the questions but before doing it i have a small question: can you ask your friend please to define the Emigration he/ she is working on, if it's temporary emigration, long-term , short term Emigration etc.... just to know if my case is suitable to answer the questions

Jerry

Nadnoud

Cheekie, Motorcity, thanks a lot for your help guys, and thx for the ones who sent me PMs...

Jerry, she didn't specify, she's questioning people with different cases, so im sure yours will be suitable, yalla let me hear from you soon :)

Cheeers..

Hye4Lebanon

1) Were you born in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>? or your parents were emigrants and you were born abroad? And for how long you (or your parents) have been abroad?

Born in Lebanon, been away for 12 years

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
2) What were the reasons of your (or your parents’) emigration?
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p>Study abroad</o:p>

<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
3) What does <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> represent to you? Is it your home? Your parents’ country? A country you care about? Just a country like any other in the world? Else?

My home, my country, my parents country, a country that I care about deeply

<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
4) Are you living in a Lebanese atmosphere? (Tell us about your neighbourhood, your friends, your surrounding, etc..) Are you accustomed to the Lebanese traditions ?

My neighbourhood is full of asians, the closest Lebanese family is about 80 miles away. I am accustomed to many Lebanese traditions especially with food. I do have a Lebanese flag on my roof and a Lebanese flaf bumper sticker on my motorcycle.

<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
5) Do you think that the Lebanese government is taking care of you? How?<o:p></o:p>
Do you feel ignored and forgotten by the government? Why?

The government cares less about me or any Lebanese I know. I know I feel forgotten from the times I visit the Lebanese consulate to renew my passport, that I have to explain everything again. My file seems to disappear once I leave the building, but my check gets surely cashed!

<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
6) What are you doing for <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> now? How do you think you’re helping or <o:p></o:p>
defending it?

Defending in battle is not likely, but I sure put a good word for it and send money to family members living there. Always keep the spirit up.

<o:p></o:p>
7) How many times have you been to <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>?

Eight times<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>
8) Where do you see the position of <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> in the international community? <o:p></o:p>

Hopefully, it will stand out. Maybe our leaders can take their heads out of their behinds and start working for the future.

And what do u think about the conflicts going on ?

<o:p>What conflict, I see no conflict, I see bunch of corrupt leaders trying to make a quick buck and care less about the people or the country. We almost lost Lebanon all because of the idiots.</o:p>

<o:p></o:p>
9) For those who don’t have the Lebanese Nationality: do you wish/desire to <o:p></o:p>
have it? And are you ready to stay in <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region> for 3 consecutive months in <o:p></o:p>
order to get it? And for what reason?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
10) How do you think you can help in promoting for <st1:country-region><st1:place>Lebanon</st1:place></st1:country-region>?

Keep a positive image and work to better ourselves.
<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>
11) What about creating a Lebanese lobby? Do you think this will help?

Yes it is does and it has :)

<o:p></o:p>
12) Any additional comments?<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
I urge you to post the answers to these questions in here, or send it to me by PM (private message) in case you don’t wanna reveal any information about yourself in public. <o:p></o:p>
Thanks for your time and for being helpful!<o:p></o:p>
__________________

LebanonUSA

1) Were you born in Lebanon? or your parents were emigrants and you were born abroad? And for how long you (or your parents) have been abroad?

No I wasn't born in Lebanon. I lived in Lebanon for 18 years and left 6 years ago.

2) What were the reasons of your (or your parents’) emigration?

My father came to the US for college and stayed. My mother followed him later.

3) What does Lebanon represent to you? Is it your home? Your parents’ country? A country you care about? Just a country like any other in the world? Else?

Lebanon is my country, my parent's country, my wife's country, her parent's country. If it wasn't a country I care about, I wouldn't be here on this forum... I'd be at a FM or LF forum :logo:

4) Are you living in a Lebanese atmosphere? (Tell us about your neighbourhood, your friends, your surrounding, etc..) Are you accustomed to the Lebanese traditions ?

My friends are all Lebanese, I work for a Lebanese company, my colleagues are Lebanese, I buy my groceries from a Lebanese market... Come to think of it, there's not much Americans I know !!!:LEBANON:

5) Do you think that the Lebanese government is taking care of you? How?
Do you feel ignored and forgotten by the government? Why?

Lebanese government is taking care of me?? Is this a joke because if it is, it's a mean one

Okay, let's think of the last 30 years... The first 15 years, fhemna, there was a war raging and almost all government institutions collapsed. Then there was another 15 years of military occupation that paralyzed the government, 3ala rasse. But now for over a year, what did our new "free" and "democratic" government do for me as a Lebanese expat? Nothing... Au contraire, it made it even worse for us... Starting some time this year, the Lebanese embassy in Washington DC will stop (or has already stopped) issuing passports! Mahdoumeen ktere. Ok, I asked them, what if my passport expired? They said I have to go to Lebanon to renew it. Saret el nazle 3a Lebnen ghazz ben 3anna! What if I can't afford to go to Lebanon!?!?

6) What are you doing for Lebanon now? How do you think you’re helping or
defending it?

My being away for Lebanon is a good thing for those who live in Lebanon... One less lunatic off Lebanon's roads! Pray for the people of Virginia...

7) How many times have you been to Lebanon?

Since I left Lebanon in 2000 (w saret sent el alfen w zabat el balad), I have been to Lebanon three times - 2001, 2003 and 2005. That means ma fi nazle 3a Lebnen hal sene.

8) Where do you see the position of Lebanon in the international community?
And what do u think about the conflicts going on ?

Lebanon was a pioneer in the international community: one of the original countries to sign the UN Charter, Arab League charter, Declaration of Human Rights, and more...

Hopefully with General Aoun back in Baabda next month Lebanon will regain its lost glory!

9) For those who don’t have the Lebanese Nationality: do you wish/desire to
have it? And are you ready to stay in Lebanon for 3 consecutive months in
order to get it? And for what reason?

It's an honor for anyone to have the Lebanese citizenship. I hope the day comes when Lebanese women also have the right to grant the Lebanese citizenship to her children too. I have no objection to live in Lebanon for three consecutive months, however, we, the prolitaria in the USA, barely have two weeks vacation per year. Some are luckier and have three weeks vacation... It's almost impossible to leave the US for three months at a time.

10) How do you think you can help in promoting for Lebanon?

Open a Lebanese restaurant (my answers will continue getting sillier by the minute now, it's after midnight and I'm sleeeepy

)

11) What about creating a Lebanese lobby? Do you think this will help?

There is a Lebanese lobby sorry I mean lobbies... A couple of them are working for the good of Lebanon, and sorry, the rest are just blah blah blah...

12) Any additional comments?