A foreign tour of Rashayya stimulates local communities and women’s hospitality work

A joint European-Arab-Lebanese delegation toured the Caza of Nabatyeh within the framework of an action entitled “know to love” and which is organized by the “Together e rebuild” association as well as other NGOs and in collaboration with the Federation of the Jabal el Sheikh municipalities.  The visit extended over three days and kicked off with a tour to the Kfermeshki agricultural valley where the delegation got to know the products of this area including its orchards and vineyards in coordination with the local economic and development agency in the Bekaa.  The delegation then visited Ayta el Fakhar including its touristic and historical landmarks and then moved to Mdookha where the Federation of Municipalities of Al Kalaa had prepared a celebration dinner.  The delegation also organized a march in solidarity with the army and the internal security forces and walked towards East Rashya and then into the Rashaya – Chebaa road which is adjacent to Mount Hermon.  The delegation was escorted by the security forces until it reached the village of Ayn Atta where the Municpality had organized a lunch prepared by the women members of the Ayn Attah rural women cooperatives.  Lunch was followed a visit to historical landmarks of the village.  The group then pursued its journey to Ain Harsha and then Beyt Lahya.  The tour ended with a village dinner in the village of Bekkifa followed by a cultural evening.
Father Marun Atallah noted that the visit aims at introducing foreigners to the real face of Lebanon, its hospitality, convivial living and goodness.  The general secretary of the Lebanese cultural hostels, Shawki Dallal, noted that the importance of this visit is in introducing the visitors to the history and landmarks of Wadi Taym, as well as create spaces for encounters between the Eastern and Western cultures.

Source: Al-Mustaqbal 15 September 2014