Al Diyar newspaper featured today the rare popular craft of reed basket and rug weaving that has been passed from one generation to another but that is being forced into extinction due to a decline in demand. On the subject, Al Diyar spoke to Souad Abi Mansour, 76, from Ser’ul village in Zgharta who still holds to this craftsmanship which she inherited from her father. Mansour said her husband and she now depend on this craft for living and educating her children at the best schools and universities. Abu Charbel, from the same village, has worked in this craft for nearly 45 years, he told Al Diyar’s reporter. In the past, he lamented, demand was higher for reed baskets, but today with the widespread use of plastic, it receded and faded. Gerges, in turn, explained that the craft requires considerable time and hard work compared to the low proceeds. Ser’ul inhabitants grieved to Al Diyar that most of the young people refuse to take this profession, demanding the government to revive the artisan sector in the country. (Al Diyar, September 25, 2019)