Lebanon flag raising celebrates growing community in NYC
From left: New York City Mayor Eric Adams; John Abi-Habib, New Jersey’s honorary consul of Lebanon; and Lebanese opera singer Amine Hachem.
By Wayne Daren Schneiderman
December 20, 2024
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NEW YORK CITY — A Lebanese flag raising ceremony was recently hosted by New York City Mayor Eric Adams — the first of its kind in New York — to celebrate Lebanon Independence Day, the Lebanese community, and their contributions to the city.
John Abi-Habib, New Jersey’s honorary consul of Lebanon, was the master of ceremonies for the hour-long presentation that took place the afternoon of Dec. 6. by the Charging Bull on Broadway, just north of Bowling Green in the Financial District. Abi-Habib also serves on the vestry of the Maronite Cathedral in Brooklyn Heights.
Also in attendance at the event was Edward Mermelstein, New York City commissioner for international affairs; Manuel Castro, New York City commissioner for the mayor’s office (immigrant affairs); and Majdi Ramadan, Charge D’Affairs of Lebanon in New York.
Adams referred to New York City as “the Beirut of America,” with its large Lebanese community, and said that it “breaks his heart” to see conflict in the region, but noted that, “Whatever plays out on the international stage, plays out on the streets of New York [as well].”
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
