Washington DC, December 15, 2007 Dear Family Members: The summer of 2007, I returned to Lebanon after 60 years. My Father was born in South Lebanon and my Mother in Mount Lebanon. Each defined by their family name in a country which both of them yearned for. Separated from their country by the ocean, they remained connected with their hearts. Laurice Hobeika Mujais was one of five children born to Jamil and Aziza Hobeika. Our family lineage is a tribute to them: Salwa, Adel, Lody, Laurice, and Jamil. The political and social upheavals in our world have created a climate which enhances the loss of personal family history. I was naive to believe this only occurred in the West. My visit to Lebanon taught me otherwise. It was evident to me that my cousins(younger generation) were eager to learn more about our family and were thrilled when the first draft was entered on our web site by Hashem Yousef Hashem. Hashem is the Webmaster of www.marjeyoun.net which is the site for the families of Jdeidet Marjeyoun including the Abou Samra Family. His contributions to the families of Marjeyoun encouraged me to ask him to help us create the two sites: Hobeika and Abou Samra. He accepted graciously devoting many hours to this project. My two great Grandfathers. Khoury Kahlil Hazar and Khoury Hanna Mujais were legendary figures in their communities. Both were active beyond their traditional roles as Orthodox priests. Khoury Khalil was so beloved in Marjeyoun by all religions and sects, he was a priest for all and was nicknamed Khoury Mohammad. His humanistic and inclusive qualities are still a legend in Marjeyoun. Khoury Hanna Mujais' efforts on behalf of the community in Dhour Shweir are evident in the records of Mar Elias. Most of all, they were dear friends who shared the same ideals and hopes for our beautiful Lebanon with their comparable thoughts, politically and socially. Both of our family sites are not only a tribute to my Mother and her siblings but to the memory and causes of these two great Priests. Affectionately, Nadia Abou Samra Benab nadbenab@aol.com

Main Page