Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital Commemorates the Tragedy of the August 4th Explosion

Hôtel-Dieu de France Hospital Commemorates the Tragedy of the August 4th Explosion

As is customary every year, and to commemorate the events of August 4th, Hôtel-Dieu de France organized a solidarity vigil on Friday, August 2, 2024, in front of the emergency department, which witnessed that dreadful night. The medical and nursing staff, as well as hospital employees, attended to stand in tribute to the victims' souls, their families, and those who suffered due to this tragedy.

The gathering began with the national anthem, followed by a time of prayer, hymns, and a moment of mourning.

Afterwards, Mr. Nassib Nasr, the General Director of the USJ-HDF hospital network, addressed the commemoration, highlighting the importance of justice and remembrance. In his speech, he said: "On this tragic anniversary, Hôtel-Dieu team stands, as they do every year, in front of the emergency department to pay tribute to the souls of the victims, the injured, their families, and all who witnessed this tragedy in this very place. Despite the passing of four years, the wounds are still bleeding because justice has not been served yet, and we cannot forget the deep repercussions of that night, the night of August 4, 2020. We stand here today also to pray and hope that this case will receive the justice it deserves, because the homeland cannot be upright, and the Lebanese state cannot rise, unless the truth is revealed and those responsible for this crime against Beirut are held accountable.

Alongside this commemoration, today also marks the beatification of Patriarch Estephan El Douaihy, whose life journey was marked by knowledge and sanctity, making this beatification a source of hope and aspiration for all Lebanese. We hope that justice will be served soon, and that we will have hope for a better tomorrow."

Reverend Rector, Salim Daccache s.j., President of the Board of Directors of Hôtel-Dieu de France, concluded the commemoration by emphasizing the need to promote social solidarity, saying: "The memory of this day is not just a day of mourning, but a day of reflection and renewal of our covenant. A covenant to build a new Lebanon, a Lebanon that respects the dignity of every citizen. On that fateful day, August 4th, 2020, our hospital, through the teams of doctors, nurses and medics, provided aid and saved many from the jaws of death. We renew our gratitude to you and call for more solidarity and preparedness in these difficult days.

We must learn from this tragedy, extract the lessons and work tirelessly to build a better future for our generations to come. A future built on solid foundations of justice, equality and transparency, a future where the law is respected and human rights are protected. Each of us has a role to play in building this future. We must be role models for our children, instill in them the values of tolerance, love and cooperation. We must work together, hand in hand, to build a strong and cohesive society. We must demand our rights and hold the responsible accountable for any shortcomings or negligence. We demand the truth and will not accept its obfuscation. Yet, we are advocates of love and unity, which is our strongest weapon in facing challenges.

We must transcend our sectarian and denominational differences and rally around the flag of the one homeland. We must be one voice, and demand our legitimate rights. I pray to God to embrace the souls of the explosion victims with His vast mercy, to heal the wounds of the nation, and to inspire us with wisdom and patience.

I say to you: we will not forget, we will not forgive, and we will continue to demand the right and justice. Let us work together, with all our strength and faith, to reform what is corrupt and build a better future for our generations to come."

The event in front of the emergency department concluded with the distribution of white flowers to all attendees.