{"id":30220,"date":"2026-09-23T17:48:40","date_gmt":"2026-09-23T21:48:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wlcu.world\/ng\/?p=30220"},"modified":"2026-09-23T18:17:30","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T22:17:30","slug":"the-lebanese-community-in-toronto-welcomes-lebanons-ambassador-to-canada-bachir-tawk-in-a-well-attended-gathering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wlcu.world\/ng\/30220\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lebanese Community in Toronto Welcomes Lebanon\u2019s Ambassador to Canada, Bachir Tawk, in a Well\u2011Attended Gathering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

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Press Release<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Lebanese Community in Toronto Welcomes Lebanon\u2019s Ambassador to Canada, Bachir Tawk, in a Well\u2011Attended Gathering<\/strong><\/p>\n

Toronto \u2013 September 19, 2026<\/p>\n

Toronto witnessed a distinctly Lebanese day as the World Lebanese Cultural Union (WLCU) \u2013 Toronto Chapter, in cooperation with the Embassy of Lebanon in Canada, organized a reception honoring His Excellency Ambassador Bachir Tawk. The event was held at Pinecrest Banquet Hall, with the participation of prominent members of the Lebanese community\u2014religious, social, economic, and academic figures\u2014alongside Canadian and Lebanese officials.<\/p>\n

The gathering, as stated in the official invitation, aimed to \u201cstrengthen ties with the community and exchange views on matters of mutual interest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Remarks from the World Lebanese Cultural Union<\/strong><\/p>\n

Following meetings between Lebanese community representatives and the Ambassador\u2014which lasted four hours and included the initiation of official consular transactions\u2014a tribute ceremony was held for Ambassador Tawk.<\/p>\n

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Samar Habib, President of the WLCU Toronto Chapter, followed by Rita Kazan, President of the WLCU Ontario Council.<\/p>\n

Then Elias Kassab, former World President of the WLCU, delivered a speech on behalf of current World President Fares Wahbeh, welcoming Ambassador Tawk and the attendees. Kassab praised the Union\u2019s role since its founding in 1959 in defending the rights of Lebanese expatriates, affirming that its members:<\/p>\n

\u201cVolunteer their effort, their money, and their precious time\u2026 and support the Union in its historic struggle for Lebanon\u2019s independence, freedom, and sovereignty.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kassab also reflected on the humanitarian and educational legacy of the late Marie Mousa, saying:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe see her among us whenever we meet, whenever we gather, whenever we raise a flag on a corner.\u201d<\/p>\n

He added that many like Mary Moussa continue to serve Lebanon, both at home and abroad.<\/p>\n

Kassab then explained the symbolism of the Emigrant Statue, placed by the Union in several cities worldwide, before presenting it officially to Ambassador Tawk as the Union\u2019s highest honor\u2014an expression of affection and appreciation for the Ambassador\u2019s service to the community and his efforts to strengthen relations between Lebanon and Canada.<\/p>\n

Community Discussions and Aspirations<\/strong><\/p>\n

The event featured meetings filled with interventions from delegations and their representatives, expressing the importance of enhancing consular services in the region and addressing the growing needs of the Lebanese community\u2014including calls to open a general consulate in Toronto to facilitate official transactions and expand service capacity.<\/p>\n

Ambassador Tawk thanked the WLCU Toronto leadership for organizing the gathering and for honoring him with the Emigrant Statue. He encouraged the community to benefit from streamlined consular services, especially electronic ones, and urged Lebanese expatriates to register their marriages and children to preserve the rights of the new generation abroad.<\/p>\n

He also announced that Lebanese abroad will soon be able to obtain the biometric passport, which goes beyond travel rights to enabling expatriates to exercise their right to vote.<\/p>\n

At the end of the event, the Ambassador took commemorative photos with delegations and attendees, then presented a special gift to Mr. Elie Gideon in appreciation of his efforts in coordinating and successfully executing the event.<\/p>\n

Wide Official and Popular Attendance<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the conclusion of the ceremony, organizers extended special thanks to:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • Ontario Minister Michael Parsa<\/li>\n
  • MP Aris Babikian<\/li>\n
  • MP Sheref Sabawy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    They also expressed gratitude to all leaders and participating bodies, including World Secretary\u2011General Bassem Medawar, Regional Vice President Marwan Sader, Former Regional Vice President Leila Haj, Toronto Chapter President Samar Habib, Ontario Council President Rita Kazan, Treasurer John<\/span> Gideon, and all WLCU officials and members in Toronto who demonstrated effective teamwork\u2014keeping alive the spirit of:<\/p>\n

    \u201cThis global Lebanon, indeed this Lebanese world.\u201d<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n