In recognition of the importance of South Lebanon and its pivotal role in Lebanese life, the University of Sciences and Arts in Lebanon (USAL), through its course The Media Atelier, organized an event titled “And the South Remains”. The event aimed to highlight the resilience of the South, its history of resistance, and its integral place in the Lebanese identity.
The event was divided into two segments. The first was opened by student Ali Souli, and included a speech by MP Dr. Elias Jarade, who delivered a heartfelt message emphasizing the importance of “directing our compass southward, guided by truth and righteousness.” He added, “Hold onto this identity, for the South is the last stronghold of humanity. It is our honor to bear this responsibility and defend it.”
This was followed by a speech from student Zeinab Assaf, representing her classmates, in which she summarized two months of dedicated work. She stressed that the South is “not merely a geographical location on the map, but a soul flowing through every part of the homeland — a steadfast principle declaring to the world that every occupied or threatened land in our beloved country is a South that deserves sacrifice.”
Media students Malak Shreim, Rawan Hershi, Jana Hussein, and Zeinab Zein then recited patriotic poems expressing love for the country and southern resilience. The segment also included musical interludes that revived the auditory memory of the South, featuring timeless anthems such as “The Most Beautiful Mothers” and “I Walk Upright.”
To enrich the collective southern memory, engineer Mohammad Koutharani presented a talk highlighting the legacies of historical freedom fighters such as Adham Khanjar and others who left their mark on the resistance movement.
The event was accompanied by a photographic and cultural exhibition in the university corridors, displaying relics of martyrs, books about Jabal Amel, and pivotal historical moments from the era of occupation to liberation.
The second segment, hosted by student Heba Dehini, featured a talk by religious correspondent Maya Ziyada, who affirmed that the southern struggle transcends sectarian divisions and represents a national and humanitarian value. She was followed by journalist Fatima Fattouni, who recounted her experience covering the Israeli aggression on South Lebanon, saluting her fellow journalists who “refused to leave despite the shelling and spoke their truth before departing this world.”
Journalist Mohammad Farhat joined remotely with a video message, underscoring the national significance of journalism as a pillar of resistance.
Amal Khalil, a reporter for Al-Akhbar since 2006, also spoke about how the pen can be a tool of resistance and documentation of southern perseverance.
The final media contribution came from Zeinab Yassine, who shared her on-the-ground experiences covering events and standing firm in the face of challenges.
The event concluded in a vibrant atmosphere with revolutionary chants and songs led by Anashid performer Hajj Ali Al-Attar, as USAL students raised their voices for the South, chanting the slogan: “They all leave, but the South remains!”
The students of The Media Atelier affirmed their commitment to continuing the documentation of the South’s stories and the experiences of its freedom fighters. Their message from USAL to the South remains clear:
“They all may leave — but you remain.”
EN 
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