إيليو مكرزل - بيليم، البرازيل
Dream to become a Lebanese citizen.
By: Helio Mokarzel - Belém, Brasil
This past year I had the pleasure of going to Lebanon with the Maronite Foundation. I felt honored to be in Lebanon representing Brazil. I always wanted to go to Lebanon to learn about my roots, rights and citizenship. I also want to carry on the traditions of Lebanese culture. We are very proud to be part of the Lebanese community. Anyone who comes to Brazil ,can see our love for Lebanese culture through the food and culture and also, how important is for us to pass on the Lebanese traditions to our children.
In Brazil, there are 7.000.000 descendants of Lebanese origin. Lebanese have populated many cities here including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Belém (where I live), and Belo Horizonte. Lebanese immigrants started coming around 1880. This occurred after the visit of Dom Pedro II in Lebanon. It is my dream one day to have Lebanese citizenship. My great-grandfather came to Brazil from Lebanon, Metn, city: Ain Aar with a French Passport. At that time, we had a consulate in my town. It has since been shut down. We have to report to the Embassy in Brasilia and what complicates the matter is that the location of my great-grandfather’s papers are unknown. I can’t register until I have them. For me, it’s important to have a Lebanese passport to save the history of my Lebanese family. I always say that my heart is in Lebanon and my foot in Brazil.
I wish to invite you all to try to register your Lebanese citizenship in: http://www.registerlebnani.com
Please sign and share, it’s important for our pride and fight for Lebanon: THE LEBANESE CITIZENSHIP PETITION. If you are of Lebanese descent and, for some reason or another, haven't been able to register in Lebanon, fill out the petition below, click "Done," and share this website with your friends. The larger the number of people who sign this petition, the better the chances of your getting your Lebanese citizenship! We should all spread the word about it. You do your part by filling out the petition and sharing it with your friends and relatives, and we will do our part by striving to make your voice heard in Lebanon.