DEARBORN — International superstar Assi El-Helani was awarded with a certificate of appreciation from the Lebanese American Heritage Club at the LAHC’s Anniversary and Independence Day reception on Wednesday, November 17.

“Back then in the 80s, the only people who used to gather the community together were the pop singers,” said LAHC Founder Ali Jawad. “We used to call him the ambassador due to the absence of the Lebanese government back then. These people were good ambassadors for the Lebanese.”

Dearborn Mayor Jack O’Reilly (3rd from right), Lebanese superstar singer Assi El-Helani (4th from right), Lebanese entertainer Ayman Zbib (2nd from right) and Lebanese American Heritage Club founder Ali Jawad (to El-Helani’s left) are among those who celebrated Lebanon’s upcoming Nov. 22 Independence Day on Wednesday, Nov. 17. PHOTO: Nafeh AbuNab/American Elite Studios

Government officials, such as Consul General of Lebanon in Detroit, Bachir Tawk, and international guests, were included among the 200 guests who celebrated the culture and history of Lebanon as well as the work that the LAHC has done for 28 years.

“We founded the Lebanese American Heritage club near November 22 on purpose because we wanted to celebrate the independence of Lebanon,” said Jawad. “Because in 1982, the civil war was destroying Lebanon itself. Here we thought we could gather the whole community and bring it together to be behind the independence and sovereignty of Lebanon.”

According to LAHC Executive Director Wassim Mahfouz, the LAHC began as an athletic foundation and grew into the community organization it is today through the work of its members. Its goal is to promote the educational, cultural affairs of the community, while preserving its heritage and traditions.

“We could not find a better day than the day of independence to found an organization such as this,” Mahfouz said.

Nye player Nadim Dlaikan and LAHC Second Vice-President Mohamed Jaber were awarded along with El-Helani for their work in promoting the Lebanese culture and uniting the community.

“He has been playing for over 50 years in the United States,” said Jawad of Dlaikan. “That is something that helps promote our culture because he participated in multicultural events with African Americans, Mexicans and Asians. He has been all over the country.”

“Mohamed Jaber is truly an instrumental component of this organization,” said First Vice President Suehaila M. Amen. “He has worked tirelessly to help us achieve what we have over the years.”

“We are delighted to have celebrated these two momentous occasions,” said LAHC President Salem Salamey. “We renew our commitment to you to continue these endeavors, hoping to reach new frontiers and to set new benchmarks. To prove to friend and foe alike that our community and people are an integral part of the American political, social and cultural fabric.”