As Vancouver’s multicultural landscape continues to evolve, the Lebanese community has woven itself into the city’s fabric, leaving a remarkable legacy. With the return of Lebanese Heritage Month in November, Dr. Nick Kahwaji, the honorary consul at the Honorary Consulate of Lebanon in Vancouver, believes language is the key to preserving cultural heritage.

“Language is an open door to culture,” he explains.

While the recent Israel-Palestine conflict has prompted the cancellation of Lebanese Heritage Month celebrations, the community is actively engaged in fundraising efforts to support those affected.

A collective commitment

Dr. Kahwaji’s own journey to Canada is a story showcasing the resilience and adaptability of the Lebanese people. Arriving in 1989 with no intention of immigrating, he found himself unexpectedly staying due to the last phase of the Lebanese Civil War taking force in Lebanon.

“The country accepted me, gave me a chance to learn English, and start working as a dentist,” Dr. Kahwaji says, remembering his early years in Canada.

He eventually became the President of The Lebanese Canadian Society of BC, an organization working to represent and support the local Lebanese diaspora.

“We were a group of people who wanted to put the community on a cultural track,” he adds.

Together with the Lebanese community in Victoria, they established the World Lebanese Cultural Union’s BC Chapter to connect young Lebanese Canadians with their heritage.

“We created a group for the youth – for our children who were born here – to get together, know each other and stay under the umbrella of Lebanese society,” Dr. Kahwaji explains.

Under his leadership, the Consulate plays a pivotal role in promoting Lebanese culture and heritage. One notable initiative is the monument to Kahlil Gibran, erected at Simon Fraser University’s Burnaby campus. This enduring tribute honours the renowned Lebanese American philosopher and poet, whose profound insights continue to inspire people worldwide.

Embracing duality

Despite the ongoing challenges faced by Lebanon, the Lebanese community in Vancouver remains resilient and hopeful.

“It’s heartbreaking to enjoy and celebrate while our people are suffering back home,” Dr. Kahwaji says, adding that the community has decided to keep celebrations to a minimum. “We will host two fundraising events, and we have proposed to Vancouver and Burnaby Public Libraries to offer Lebanese books in Arabic as a gesture to celebrate Lebanese culture.”

The Consulate plans to hold a flag-raising event in Vancouver, and a Music Without Borders concert to celebrate Lebanese music.

However, the Lebanese presence in Vancouver continues to grow. The rise of Lebanese restaurants, such as the eatery Zaatar w Zeit, has introduced authentic Lebanese cuisine to a wider audience.

“It’s open only in Vancouver,” Dr. Kahwaji points out, praising the restaurant for its authentic Lebanese fast food and coffee.

According to him, the increasing demand for Lebanese ingredients has led to the growth of Lebanese shipping companies, further strengthening the economic ties between Vancouver and Lebanon. Dr. Kahwaji thinks that the presence of Lebanese businesses is now unmissable.

Most Lebanese immigrants in Vancouver are fluent in English and French, and the Consulate remains committed to promoting language and culture within their community.

“Our children walk on two feet – one is Western culture and one is Lebanese culture,” Dr. Kahwaji says. “They need both cultures, they cannot walk on one foot.”

This year the Lebanese community celebrates 136 years of presence in British Columbia.

For more information, see https://lebanonembassy.ca/consulates.html