Lebanese woman mocked on social media for appearing at feasts by rival candidates

1 / 2
Social media users in Lebanon were critical of an elderly woman who apparently joined two separate feasts by rival candidates taking part in the parliamentary elections. (Screenshot)2
2 / 2
Updated 06 May 2018
Follow

Lebanese woman mocked on social media for appearing at feasts by rival candidates

BEIRUT: Social media users in Lebanon were critical of an elderly woman who apparently joined two separate feasts by rival candidates taking part in the parliamentary elections.
The woman from Tripoli was mocked for having lunch at a feast held in support of the Future Movement — headed by Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri — before having dinner at another one by rival candidates in the Azm List — led by former prime minister Najib Mikati.
Local reports said the elderly woman was laughed at on social media platforms for appearing at the venues of the rival electoral lists.


Out of frustration, she cried in an interview with Lebanon’s Al-Jadeed TV, while explaining how hurt she is by all the negative comments from people whom she said are not aware of her dire life situation.
“I’m the madame whose pictures were shared on Facebook...I don’t know what to say, people are cursing me,” the woman said as she cried in the video.


“I don’t care for either candidate, I just want the best for the country, I just want either candidate to serve our nation.
“I was only curious to know both candidates, nothing more,” she added.
Lebanon went to the polls Sunday to elect a parliament for the first time in nine years.


Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza

Updated 04 January 2026
Follow

Essex man takes on charity endurance challenge for children in Gaza

  • Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual Sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 2,287 miles

LONDON: A man in England has launched a demanding charity challenge to raise funds for children affected by the war in Gaza.

Mark Watson, 63, is undertaking a “virtual sumud” journey from his Essex home town in Harlow to Gaza, covering 3,680 km running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing.

He is raising money for Medical Aid for Palestinians, a UK-based humanitarian organization that probides healthcare to Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories.

“I have felt helpless day after day seeing images of countless children in Gaza with broken bodies and missing limbs and witnessing their unbearable suffering,” Watson said on his JustGiving page.

“I have been inspired by the courage of those who took part in the global sumud flotilla and all of the activists who have put their lives and freedom at risk supporting the Palestinian people and so I am raising funds for Medical Aid for Palestinians.

“My challenge is to complete a virtual sumud from Harlow, where I live, to Gaza. Running, walking, swimming, cycling and rowing I will cover the 2,287 miles as quickly as I can.

“I am an unfit, overweight 63-year-old, so I’m not going to break any records, but the Arabic word Sumud means steadfastness and perseverance, and I will give it my all.

Watson added: “I hope to be joined by people I love and admire along the way, so please support my fundraiser. Every donation, however small, will help save the lives of Palestinians.”

As of Jan. 3, his fundraising effort had reached 12 per cent of its £5,000 ($6,733) target.

The war in Gaza began after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on southern Israel, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.

Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza, which local health authorities say has resulted in the deaths of more than 71,000 Palestinians, widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and a severe humanitarian crisis.

International aid agencies have repeatedly said that children are among the most affected, facing injury, displacement, malnutrition and limited access to medical care.

Watson said he was inspired by activists and humanitarian efforts supporting Palestinians and hopes his challenge can make a small contribution to saving lives.