By John Mahoney, writing for AMUST
The Lebanese Muslim Association officially opened its new offices, in Tripoli, Lebanon on Saturday 18 October, which will also house the international headquarters of the organisation’s charity arm, Feed The World, as well as LMA Travel – signalling the next chapter in the organisation’s proud legacy of service.
A senior LMA delegation travelled from Australia for the opening, including President Hafez Alameddine, Secretary and spokesman Gamel Kheir, board member Issa Kordi, Executive Director Khal Asfour, Operations Manager Khaled Alameddine and Sheikh Yahya Safi, Imam of Lakemba Mosque for almost 30 years.
The group was warmly received by community members and local dignitaries.
“The official opening was a reflection of the unity, compassion and resilience of a community that has grown from humble beginnings into a truly global organisation,” Gamel Kheir told AMUST.
Sheikh Yahya Safi and Hafez and Khaled Alameddine are joined by other dignitaries, placing hands on a commemorative piece to mark unity at the opening.
“The LMA board would like to thank Hajj Khaled Alameddine for his tireless efforts in ensuring the opening was a resounding success,” he added.
Founded in Sydney in 1962 by Lebanese migrants, the LMA is Australia’s oldest non-profit Islamic organisation.
It has expanded significantly over the past six decades, guided by the dedication of community elders who oversaw the construction of the iconic Lakemba Mosque in the 1970s, among other initiatives.
The ‘New LMA’ now has offices in Tripoli (above) and three other Lebanese cities.
“This is part of the ‘New LMA’ – a transparent, financially accountable organisation with nothing to hide and everything to look forward to,” Mr Kheir said.
“We are building a legacy that future generations of Australian Muslims can be proud of.”
The Tripoli opening is a visible step in a broader global and national strategy.
As AMUST reported last month, the New LMA has recently purchased former places of worship in both Melbourne and Adelaide, which will be respectfully redeveloped as mosques.
Their acquisition marks a new chapter in the Association’s 63-year history and extends its national footprint.
The LMA board was full of praise for the diligent efforts of its Operations Manager Hajj Khaled Alameddine (above) in co-ordinating the grand opening.
These projects sit alongside the establishment of the Australian Mosques Alliance and preparations for the opening of the newly constructed Young Mosque.
Internationally, the LMA says the Tripoli office will strengthen community support, humanitarian delivery and faith-based services for the Lebanese diaspora and partners across the region, with additional local offices also now open in the Lebanese cities of Akkar,
Dunnieh and Menieh.
The new offices in Lebanon will also coordinate programs for Feed The World and travel services via LMA Travel, building on the Association’s community development work in Australia.
“The future is here,” Gamel Kheir said. “And the New LMA is ready to lead.”
Gamel Kheir also singled out respected Lebanese businessman Hajj Ahmed “Dourie” Alameddine for special praise.
“An absolute gentleman….he gifted the LMA a parcel of land for the mosque at El Meridor free of charge – and we couldn’t be more appreciative.”
