Final Draft

The Lebanese way

The goal of a business is not to make money, for me, it is a way to connect with my community and my heritage. Business defines who I am, it is a feeling of comfort and familiarity and I am not alone. For Lebanese people, business entrepreneurship is a way to our traditions and plays an influential role in our life decisions. As several Lebanese people emigrate from Lebanon, business is the first thing we pack. Our work comes naturally to us, and in the blink of an eye Lebanese people can create a business plan spontaneously. It is a reflex for us.

First of all, one big question that is important to know is how are Lebanese people a diaspora? What made them leave? The big answer is the post effects of Lebanese civil, which in perspective imagine your everyday life was filled with uncertainty. The uncertainty that you might get hit today or tomorrow, your death day could have been sooner or later, and the fear of tomorrow killed you every day. Many religious groups were completely divided at the time and as a result, uncertainty got the best of people. 

Gratefully in 1990, the war ended with the Taif accord being signed. According to Khoury, the Taif Accord is about: “The Accord ushered in Lebanon’s Second Republic, where power is equally divided between the Christian and Muslin communities”. As for what Khoury said, this accord seems promising by promoting equality, however, the real implications of the accord are more sinister. As it is later stated by Khoury, “In fact, the…settlement that would appease the elites (elite “reconciliation”) rather than resolving the underlying issues of the conflict (national reconciliation).” I agree with Khoury on this however, this is not just an option, it’s a big fact in Lebanon that the accord didn’t resolve anything. Not only that but the Taif Accord created the amnesty law which allowed anyone that actively took part in the civil war to have immunity from conviction. This quote from Haugbolle shows us how corrupt this law is “However, amnesties that grant impunity for gross human rights violations without investigation are incompatible with international law.” Now with a corrupt country, terrible militia leaders were able to put themselves in key positions in government. This created a dangerous environment for the people, since stating your option can cost you a life. There’s a whole generation from the post-war who are filled with fear of uncertainty. As a result, to be at peace and protected, people move away, leaving their corrupt homes. They settle in other countries and try to forget what happened back in Lebanon.

Secondly, does being diaspora effect if Lebanese people should open a business? Now as Lebanese people leave the warm and cozy home they settle in unknown areas. They carry their past with them as they are hit with negative stereotypes from their new country. To overcome these stereotypes, they try to prove that they are good citizens. Often time Lebanese people would open businesses too show the public that they are helping the community. However as much as they try to assimilate to their new country, they miss the smell of spices and gasoline in the air from Lebanon. Maybe that’s why Arabs always own gas stations, it smells like home. This is another reason why they open businesses to attract the Lebanese community with the comforting smell of cumin and zaatar. 

Also, many of these immigrants carry their baggage from Lebanon to their new countries. Business ownership is deeply rooted in Lebanese culture. Usually, when Lebanese create new business in other countries it’s often related to their past life in Lebanon. Take for example my uncle Mohammed Hage co-owner of Lufa Farms, a rooftop green-house company in Montreal. The idea of the company dates back to his childhood in Lebanon when he was working in the field, growing vegetables for the family. Now in Montreal, he is apart of Canadian culture and at the same time, he’s created a Lebanese community around his business. Finally, traditionally Lebanese people always have an eye for business and when they arrive in a new country they try to fit in while keeping their roots alive.

Another big thing to point out is why Lebanese people are successful. One big reason is due to how corrupt Lebanon is. With a corrupt government, people can’t rely on the institution to provide and help its citizens. So, as a result, people start becoming more independent and they begin to provide for themselves. This quote from Kabbany explains the struggle with the government, “In Lebanon, people don’t rely on the government as much. They’re more independent… If there’s a need, then there’s an entrepreneur creating a service for it. That is just the way it is.” I agree with Kabbany in this quote, when he says “That is just the way it is” it just shows that independence is a part of the Lebanese personality. So, with independence from the government “Lebanese entrepreneurs have learned to be flexible and resilient” (The Economist). This is what makes the difference in how successful these people are. For example, when COVID-19 hit and everyone was panicking and closing everything my dad who owns a restaurant in the airport stayed open. I remember he said:

“Hassan, we need to go to Rona and get some supplies, we’re installing plexiglass at the cash.”

I remember at the time; he was really on top of the coronavirus and taking quick control of the issue. My dad quickly adapted to the situation. So now he and 3 other restaurants (also owned by Arabs) are the only ones that are helping the airport in these times. Lebanese people’s adaptability and flexibility are what make them stand out in the market today. 

   However, this personality trait is not only due to the corrupt government it is also rooted in ancient history. Historically Lebanon was a Phoenician state, the Phoenicians in Lebanon were well known for trade since Lebanon, geographically is very close to Africa and Europe. Lebanon was the gateway for the eastern world to the west. The country became a commercial hub, by transporting textiles and imported goods at sea. Phoenicians were very intuitive in their trades as well, which explains how modern-day Lebanese people conduct business. For example, the Phoenician already conducted strong business strategies as stated by Cartwright:

“Goods were bought or sold in a relatively controlled manner where quantities and prices were fixed beforehand through the drawing up of trade agreements and treaties.”

This is truly where the business began in Lebanon and it only progressed. As a result of the past, business is written in Lebanon’s genes.

Business, as I have learned through this experience, has developed a new eye-opening point of view. This single word now holds so much history and development. My people have suffered so much in their past which lead them to climb the ladder. Opening businesses is a way to connect to their past, and with my journey, I hope it continues to stay that way. I cannot bear enough how significant business mean to Lebanese people and my family as well. I am truly grateful to be Lebanese, and through all the hardship my people will always bounce back. Today, business means strength and perseverance.