Lebanon Real Estate Newsletter Vol. 3, Issue 2 - February, 2007

Rafik Bahaa Edine Hariri (November 1, 1944 - February 14, 2005), married to Nazek Audi Hariri, was a Lebanese self-made billionaire and business tycoon and five times Prime Minister of Lebanon (1992-1998 and 2000-2004), before his last resignation from office on October 20, 2004.

The late Rafik Hariri was assassinated on February 14, 2005 when massive explosives  were detonated as his motorcade drove past the Saint George Hotel in the Lebanese capital, Beirut...

To remember such a man is to remember his era which engulfed Lebanon with hope, faith, and deliverance. Rafik Hariri is a man of peace, a man of construction, and a believer in God.

When you believe you can make others believe! That was what he did to us, he made us believe, and he made us hope and think of a better future.

Rafik Hariri was given wealth and he wanted to give back, he gave his country not just money but empowered its people to make their livings.

A savior? Perhaps. After years of fighting and destruction he came from “outside” to help. Rafik Hariri went on to build the man as well as the stone; his aim was peace and prosperity to all.

Rafik Hariri believed in the Lebanese people and in his country; Lebanon. He invested in people, and that investment paid back as Lebanon was once again in the advanced ranks of its Arabic and international community as well. It was by our people’s accomplishments that the value of our country was raised.

Remembering Rafik Hariri should strengthen our self confidence and encourage us to keep the faith in Lebanon; the country that he salvaged, and the country which lots of great people died for its preservation.

Our second independence was born in 2005 like a fragile child in need of nourishment. The man inside that child need to be raised as it is not guaranteed. Be not mistaken, tomorrow will not bring better days; it is rather up to all of us to create our luck by building a better future for our children.

Finally it is difficult as it is impossible to enumerate all the accomplishments of Rafik Hariri. It is rather when you see who was recruited to his remembrance that you know what he resembled.

In hope that his death does not go in vain, we say: "until we meet again and rest in peace Rafik Hariri".