The Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, congratulated the Islamic Educational Foundation on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of its founding, during his speech at a celebration held by the institution. He stressed that Imam Mahdi schools adhere to the Lebanese curriculum and applicable laws, and they also compete nationally in official exams, noting that the excellence they achieve places them among the top educational schools in Lebanon, and that their achievements express national, constructive, and influential educational work.
Qasim stressed that whoever criticizes these schools is “corrupt,” as he put it, stressing that they work to raise generations that adopt the Islamic educational curriculum that promotes love of the homeland, defense of the land, and support of the oppressed, without seeking to be like them or resemble anyone else.
Regarding national affairs, Qassem explained that Hezbollah is working to build the state despite the difficult stage, and it contributed to the election of the President of the Republic and the formation of the government, considering that the presence of Hezbollah, the Amal Movement, the national forces, and segments of various sects, along with the Lebanese army, constitutes a national wealth capable of achieving achievements.
He added that the resistance has 42 years of experience and achieved great achievements, noting that whoever threatens to harm the party will be met with the assurance of the ability to harm the enemy as well, “but everything in its time.” He stressed that the party stands between “basketball and humiliation” with the option of martyrdom, and is continuing with its conviction that it is the party of Imam Mahdi, may God bless him and grant him peace.
Qassem touched on political pressures, referring to his demand to end the presence south of the Litani after the statements of the army leadership, considering that nothing is required of Lebanon regarding the agreement, calling on the five-party committee to demand that Israel implement the agreement instead of pressuring Lebanon. He also called on officials to inform the delegates of the inability to put pressure on the people of the country who provided martyrs and wounded.
In the security context, Qassem saw that Lebanon is facing an existential aggression that targets land, rights, and existence, and that when the enemy is unable to target fighters, it resorts to striking civilians, homes, and municipalities, considering that targeting affects the entire country, not a specific party, sect, or region, and that sovereignty is a comprehensive national responsibility.
Regarding the international position, he said that the West’s talk about “Israel’s security” hides the “Greater Israel” project, calling for not surrendering and saying “no” to the enemy as much as possible, considering that the pretext of nullifying the force aims to end existence.
At the end of his speech, Qassem saluted Iran on the occasion of the anniversary of the revolution’s victory, describing it as “the crown jewel of the world,” considering that it is capable of defeating America and Israel in the confrontation, and stressing that whoever is with God “can only be victorious.” He also offered condolences to Hajj Abu Ahmed Salhab, and to the deceased Mr. Abdul Karim Nasrallah, offering his condolences to his family and Hezbollah, and praising the martyrs who rose recently.
