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On Tuesday, October 24, Saint Joseph University inaugurated the “Latin America Chair” (CHAL) in a ceremony held at the François Bassil amphitheater. This is Beirut had the chance to meet with Reverend Father Rector Salim Daccache and the CHAL’s holder, Georgine el-Chaer Mallat, a former ambassador of Colombia and Jordan.
Saint Joseph University launched the “Latin America Chair” (CHAL) on Tuesday, October 24, at the François Bassil Amphitheater located at the Innovation and Sports Campus. In his address, Reverend Father Rector Salim Daccache outlined the goals of the Latin America Chair, established in February 2023, aligning it with USJ’s mission as a hub for engagement, education and dialogue.
Speaking in both French and Spanish, the Chair’s holder, Georgine el-Chaer Mallat, a former Colombian ambassador to Lebanon and Jordan, expressed her gratitude to the Rector and highlighted the importance of gaining a deep understanding of Latin American countries.
Following a brief musical interlude featuring renowned Latin American songs performed by the talented duo “Christine and Isabelle,” a lecture by Professor Georges Abdelnour, Ph.D. in Iberian and Lusophone literature from Yale University, was presented on his behalf by his colleague Dr. Eugène Sensenig, the director of the Lebanese Emigration Research Center (LERC) at Notre-Dame University (NDU).
This insightful academic presentation shed light on the Lebanese odyssey through the works of leading South American literary figures, including Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Mario Vargas Llossa and Luis Fayad of Lebanese origin, among others. Dr. Abdelnour’s paper touched upon the recurring theme of Lebanese writers in the works of Nobel laureates in literature, such as in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “Chronicle of a Death Foretold”, Mario Vargas Llossa, and many others. He referenced Luis Fayad’s 1968 short story collection, including “The Fall of Cardinal Points”, which narrates the departure of a ship from Lebanon carrying emigrants to Latin America, reminiscent of his famous novel “Esther’s Parents.”
The event was attended by Latin American ambassadors to Lebanon, Lebanese ambassadors to Latin American countries, the chargé d’affaires of the Sovereign Order of Malta, the president of the Maronite League, and directors of various study centers. The ceremony concluded with a reception.
In an exclusive interview with This is Beirut, Daccache and Mallat discussed the practical aspects of this significant initiative.
Reverend Father Salim Daccache, Rector of USJ:
You are renowned for your visionary leadership. With this initiative, you not only fulfill the dreams of many Lebanese but also that of your predecessor, the late Father Sélim Abou. Could you tell us more about the genesis of this ambitious project?
We at USJ are delighted to welcome Latin America, an expanse that is practically a continent in its own right, spanning 19 million km2, comprising 18 countries, hundreds of millions of inhabitants, and a rich history of migration and diversity. The historic Lebanese diaspora encompasses over 10 million individuals across generations, scattered throughout the region. Let’s not forget the numerous Jesuit houses and the 33 higher education institutions of the Society of Jesus, to whom we need to communicate the establishment of our chair, its goals and potential areas of collaboration. I must mention that a former esteemed professor, a resilient individual and a meritorious rector would have been elated to hear about the creation of a Latin America Chair at USJ. I am referring to Father Sélim Abou, who deeply immersed himself in Latin American affairs, penning several works inspired by South American realities, such as “The Uprooted Lebanon: Immigrants in the Other America”, “The Republic of the Guaranis in Today’s Paraguay”, and “The Mbayas Guaranis, the Era of Recognition.” He once wrote in one of his texts, “Latin America, more than other regions, has been a grand project of intercultural integration for humanity.” Father Sélim Abou had a keen interest in cultural integration in Argentina and Paraguay, particularly noting the former Jesuit presence among the Guaranis in these countries.
With which Latin American universities or Francophone universities will USJ cooperate? Will it collaborate with other Lebanese universities such as the Center for Studies and Cultures of Latin America (CECAL) of the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik?
We have signed agreements with several universities in Latin America, from countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Mexico and Paraguay. One of the primary goals of this chair is to gain a deeper understanding of Latin America: its strengths and weaknesses, its economy, potential for development and progress, policies and achievements. Moreover, the chair aims to bridge the gap between Lebanon, the Near and Middle East and Latin American countries, promoting exchanges of visiting teachers and students and collaborations on scientific research projects, particularly in higher education, at a time when globalization and internationalization heavily influence inter-nation relationships. Although past exchanges were limited and collaborative projects were limited, largely due to the successive crises in Lebanon, this chair aspires to bolster these exchanges and make them more substantial. It is natural for the chair to establish close ties with CECAL in Kaslik.
Could we discuss modules in the Latin America Chair at USJ?
One of the initiatives is to organize thematic conferences presented by professors, guest researchers from Latin America, ambassadors and local experts. We might develop specific courses focusing on topics related to Latin America, for instance, its political and economic situations, cultural integration of immigrants, and more. Like other chairs, the university may offer students the chance to get credit for these courses.
Is there a need to reconnect with the region that has welcomed the highest number of Lebanese immigrants, to foster exchanges with the diaspora, especially in socio-economic terms?
Undoubtedly. These immigrants, now citizens of these countries, have played, and continue to play, a significant role in Latin American societies, not only economically but also politically and culturally. There are numerous examples.
What role will the literature and journalistic writings of Lebanese and Middle Eastern writers who emigrated to Latin America play in exploring this shared heritage?
They will play a central role, as it is essential to give voice to this elite group that has significantly influenced the cultural and academic life of Latin America.
The holder of the CHAL, former ambassador Georgine el-Chaer Mallat.
What are the main objectives of the Latin America Chair at USJ, and who are its activities targeted at?
Latin America has been a primary destination for Lebanese and Middle Eastern emigration for over a century and a half. We are all proud of our ancestors who excelled in economic, political, cultural and scientific fields. This chair is envisioned as a vital space to promote Latin American countries, imparting knowledge of these diverse nations with a population exceeding 450 million. We cannot forget the varied landscapes, from the Cordillera and the Andes, deep valleys, plateaus, majestic rivers, to the rich biodiversity, all reflecting the wealth of its culture and people. This vast hemisphere shares commonalities, especially the Spanish and Portuguese languages, both derived from Latin. Post the Iberian colonization, these nations achieved independence in the 19st century, adopting constitutions based on North American and French models with presidential systems. These countries have been molded by immigrants from various regions, notably the Middle East and Lebanon. We believe it is crucial to organize conferences, exhibitions and symposia to understand this diverse culture and the challenges faced by the Lebanese diaspora. We will also explore trade agreements within Latin America, such as MERCOSUR, the Andean Community of Nations and agreements concluded between Lebanon and these Latin American countries. We plan to engage with renowned experts based in Latin America to discuss their experiences. Our activities cater to both the general public and professionals.
You are the author in French of L’Émeraude était bleue published by Fiches du Monde Arabe (FMA) in 1995, of Cristal de Roche at FMA in 2000, and of The Lost Manuscript of Berytus, recently published by L’Orient des Livres. What role will literature and the arts play in understanding Latin America under your leadership?
They will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in this regard. In fact, the brochures distributed during the launch of CHAL emphasized the significance of literary and journalistic writings by authors of Lebanese descent. This is to acquaint the Lebanese and Middle Eastern public with the cultural heritage shaped by their ancestors. Lebanese immigrants, upon their arrival in Latin America, were warmly received and enjoyed freedoms that were threatened in their homeland under Ottoman rule. They had the liberty to pursue careers of their interest and achieve their aspirations, making significant contributions in various fields of culture and science. Notably, they migrated with Ottoman documents, which is why they were often referred to as “Turcos.” It’s often said that Bogota was the Athens of Latin America. Nevertheless, despite facing numerous challenges, they managed to thrive and distinguish themselves. How can one not mention eminent personalities like Carlos Slim, President Julio Cesar Torbey in Colombia, renowned writer Luis Fayad and artists Shakira and Salma Hayek? Indeed, this chair will explore knowledge across all domains.
To what extent are the Lebanese, who fled wars and persecutions long ago and are now fully integrated into these countries, eager to reconnect with their war-stricken homeland?
The Lebanese diaspora has become Brazilians, Argentines, Colombians, Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, and so forth. Even though they are renowned for their extraordinary adaptability and are highly respected in their adopted countries, many often remark that “they have Lebanese blood running through their veins” — and this sentiment is often echoed by the third generation. They harbor a deep longing and nostalgia to connect with their ancestral homeland. Some have even translated their surnames to align with their host country, and these names, such as “Estrella” (from Najem) and “Guerra” (from Harb), offer clues to their origins. Their parents painted a picture of a homeland of cedars, mountains and seas; a land of dignity that they yearn to discover. Along with the Rector, one of our goals is to bridge these families with their Lebanese relatives and to honor the Lebanese diaspora for their immense contributions both to Lebanon and their adopted nations.
What are the initiatives to encourage them to return and perhaps invest one day?
It is imperative that the authorities offer them incentives to return to their homeland. Primarily, they should be able to easily reclaim their Lebanese nationality, especially by streamlining the administrative procedures, particularly in terms of processing times. Moreover, if they are interested in investing in Lebanon, they should be offered specific incentives to genuinely motivate them. Within the framework of our activities at the Chair, we can honor them, for instance, by proposing that streets be named after them.
