Dear cousins,

This family lineage was created for many reasons: the possible loss of our family history due to globalization, war, and social and political disruption; the loss of our dear ones who contributed to our identity by preserving our culture and traditions in countless ways; the memories of our parents who came to America from Lebanon, worked hard to build a life for themselves and their children, and at the same time, respected and honored the opportunities they were offered in this country.

Most of our research was collected by Sylvia Sophiea and Victor Samra. After the death of our Uncle, Emile Abou Samra, the need to create our family lineage became necessary.
I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting Hashem Yousef Hashem, Webmaster of www.marjeyoun.net. His creation of this web site as well as the family lineage of three other families from Marjeyoun, inspired me to ask him to help us; of course, he accepted and created our family lineage which graces the Marjeyoun site.

We all remember stories that were passed on by our parents especially the children of the 11 Brothers and Sisters. I have shared these thoughts and memories with many of our cousins especially with Sylvia, Sophie, Shafeeka, Victor, Rise, and Hashem whom I consider the Mukhtar of Marjeyoun.
I treasure the lessons and guidance which were passed on to me by my Father. Back then, growing up in Michigan, our Lebanese community was strong and close-knit and our Aunts and Uncles were instrumental in preserving the traditions and culture which were transferred to us.

The summer of 2007, I returned to Lebanon after 60 years. Afsheen, Debbie, and I visited Jdeidet Marjeyoun.......the heart and soul of South Lebanon with its rugged terrain, rolling hills, and the most beautiful and brilliant moon which shines from the sky. We were able to recapture our history especially concerning the legacy of Khoury Khalil Hazar, my Great Grandfather. His legend is carved in stone and honored in Jdeida.

The oral history which was passed on to us is a tribute to the children of Habib Abou Samra and Abreeza Hazar.

Hopefully, all of us can continue to add to our lineage and pass on this information to future generations.

Affectionately,
Nadia
nadbenab@aol.com