SOUL & FRIENDS

Romeo Lahoud was a prominent Lebanese composer, theatre director, lyricist, and producer, born in 1931 and died in 2022. He was a major figure in Lebanon’s golden age of musical theatre, helping revive and modernize Lebanese folklore through large-scale musical productions. L'Orient Today + 1

He created 30+ musical productions and worked with stars such as Sabah and Salwa Al-Katrib, with performances reaching venues including Paris’s Olympia and major festivals in the<?marker name="assistant-pending-f9c21b5a-a0cf-473d-b61a-2c697cde37ea-pending-tail"?> Arab world. 

Romeo Lahoud's last public appearance was at the SOUL Art Exhibition in Byblos, Lebanon. Watch

Dr. Fouad Abou Nader is a Lebanese Christian politician, former commander of the Lebanese Forces, and a long‑standing figure in Lebanon’s political and military history. A nephew of Pierre Gemayel, he began his career as a Kataeb activist, later leading the elite BG unit before assuming command of the Lebanese Forces during the unification of Christian military groups. 

Throughout the civil war, Abou Nader was seriously wounded several times in battles against Palestinian and Syrian forces and survived a major assassination attempt in 1986. 

In April 2007, he launched the Liberty Front, a social‑democratic and independent movement he envisioned as the modern heir to Charles Malik’s Front for Freedom & Man.

He also established Nawraj, an NGO dedicated to sustainable socio‑economic development and strengthening community resilience across Lebanon.

On 24 June 2021, Abou Nader delivered a notable intervention at the SOUL4Lebanon Conference, emphasizing national sovereignty, civic responsibility, and principled leadership. 

Rasha Al Ameer is a Lebanese author, publisher, and literary critic. Since 1990, she has co‑directed Dar al‑Jadeed, one of Lebanon’s leading independent publishing houses. Her debut novel, Yawm al‑Din, has seen six Arabic editions across Lebanon, Algeria, and Egypt and has been translated into French (Le Jour Dernier, Actes Sud Sindbad) and English (Judgement Day, AUC Press). In addition to her acclaimed fiction, Al Ameer has written children’s literature in both Arabic and French. A committed advocate for freedom of speech, she continues to fight for justice for her martyred brother, Lokman Slim, whose assassination galvanized international calls for accountability. Al Ameer has also participated in SOUL4Lebanon events and the Beirut Conference, standing with journalists, artists, and civic leaders who support the organization’s mission of social empowerment, youth engagement, and community solidarity.

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Aline Lahoud is a Lebanese singer and actress and the daughter of singer Salwa Al Katrib and producer Nahi Lahoud.

She has performed in musical theatre, television, and music and was selected to represent Lebanon at Eurovision 2005, although Lebanon ultimately withdrew. 

She is also connected to the Lebanese theatre tradition of Romeo Lahoud through her artistic family.

Aline participated in the SOUL Christmas party in Beirut, along with many Lebanese artists, educators, media personnel, journalists, and SOUL members. Watch

Director Christine Zaatar Malouf participated in a community and women's empowerment gathering hosted by SOUL4Lebanon, an organization dedicated to social support, youth development, and cultural initiatives in Lebanon. A respected public‑sector leader, Mrs. Zaatar Malouf serves as the Director General of the Lebanese Parliament, where she has been a consistent advocate for women’s leadership and expanded participation in public governance.

In addition to her governmental role, Christine Zaatar has built a distinguished career in media and communications. She has served as Executive Director at Zenith Communication since January 2012, overseeing strategic communication initiatives from Beirut. Her media career spans more than a decade, including her long‑standing position as a TV presenter for Telelumiere (Noursat – Nour Maryam) since 2006, along with earlier work as a reporter and program producer across several Lebanese outlets. Before entering the media and communications sector, she gained foundational experience in marketing and sales through roles at Gardenia Grain D’or and Group Plus Media, contributing to brand development and corporate outreach. Watch

Assad Rechdan is a veteran Lebanese actor and voice performer, born on 31 August 1953 in Amchit, Lebanon. 

A graduate of the Lebanese University with a diploma in theatrical arts and acting, Rechdan has worked across stage, television, radio, and film for more than five decades. 

Rechdan spent 15 years in the United States, where he obtained American citizenship before returning to Lebanon to continue his artistic and public activities. In addition to his media and acting work, he has engaged in civic and community initiatives, including participation in SOUL4Lebanon events supporting social outreach and cultural engagements. 

Rechdan remains an active and respected figure in Lebanese arts and public life, recognized for his enduring commitment to culture, community, and national identity. Watch

Ghada M. Eid is a prominent Lebanese journalist, television presenter, and investigative reporter known for her uncompromising work on corruption, governance, and citizens’ rights. Through her investigative programs, she has helped shape national conversations on accountability and social justice, earning a reputation for integrity and public‑interest reporting.

She also supports cultural and community initiatives, including her participation in the SOUL4Lebanon Pioneers Artwork Competition in Jbail, where she joined artists and civic leaders in promoting creativity, youth engagement, and social empowerment. Her involvement reflects her belief in media, culture, and civic action as essential drivers of positive change in Lebanon.

Eid continues to use her platform to advance accountability, encourage active citizen participation, and support initiatives that strengthen Lebanon’s social fabric and cultural identity.

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Youssef El‑Khoury is a Lebanese filmmaker, director, and political activist known for his work in cinema, media, and public commentary. As a director, writer, and cinematographer, he has contributed to various cultural and political productions, with appearances on platforms such as Spot Shot and MTV Lebanon, where he offers regional political analysis and social critique.

El‑Khoury has also gained public attention for his controversial media interventions and subsequent legal issues related to sectarian speech in Lebanon, as documented by several monitoring organizations and media archives. His outspoken style and willingness to confront sensitive political topics have made him a notable—if polarizing—figure in Lebanon’s contemporary media landscape.

In addition to his professional work, El‑Khoury has participated in SOUL4Lebanon events, joining journalists, artists, and civic leaders who support the organization’s mission of social empowerment, youth engagement, and community solidarity.

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