Holy Spirit University Graduates Lebanese Army Officers from Specialized Training Program on "Crisis and Hostage Incident Management"

Monday, May 5, 2025 – 5:34 PM | General News

The University of the Holy Spirit – Kaslik (USEK), through its Continuing Learning Center (UCLC), celebrated the graduation of a group of senior Lebanese Army officers from the specialized training program on “Crisis and Hostage Incident Management.”

The event was attended by MP Jimmy Jabbour; the Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Rodolphe Hélou, represented by Chief of Staff Major General Hassan Ouda; USEK President Fr. Talal Hachem, represented by Vice President for Administrative Affairs Fr. Edward El-Kazzi; Director of the Office of the President of the Republic, retired Brigadier General Wassim El-Halabi, represented by Brigadier General Ali Chmeissani; businessman Charles Hanna, represented by Mr. Assaad Feghali; along with priests, graduating officers, and prominent military, security, political, municipal, and academic figures.

The ceremony began with the Lebanese national anthem, followed by a welcoming speech by Ms. Josiane Chbat, Assistant Director of UCLC. She affirmed:
"Today’s gathering is a national, humanitarian, and academic milestone, reflecting the fruitful cooperation between the Lebanese Army and USEK, in partnership with international organizations such as the American Foundation for Educational Excellence (AFEE-USA) and CALLIANCE (UK), within the framework of the 'Crisis and Hostage Incident Management' program. This program offered a comprehensive learning experience designed to enhance officers’ skills and readiness to face crises effectively."

Brigadier General Georges Derzi, Director of Signals in the Lebanese Army, delivered a speech on behalf of the graduating officers, expressing their pride in completing the program, which marked a significant professional and personal milestone due to its rich academic and practical content. He praised the program’s professional quality—from curriculum and training to follow-up and technical tools—and the diversity of topics covered, including negotiation, law, media relations, and government coordination. He extended thanks to Army Command, the Fouad Chehab Academy, the university administration and team, and the trainer, retired Brigadier General Antoine Abou Samra, highlighting the deep professional impact this program had on their careers.

Prof. Lara Hanna Wakim, Director of the Continuing Learning Center, began her address by stating:
"Ask history… it knows. And if it could speak, it would say: we stand for the flag in respect; the army gives its blood and soul."
She emphasized the difference between wishful thinking and action, conditional giving and ultimate sacrifice. She continued:
"The Lebanese Army does not serve from surplus—it gives its life unconditionally. It confronts fear head-on, unafraid of death, unfamiliar with defeat. The Army’s history is written in sacrifice and in every language of dignity and honor."
She further stressed that the nation's strength lies in the Army’s resilience.

Prof. Wakim noted that this program is more than just a training course—it is a national achievement added to the military’s record and an extension of USEK’s mission. As a university rooted in the Lebanese Maronite Order, USEK embraces challenges with a commitment to knowledge and the dignity and growth of the human person.

She expressed deep gratitude to President General Joseph Aoun, acknowledging his pivotal role in blessing the program when he was Army Commander, before being elected President. She noted:
"His support provided great motivation and demonstrated his belief in the importance of investing in officers’ capacity building to meet modern challenges with wisdom and professionalism."

She concluded by asserting:
"A nation’s strength is not measured by appearances but by the readiness of its army. Crisis management is a reflection of that readiness and a key indicator of sound leadership."

Representing the Army Commander, Chief of Staff Major General Hassan Ouda stated:
"Today’s event marks a key milestone in the ongoing and fruitful collaboration between the Army and national universities—particularly USEK. The Army is committed to strengthening academic cooperation with universities in both scientific and practical domains. This exchange of expertise enhances military performance and equips personnel with valuable, diverse skills."
He added:
"Crisis management in general—and hostage incidents in particular—are critical for many military units. Given the complex challenges the Army faces, it must prepare for various potential security events. The Army has taken on major responsibilities during past crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut Port explosion. Handling hostage situations, among the most sensitive of missions, requires exceptional professionalism, readiness, and mental and operational preparedness for rapid response."

He concluded:
"This course represents a crucial step forward in strengthening the Army’s ability to fulfill its missions, positively impacting Lebanon’s security and stability. On behalf of Army Commander General Rodolphe Hélou and myself, I congratulate the graduates on their successful completion of the program and commend their dedication and commitment. I also extend sincere appreciation to USEK—its administration, faculty, and technical teams—for their tireless efforts and longstanding partnership with the military. The university remains a national beacon of knowledge and culture, contributing to Lebanon’s academic and professional advancement."

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of commemorative plaques and certificates to the graduating officers, in a distinguished atmosphere of national pride and academic achievement.