More than 9 months after the start of the war in southern Lebanon between “Hezbollah” and the Israeli enemy, “Information International” published a report on human and material losses, stating that “it is too early to fully and accurately count them as the war continues amid escalating fears of its continuation and expansion with the ongoing threats from the enemy leaders,” according to “Information International.”
In the report, published on July 9, 2024, it was noted that the war has led to the martyrdom of 494 martyrs. The burnt agricultural lands amount to 17 million square meters, according to the National Council for Scientific Research, in addition to the loss resulting from farmers being unable to cultivate their lands, especially tobacco and wheat.
The number of displaced people is 90,500, with only 1,300 of them in shelters. Regarding homes, 1,880 homes were completely destroyed, 1,500 homes suffered significant damage, and 5,600 homes had minor damages. The number of damaged commercial and industrial institutions is 220.
It is noteworthy that Jawad Adra is the co-founder of “Information International” in partnership with Zeina Akar Adra and others. It is an independent research and statistical company, founded in Beirut in 1995. “Information International” publishes research, survey, economic, financial, social, and cultural topics that concern both citizens and officials, in addition to periodic public opinion surveys on various topics.
Besides leading “Information International,” Jawad Adra co-founded “Nabu Museum” located in northern Lebanon. Nabu offers a space for displaying artworks and serves as an institution to maintain communities’ cultural connections through educational programs, training, organized tours, public lectures, and guided exhibitions.
Resistance is not only with weapons but also through art… This is what Jawad Adra and his partner in founding Nabu Museum, Zeina Akar Adra, believe in, considering art as a form of resistance and survival. Hence, the Nabu Museum’s administration organized theatrical, cinematic, and musical performances in support of the Palestinian cause. During the events, financial donations were collected for the “Gassan Abu Sitta Fund for Children,”. This initiative reflects Nabu’s belief in the active role of art and culture in serving humanitarian causes, particularly the Palestinian cause. Jawad Adra and Zeina Akar’s interest in the Palestinian cause extends beyond research works to artistic activities as well.
In an exclusive interview with Jawad Adra, one of the founders of the Nabu Museum, he confirmed that the founders considered art as resistance, a resistance for the exiled in their own countries and abroad, and the Palestinians are exiled in their own country and outside it. He also considered that the Palestinian cause cannot be separated from the region we live in, as the entire Arab world is interconnected.
Jawad Adra believes that “art unites,” adding, “The artists here come from different sects, religions, and backgrounds, but the important thing is that art refines the soul. Art has no religious or ethnic attribute.”
It should be noted that “Nabu Museum” offers a space for displaying artworks and serves as an institution to maintain communities’ cultural connections through educational programs, training, organized tours, public lectures, and guided exhibitions.
Regarding the name, “Nabu” is named after the god of writing and wisdom in Mesopotamia and is located on the Mediterranean coast, specifically in Ras Al Shaqa, northern Lebanon. “Nabu” presents a unique collection of art pieces dating back to the early Bronze and Iron Ages, Roman, Greek, and Byzantine eras, in addition to rare manuscripts and ethnographic materials.
Summary: “Information International,” co-founded by Jawad Adra, reports: “The war has led to the martyrdom of 494 martyrs.”
