"We Will Remain": A record of the Libyan events in Toronto, 2011
I've put together a 19-minute video, capturing most of the events held in the Toronto area (plus the big Ottawa rally) in support of the Libyan Revolution this year.
From rallies in the cold of February, to the container events sending desperately needed supplies to Libyan refugees, to the impromptu celebrations, as first Tripoli fell, and then finally Sirte, this is one view of what the local Libyan community has done.
There was much more happening behind the scenes. Time spent lobbying politicians and press, fundraising (and a huge amount of money was raised, in aid of Libyans in need), and medical assistance, especially from the large Libyan-Canadian medical community.Many doctors and other volunteers went to Libya (as did some younger Canadians to join the fighting).
Everyone was involved, from those who left Libya decades ago, to recent immigrants, to those born here. There was one focus and one goal all year. Freedom for Libya.
There are three significant events not recorded in this video. The first two I was unable to attend. The third happened too late to make the cut. (An earlier version of this video was shown there).
- The March 13th press conference with the first three Libyan-Canadian doctors to visit Libya soon after the Revolution begain.
- The first Annual General Meeting (May 28)of the new Canadian Libyan Council (New, redesigned website to come soon!)
- The combined Eid al-Adhar/"Libyan Liberation" celebration held Nov. 12.
Notes on watching video:
- To watch in full High Definition, click the full screen logo in the bottom right (to right of HD logo)
- You may want to let it buffer a bit. (Pause the display to let more of it download -- let the grey bar progress) before continuingIt may be slow or choppy with slow internet connections (or older computers). If so try:
- Exit full screen (hit escape)
- It's possible you may need to turn off High Def. Click the HD logo near bottom right so it becomes greyed-out)
Photo collage from some of the events:
Next:
My wife and I are planning to make a small documentary about what the Revolution has meant to the local Libyan community, but for now, this video gives a small picture of what this year has looked like.
Notes on music in the video:
"I Will Remain" by Dr Adel Idris Almsheeti
The song, written in tribute to the first protesters in Benghazi who stood their ground against the gunfire and killing unleashed on them, quickly became an anthem of the Revolution. Below is a translation I found on the Internet.
We will remain here
We will remain here till the pain vanishes
we will live here
O my homeland
the land of resistance
you are inside me
Despite the enemies' plots
despite the indignation (woes)
we will aim to spread the grace
we will look forward to rise up our ambitions by walking to the to the highest Peaks
"Ya Bladi" (My country) by Ahmed Fakroun.
Again, an Intenet translation:
Oh my country, loving you is always on my mind
Nothing in the world is more precious than you
Oh fondness breeze and song
I'm the lover and you're the secret conversation
Living in my mind and imaginationIn your eyes I see my father, mother and my love
My child of tomorrow, and my daughter's laugh
and my grand parents' soilOh my country, loving you is always on my mind
Nothing in the world is more precious than you
"Eyes that Bleed" by Sha3er al Sahra
"Allaho Akbar" by Dr. Abdulhafeed Ali, a Toronto-area Libyan-Canadian doctor
