Joseph Keyrouz

My name is Joseph.

For fifteen years, I was a Sergeant major in the Lebanese Army and was proudly serving my country at the Military School in Fayadieh. Unfortunately, after the division of the army on January 21st 1976, I decided that for ethical and security reasons I should leave the army. I decided to stay at home for the sake of my family and my only son Elie, whom after fourteen years of struggle, we finally welcomed him to our world. He was everything to me. Sadly, only 1 year after his birth, we got separated.

On April 1976, and due to a shortage of fuel in my area of residence, Sin El Fil, I left the house looking for fuel. I reached Khodor gas station in Barbir. I filled up my car and went back home. Unfortunately, a few days later, on April 25th I was not as lucky as I was the previous time. I was kidnapped in this area, which later became known as the demarcation line between East and West Beirut.

Today this line is no more than a big intersection, always busy, where the public drive through without acknowledging the significance of its past.

My name is Joseph Keyrouz. Do not let my story end here.