From Lebanon — Dr. Zahia Kaddoura and Afifa Saab From Syria — Widad Sakakini and Inaya Ramzi From Iraq — Nazik al-Malaika From Morocco — Latifa bint Halloun.
The study circle for Arabic music which the Ministry of National Education and Fine Arts held at the UNESCO Palace in the first week of last October was the subject of discussion in the specialized artistic circles, which consider that the time has come to lay the "question" of Arabic music on the table for examination.
It is the first time in the history of Lebanon that the good "nucleus" of musicians who are working for a musical renaissance has come together to undertake an organized study under the supervision of the expert specialist in Arabic music, Mr. Louis Haba. It was, in truth, a heartening sight — these good elements clustered around the specialized "master," discussing with him, debating with him, and offering their opinions — all of them pursuing a single aim: to untie the intractable knot and to bring Arabic music out of its long-standing prison into the wide horizons of the world...
It is a lofty task that the specialized department in the Ministry of National Education and Fine Arts is performing. The Ministry is also occupied at this time with preparations for the "Autumn Exhibition," which will open on November 30 and will bring together the elite of the artists residing in Lebanon.
We said it once before, and we repeat it today: the activity of the Ministry of Education in encouraging artists and the arts in Lebanon meets with all appreciation and approval in refined circles.
On the evening of October 16 last, Dr. Jamal Karam Harfush, president of the executive committee of the Conference of Voluntary Organizations in Lebanon, called a press conference at which she delivered a detailed statement on the origin of the conference and its works, on the occasion of the founding of a new headquarters for the conference. Among what she said:
"The philosophy of the conference may be summed up as follows: "The soundness of society is a mirror reflecting the soundness of the individual. If the character of the individual is refined, society is refined; and if the individual's freedom is secured and he lives in an atmosphere of stability, the freedom of society is secured. But the refinement of the individual, and his liberation from the fears of ignorance, disease, and want, require a collective effort — one aware of the problems of the human environment, and working to better it with all faith, disinterestedness, and devotion."
Speaking of the works of the conference, she said: "We work, women and men, Muslims and Christians, and we serve need wherever it may be. The basis of our unity is a loyalty to the public
interest which we set, within ourselves, above every other loyalty."
"Among the most important works we have accomplished is the founding of this office, and we hope it will become a home for the member associations, where they will hold their general meetings, deliver lectures, and receive the international personalities connected with the institution who visit Lebanon from time to time."
Dr. Jamal Harfush concluded her statement, saying: "The executive committee of the Conference of Voluntary Organizations in Lebanon considers this office a sound nucleus for constructive, fruitful work, and it entrusts, together with me, to the generous Lebanese press the charge of fostering this nucleus and of standing guard over it against the forces of evil and division — that the nucleus may enjoy stability and reach full maturity, and become for Lebanon a new opening for going forward in the service of the human personality and the strengthening of the forces of good."
Dr. Jamal and all her companions in this positive, fruitful work are building in Lebanon toward a better society; for its sake they have well earned appreciation and the acknowledgment of their good intentions.