In our choice of the Foundation’s name is a message that stems from the History of the Makhzoumis, whose origins go beyond the Pre-Islamic era. The Islamic conquests there after, carried them from their Kuraichi cradle in the Holly Mecca to the far regions of the Levant. The Makhzoumi dynasty has provided Lebanon as well as the Arab and Islamic world with Scholars, Leaders and Emirs. But the legacy we are mostly proud of is Lebanon’s family martyr, the young Fouad Fayyad Makhzoumi, who was martyred with his friends when marching in a demonstration condemning the French mandate and demanding Lebanon’s Independence, on November, 13th 1943. Our Lebanon Award for Innovation Prize is to commemorate his memory.

Lebanon Award Oct-1998

Lebanon Award Oct-1999

Though we realize that martyrdom is the utmost of sacrifice and martyrs are the most generous and noble of people, the deepest meaning is that those who marched in the morning of that dark day, could not have done so, if it had not been for the national up rise for Independence expressed by Beirut and carried-out by all of the Lebanon.

Lebanon Award Oct-2001

Lebanon Award Dec-2002

Our Foundation has carried the torch and the message. In an attempt to commemorate Lebanon’s Independence in a way that fits with its humanitarian, educational, and social objectives, an annual prize amounting to fifty million Lebanese Pounds, is awarded to Lebanese citizens who contribute to promoting Lebanon’s name in all fields of creativity and education.

A special committee selects the successful candidates. To name but a few:

- Mr. Elias Rahbani for his accomplishments in Music.

- Doctor Bassima Al-Hajj for her accomplishments in Education and Scientific Research.

- Professor Nadi Hakim for his participation in performing the first hand transplant in the world.

- Mr. Raymond Jbara for his accomplishments in acting, writing and directing plays.

- Mr. Wassim Fayed for his accomplishments in Technology.

- Miss Hiba Kawas for her accomplishments in classical music composition and arabic opera Singing.

- Miss Rana Khalil for her accomplishments in Interior Design.

- Mr. Ghabriel Yared for his accomplishments in Music. He is holder of an Oscar and several world prizes.

- Mr. Carlos Ghosn for his accomplishments in Industry. He is member of the Board of Directors at Nissan Automotive Company.

- Mr. Ghazi Kahwzji for his accoplishments in scenography