After fashion designer George Azzi’s business premises got destroyed by the deadly 2020 blast at Beirut’s port, he considered joining Lebanon’s estimated 15-million strong diaspora like many of his countrymen. In the last few decades, the country has faced several other crises that include a devastating civil war, constitutional collapse, political assassinations and a significant financial meltdown that have driven many to emigrate. Yet, others like George have persisted and thrived despite a stacked deck and political system that resists reform. In this episode, we discover what drives him to stay. We also speak to Mona Harb, co-founder of the Beirut Urban Lab, who reminds us that in places used to tragedy and cycles of crisis, hope endures
Beirut: Condemned to hope
Fashion designer George Azzi and Urbanist Mona Harb love Beirut. They have lived through the city’s multiple crises and survived its tragedies. Both are optimistic and willing to fight for its survival. It’s worth it; hope lives in Beirut, they say.
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