The Sursock Museum in Beirut, an architectural gem of the 19th century and the first modern art museum in the Arab world, is set to reopen on May 26 after being heavily damaged in the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020. The restoration cost over $2.5 million and took more than two and a half years. Dr. Tarek Mitri, president of the museum's general committee, emphasizes the need for future sustainability. The museum's reconstruction was supported by various donors, including the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (Aliph), the French Ministry of Culture, and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation under UNESCO's Li Beirut initiative. Lebanese and foreign patrons, architects, engineers, artists, and artisans, including Maya Husseini, contributed to the restoration efforts. Notable artworks by Kees Van Dongen and Paul Guiragossian were restored at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, while others were restored on-site.

Lebanon is experiencing a somber Ramadan amid a severe economic crisis, with the Lebanese pound's value plummeting and over 82 percent of the population living in poverty. Traditional festive meals are being replaced with cheaper alternatives, and many rely on charity food banks. The crisis has led to a lack of access to bank accounts, medicine, and electricity, with people struggling to afford basic necessities. In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis is also dire, with food aid challenges and the impact of war on the community. Meanwhile, in Iraq, farmers like Mohammed Sami are turning to water-saving irrigation systems provided by the UN World Food Programme to combat drought and revive agriculture.

The article paints a vivid picture of the lives of homeless individuals living under the Jisr al-Wati bridge in the Greater Beirut area, amidst a district known for its high-end businesses. It describes their daily routines, the kindness they receive from passersby, and their struggles. The story introduces several characters, including a woman who begs with her children, a man who serves coffee, an intellectual who reads and discusses politics, and a market worker who barely survives the economic hardships exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The article highlights the stark contrast between the lives of the homeless and the bustling city life around them, emphasizing their desires for simple comforts like a room with four walls and a door. The piece is a translation from French by Sahar Ghoussoub, originally published in L'Orient-Le Jour.

Lebanese comedian Hussein Kaouk, known for his theater performances and television appearances, uses his characters to depict daily life in Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold. Despite receiving death threats for criticizing Hezbollah in a comedy sketch, Kaouk continues to express the thoughts and concerns of his community through his character Ali Alawiyeh. Kaouk, who grew up in a religious Shiite family supporting the resistance, emphasizes his love for theater and collaboration with playwright Mohammad Dayekh. He is preparing a new show titled 'Zhalo min Chaaro,' reflecting his experiences and aspirations for a corruption-free Lebanon.

Mireille Khoury recounts her immense sorrow following the death of her son Élias, who was killed in the Beirut port explosion on August 4, 2020. She describes living in the hope of dying to reunite with him, detailing the tragic day of the explosion and the aftermath. Mireille, her daughter Nour, and other family members were injured in the blast. She expresses little hope for the Lebanese investigation into the explosion and has turned to international justice with a collective of victims' families. Mireille continues to participate in demonstrations demanding justice for her son and others lost in the tragedy.

Hezbollah and the Amal Movement are accused of obstructing a French initiative to form a Lebanese government of non-political technocrats. The US Treasury announced sanctions against Lebanese officials, including Hashem Safieddine of Hezbollah, and two construction companies linked to Hezbollah. Despite internal and external efforts to keep the French initiative alive, the issue of the finance ministry remains unresolved. French President Macron and Saad Hariri discussed potential solutions, while France urged Lebanese politicians to form a government capable of implementing reforms. The coronavirus pandemic is worsening in Lebanon, particularly in Roumieh Central Prison.

Beirut has been left in ruins, with the city's buildings reduced to skeletons of concrete and steel following a catastrophic event. The once vibrant areas of downtown, Gemmayzé, and Mar Mikhaël are now filled with debris, shattered glass, and collapsed structures. The residents, accustomed to survival and resilience, are now faced with the overwhelming task of recovery. Amidst the chaos, individuals and families are seen aiding each other, distributing water, and searching for loved ones. The city's infrastructure is severely damaged, with hospitals setting up field units to treat the injured. As the night falls, the sounds of breaking glass and ambulance sirens echo through the streets, a stark reminder of the city's dire state.

Protesters in Lebanon are demanding the restitution of funds transferred by Lebanese political officials to foreign banks, particularly in Switzerland. Swiss Ambassador Monika Schmutz Kirgöz explained that Switzerland requires an official request from Lebanese authorities to take action on illicitly acquired assets. She expressed sympathy for the protesters but emphasized the need to adhere to international standards. The ambassador also highlighted the Swiss support for Lebanese women's rights and noted the progress made in Lebanon regarding women's representation in government.