17 February 2012 liberty marks the first anniversary of the Libyan uprising against Gaddafi’s regime. I vividly remember how traumatized and scared I was this time last year. After decades of living under an idiosyncratic regime that intentionally pursued a strategy of divide and rule to uphold its grip on power, many ordinary Libyans rose up last February for a battle of freedom and union in Libya. Today, celebrations erupt all around the country expressing joy, happiness and. Men, women and children dressed up neatly and headed out in the streets of Tripoli, Benghazi and Misurata chanting slogans, setting off fire crackers, honking and waving flags proudly from their cars- at least 4 flags in every car. Standing by the window of my house listening to ‘’Takbeer’’ coming loudly from mosques, I was astounded by the girls and boys under my building spontaneously singing at the top of their voices the national anthem by heart. At the moment I saw those kids, I couldn’t help my tears and I decided to go out sing and share chocolate with them. Houses in front of my building in Ben Ashour gathered in the street playing loud Libyan music, praising the epic martyrs by reciting verses and singing praises and the smell of exotic incense aromas overwhelmed the whole street. Guys cleaned and decorated the street with lights, shared chocolate and sweets with the kids. A friend of mine told me: “throughout the 30 years I’ve lived in Libya, this is the first time in my life I see Tripoli and Libyans so content from the bottom of their hearts’’! Libyans are so happy that they are celebrating with their body, heart and soul. Although there was some celebratory gunfire, but it was much less than I expected.
It's an extraordinary thought that Libyans are celebrating an anniversary; Libya has never done this before and Libyans don't know how to celebrate an anniversary. Everything was ruled and controlled by Gaddafi, even spontaneous expression of emotions- except if you were pro-Gaddafi of course. Friday Feb 17 was the first time they've reached an anniversary related to the revolution.
Although Libyans are still far from attaining all that they are aiming for, the challenges to face, and the rowdy militias to tame, there is joy everywhere. Libyans are celebrating freedom for the first time after over 4 decades of oppression and 8 months of bloody war to eventually ousted Gaddafi and put an end to his atrocity.
On Friday, Feb 17-around 8:30- I hit the road walking from my neighbor Ben Ashour to Martyr Square to witness the release of hundreds of lanterns. I was amazed by the huge crowd in the streets, cheerfully celebrating and giving a tremendous voice to the first anniversary of the Libyan uprising against Gaddafi, proving to the whole world that the blood of Libya’s martyrs didn’t go in vain and that no matter what happens, Libyans will be one hand.
By the time I reached Martyr Square, I was startled by the huge crowd circulating a local band playing traditional Libyan Maloof music. Martyr square, the heart of Tripoli, has seen lots of fire crackers, people singing songs of victory and praying on the souls of martyrs, dancing & sharing chocolate, popcorn and cotton candy, laughing at Gaddafi and making fun of his remaining loyalists ‘’طحالب”. There were hundreds of Lanterns flew over the Martyr Square, forming an impeccable view in the free sky of Libya. I couldn’t feel more honored and proud to be a Libyan that night, enjoying such a display of patriotism and pure grass roots of celebrations.
Libyans have the right to celebrate this first anniversary. It is indeed an unforgettable day in the history of Libya. Libyans revolted against injustice, corruption and oppression. However, as we remember this day we should also keep in mind the objectives for which Libya freedom martyrs sacrifices their lives. It is all about building Libya. We must always remember that “Dam alshuhada” (the blood of martyrs) is an oath not a slogan and we must honor their sacrifice by being united in one word and action to build a nation they would be proud of.
The next few months in Libya are not going to be easy – only a fool would imagine that – but nor are the grimmest predictions likely to be fulfilled. Libya is unlikely to turn into another Iraq, let alone another Afghanistan. In fact, Libya has the potential to successfully achieve a transition to democratic government. So let us all cooperate to develop our country. Let us think of a bright future for our children.
Congratulations to all Libyans everywhere in the world on the occasion of our Libya’s 1st Feb 17th anniversary. Warm blessings to the mothers and families of our epic martyrs; May they rest in peace and in the highest abode in heaven. May Allah bless Libya and grant Libyans success.
Today, I can lift my head up high and say: I AM A FREE LIBYAN, SHALL LIVE A FREE LIBYAN AND DIE A FREE LIBYAN. LIVE LONG FREE LIBYA. Amen
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