Hezbollah chief hails Lebanese resistance as ethical, political choice

“Resistance is the most comprehensive and practical option. It is an educational, cultural, ethical, and political choice. Resistance means jihad against oneself as well as fighting the enemy,” Sheikh Naim Qassem said on Sunday as he addressed a scout gathering held in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, to mark the group’s 40th anniversary.

“It also means the strength of faith, willpower, dignity, pride, and independence. Resistance is the path of all youths, whether girls or boys, men or women. It teaches them how to love their homeland and protect their loved ones through all forms of defense.”

He told the Lebanese youths that they were growing up in the midst of a confrontation against the enemy.

“You carry the flag that defines your path in life. You are well-advised to stand steadfast in hearing the word of God and acting on it. You are raised to confront disbelief and aggression, and you are committed to the choice of resistance,” Sheikh Qassem said.

He added, “We see in you the light, self-sacrifice, unselfishness, service to society, and the growth of youths based on sincerity and integrity.”

Sheikh Qassem also expressed hope for a better future for Lebanon despite hardships.

The scout gathering organized by the Imam Al-Mahdi Scouts served as a tribute to the late leaders of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and Sayyed Hashem Safieddine.

Nasrallah was assassinated in Israel’s bombardment of southern Beirut on September 27, 2024. Using 85 tons of explosives, Israeli jets leveled six residential buildings in Dahiyeh, following a week-long bombing campaign that hit many areas from southern Lebanon to Beirut.

Safieddine was assassinated in an Israeli attack on October 3, 2024.

Hezbollah postponed funeral ceremonies for both leaders due to fears of Israeli attacks on the ceremony.

Nasrallah and Safieddine were laid to rest in the Lebanese capital of Beirut on February 23.