Resistance and Liberation Day is an official public holiday in Lebanon, observed annually on the 25th of May. The day commemorates the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Southern Lebanon in the year 2000. The Israeli occupation resulted from the 1982 Lebanon War, and after 18 years of resistance led by various factions, the country celebrated the liberation of Southern Lebanon on this day.
The holiday is a source of great national pride for many Lebanese. Resistance and Liberation Day is marked by a variety of events, including political speeches, parades, and other patriotic activities. This day honors those who lost their lives during the 18 years of occupation, as well as those who continued to resist until liberation. It is also a time to reflect on the strength and resilience of the Lebanese people.
While the day is a national holiday in Lebanon, it carries mixed feelings. For some Lebanese, it serves as a reminder of a turbulent past and the sacrifices made for freedom. For others, particularly within the south of the country, it is a day to celebrate the end of a long and stressful period of occupation. Despite the varied interpretations of its significance, Resistance and Liberation Day remains an integral part of Lebanon's history and national identity.