President Joseph Aoun honored artist Salah Tizani-Abu Salim during a ceremony held this afternoon at Baabda Palace, awarding him the Lebanese Order of Merit in Silver with Palm Leaves. This recognition was given in appreciation of his contributions and his long and distinguished artistic career, which has brought joy and happiness to the Lebanese people. Tizani has been a part of their lives for generations, since the dawn of television in the 1950s, through his work in radio, theater, and television.
In addition to Abu Salim, the ceremony was attended by the head of the Actors' Syndicate in Lebanon, Mr. Nehme Badawi, several members of the syndicate's board, and other artists who thanked President Aoun for his gesture. After bestowing the medal upon him, President Aoun said: “I intended our meeting today to be an occasion brimming with gratitude, to honor a truly Lebanese figure, deeply rooted in the hearts of the Lebanese people, the great artist Salah Tizani – Abu Salim. He was not merely an actor, director, or star of a bygone era, but a complete school of ethics, art, and commitment, and a cornerstone of the Lebanese collective memory.” He added: “Abu Salim, from the moment you appeared on Lebanese television in its early days, you brought a warm laugh and a genuine smile to every Lebanese home. You were among the first to elevate folk art to a refined art form, combining simplicity and depth, social commentary and witty humor. You lived in a time when words were spoken with sincerity, and laughter came from the heart.” With all that you have offered over the decades, in theater, television, radio, and cinema, you have always been a voice of love and joy, and one of Lebanon's shining faces. He continued, "Your works, which generations of Lebanese have grown up with, from the famous 'Abu Salim' program to dozens of comedic and social works, were not mere entertainment, but rather artistic, moral, and cultural education. Through your art, you taught us that laughter does not mean triviality, and that authentic art never dies. You remained a guardian of beautiful memories, and at every stage of your life, you sided with simplicity, with ordinary people, and with the values of goodness and love." He concluded, "As we honor you today, we are honoring, through you, a generation of pioneers who laid the foundations for media and art in Lebanon, including those who were your companions and the students of the school you established, making this nation a beacon of culture in the Arab world." "I bestow this medal upon you in recognition of decades of dedicated service, and in tribute to an artist who loved Lebanon and was loved by the Lebanese people." Abu Salim responded with a word of thanks to President Aoun for his initiative, saying, "I can only express my gratitude to Your Excellency, and I also thank you for visiting me in the hospital. This is something only truly great people would do."
He added, "Your Excellency, how blessed are those who have bestowed upon you such dignity and worth, and the innocence of a child in your eyes. You are above all that—a president who reaches the hearts of his people, who love you. You have been devoted to this nation since your time as Commander of the Army, and under your leadership, Lebanon will return to a state even more beautiful than before."
He continued, "You are honoring me for the 97 years I have dedicated to serving art in Lebanon. This medal will remain on my chest because your pure hands have placed it there, and I thank you most sincerely." May God keep you in service to this country.” Captain Badawi delivered a speech thanking President Aoun for his initiative in honoring one of Lebanon’s most prominent actors.
