It is remarkable how Dimyanos Kattar always refers to examples from family life in most of his speeches. By doing so he illustrates the ideas he is trying to convey especially when he addresses himself to the young generations. In many talks and debates he recognizes the important role of his mother and father in forging the principles and value system he has followed.

Kattar is 47, married and the father of four children. He met his wife during the years of benevolent service at the Lebanese Red Cross – First Aid Teams. They were both dedicated to humanitarian and relief labor for many years. They still are in many ways.

In one of the conferences on “How to Become a Leader” in February 2006, Kattar started his speech by quoting his own son: A leader “is someone good and nice and works a lot,” who is “able to accomplish things, which depend on self-discipline and empowering others”.

When asked why he gives that much importance to family, he replied that the Lebanese family is practically the only social ring that was kept intact during and after the years of war. Despite the tremendous pressures and suffering that every Lebanese family had to go through, Lebanese families remained bonded together. There is probably not a single family that did not loose a dear member during the days of violence. In every neighborhood, you can find persons living with permanent disabilities; they are supported by their families. In every household you will find one or more member that had to separate from their family homes seeking employment abroad in order to preserve their families’ standard of living. All those families have a story to tell to their children and grand-children. They are all ready to sacrifice for giving their children better education and better days. They all care to build bridges with other families and communities.

For Kattar, family is indeed the safety net for all Lebanese communities and for Lebanon as a nation. As long as Lebanese families remain united and rooted for better and for worse, and as long family values are well preserved, there is no threat on Lebanon’s future.

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