Lebanese Lea Baroudi, has been awarded a British Order of Chivalry by the queen of England for her impressive efforts and activism in Lebanon for her work with MARCH Lebanon.
Baroudi is the founder of MARCH Lebanon, a non-governmental organization (NGO) that defends freedom of speech and rights equality,
@leabaroudiBy definition, the Order of Chivalry is “an order, confraternity or society of knights typically founded during or in the inspiration of the original Catholic military orders of the Crusades, paired with medieval concepts of ideals of chivalry.”
Baroudi has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire which is given to exceptional people for their outstanding achievements or service to the community. The work must have a long-term, significant impact and stands out as an example to others.
@marchlebanon
MARCH Lebanon is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, founded in 2011 with the stated purpose of defending freedom of expression. In addition, it campaigns for equal rights for all of Lebanon’s communities.
In 2015, MARCH expanded its work to peace establishment and conflict resolution projects to reconcile Lebanon’s youth. It embarked on an ambitious project in Tripoli’s Beb El Tebbeneh and Jabal Mohsen, two neighbourhoods that had been at war over sectarian differences for decades.
Lea Baroudi’s work has been recognized by the British Empire and Queen Elizabeth II who handed her the award herself.
She is the fifth Lebanese citizen to become a member of the British Order of Chivalry after the retired brigadier general Maroun Hitti – who received his membership in the month of March of this year.
Twitter buzzed with tweets congratulating Lea Baroudi:
A *massive* congratulations to @leabaroudi to whom HM The Queen has given an #MBE in 2019’s #NewYearsHonours.
Now she is royally recognised as brilliant!…
“Lea BAROUDI, President @MARCHLEBANON
For services to peacebuilding and civic rights in Lebanon”https://t.co/U0XhTcLwiA pic.twitter.com/lj1YShKENL— Tom “Kojo” Hartley (@DiploTom) December 29, 2018
@leabaroudi @MARCHLEBANON do remarkable work to change the lives of young people in #Tripoli, building peace where otherwise there would be hate. And HM The Queen has awarded Lea an #MBE in the 2019 #NewYearsHonoursList. Incredibly well deserved, a celebration for all
pic.twitter.com/ccwWsU9MoU— Chris Rampling (@crampling) December 29, 2018
This is unbelievably amazing. @leabaroudi you do us proud!! I’m delighted your work is being recognised far and wide and honored in such an incredible way. https://t.co/CrG259kkAB
— Kim Ghattas (@BBCKimGhattas) December 29, 2018
I am deeply touched &honored to receive this #MBE award by HM The Queen.Sincere gratitude to Amb. @crampling ,@HugoShorter,& @ukinlebanon team for believing in @MARCHLEBANON mission,for their support to our peace building work & for acknowledging the hard efforts of MARCH’s team. https://t.co/n748HLX32C
— Lea Baroudi (@leabaroudi) December 29, 2018
Congratulations Lea, you make Lebanon and Lebanese people proud!
