Great News: Jesuits Garden Revamped And Open To The Public!

The rehabilitation of the Jesuits Garden in Beirut was no small feat, but the beloved public garden is now open to all. Spearheaded by Beirut-based non-profit organization Beit El Baraka, the completion of this rehabilitation project marks a significant milestone in offering more green spaces in a city challenged by urban development.

After announcing the reopening of the public garden, Beit El Baraka said in their caption, “Every public garden in Beirut is subject to dilemma, and it has been almost impossible for anyone from the private or public sector to undergo rehabilitation works without being stopped by various parties.”

The project was launched nearly two years ago. The garden was closed off to the public and was undergoing renovation works by the organization. However, apart from bureaucratic obstacles, Beit El Baraka were criticized greatly by Geitawi residents who argued that the purpose behind rehabilitating the Jesuits Garden is to develop the area specifically for Syrian refugee families rather than the local residents.

The rather ridiculous controversy that arose following the launch of the project not only undermined the amazing work done by Beit El Baraka to make Lebanon a better place for everyone but it also revealed the divisive and hateful attitudes towards Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Though it goes without saying that public spaces are for everyone, we are happy and grateful for Beit El Baraka’s work in offering more accessible green spaces that will welcome a diverse community of people looking to enjoy a breath of fresh air in the city. Hopefully, the project inspires the rehabilitation of the rest of the neglected public green spaces in Beirut (though few).

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