The small, glazed niche housing a statue of St. Charbel, a powerful symbol of faith, humility, and divine intervention known for his miracles and compassion, caught my eye first, a quiet guardian overlooking the street. There was a man holding his baby girl, the way he cradled her was so tender that it at once drew me in. Beside him stood an Asian woman, who I assumed to be the nanny, holding a small bag. The scene was simple, yet there was a sense of connection between them that felt genuine.
Nearby, a delivery man was paused, his bag displaying the words “We Deliver All.” It struck me later how those words resonated beyond their literal meaning, almost as if they were speaking to the unseen acts of care and support happening in that very moment.
Above them, the graffiti of Fayrouz on the Pizzeria wall added another layer to the scene. At first, it was just a striking visual element, but as I thought more about it, I realized how her presence in the image tied everything together, bringing in a sense of cultural pride and artistic expression. She is one of the most iconic and beloved singers in Lebanon and in the Arab world. She is a symbol of Lebanese cultural identity through her music. Her songs often reflect themes of love, nostalgia, and patriotism, resonating deeply with the Lebanese people.
After taking the photo, I started to see how all these elements—faith, family, work, and culture—were intertwined in this single frame. It wasn’t just a snapshot of a street corner; it was a small, yet powerful, reminder of the different forms of care, connection, and humanity that exist all around us, often unnoticed. This image became a story of how even the most ordinary scenes can hold deep meaning when we take the time to really look at them.
Gemayze, like much of Beirut, was devastated by the Beirut explosion on August 4th, 2020. Yet, it has risen again, a testament to the resilience and unyielding spirit of the Lebanese people, who always find a way to rebuild and continue living, no matter the challenges they face.
BASSEM H. BOUSTANY Photography 
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