Born: 1963
Biography:
May Chidiac (Arabic: مي شدياق) is a journalist and former Lebanese Minister of State for Administrative Development. Born on June 20, 1963, Chidiac began her career as a television journalist at the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (LBC) and quickly rose to become one of the station’s television anchors. She was well-respected for her professionalism and dedication to journalism.
One of the key moments that defined Chidiac’s career was an assassination attempt on her life. She was one of the brave few who openly criticized Syria’s continued presence and influence in Lebanon, following the end of the Lebanese Civil War. Chidiac boldly voiced her concerns about Syria’s meddling in Lebanon’s affairs, even after their troops had officially withdrawn.
On September 25, 2005, Chidiac’s life changed dramatically when a car bomb was detonated near her in Jounieh, Lebanon. The explosion was meant to silence her and send a chilling message to anyone who dared to challenge Syria’s control. The bomb was a one-pound device that was planted in her Range Rover. As she entered her car, the bomb exploded, causing severe injuries.
The blast resulted in the amputation of Chidiac’s left leg below the knee and inflicted severe injuries to her left arm. Her clothes and hair caught fire, adding to the horror of the attack. Sadly, Chidiac was not the only target of these bombings. Other journalists and anti-Syrian politicians, including George Hawi, Samir Kassir, and Gebran Tueni, also lost their lives in similar attacks.
Despite the immense physical and emotional trauma she endured, Chidiac showed incredible resilience and determination. After months of grueling treatment and numerous surgeries in Beirut and Paris, she made a triumphant return to television on May 25, 2006. With a defiant smile, she promised to continue her work as a journalist, undeterred by the forces that tried to silence her.
In January 2006, Chidiac announced her candidacy for the Maronite seat in Lebanon’s Baabda-Aley district. Her return to politics further demonstrated her unwavering commitment to making a difference in her country. Her courage and resilience inspired countless individuals around the world, earning her admiration and support.
Chidiac’s journey also led her to publish her biography, titled Le Ciel m’attendra (Heaven Can Wait) in 2007. This deeply personal memoir recounted her traumatic experience, offering a glimpse into the strength of her character and the challenges she faced.
In 2019, Chidiac took on a new role as the Minister of State for Administrative Reform in the government of Saad Hariri. This appointment marked another significant turn in her career, allowing her to contribute to Lebanon’s administrative development and governance.
May Chidiac remains an inspirational figure, not only for her resilience and determination in the face of adversity but also for her dedication to journalism and public service. Her story is a testament to the power of one person’s voice and the impact they can have on society, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Awards:
– List of official awards or recognitions received by May Chidiac is not available.