Lebanese-Americans in Lubbock show solidarity to Lebanon protest

Nearly a month ago massive anti-government protests started in Beirut demanding an end to widespread corruption. 

Rede Mechref is part of the American-Lebanese community in Lubbock. She said the demonstrations started over taxes on WhatsApp, but now protesters realize there's much more at stake. 

"They just want clean water, they want electricity, they want access to health," she said. "They want an impartial judicial system, just they want a stop to the corruption on the country." 

Supporters at Memorial Circle celebrated culture and unity with one message in mind. 

"We're just here today to tell them they should be strong, we support them. They have a just cause and all of our hearts are with them," Mechref said. "And we want them to continue the way they are doing it very peacefully, but rightfully." 

For Mechref seeing that unity gives her hope. 

"To have the support of the community here in Lubbock fills our hearts with joy that there is hope, there could be some change. We just want corruption to stop," she said. 

Scott Malouf is of Lebanese decent. His ancestors immigrated to West Texas nearly 100 years ago. He said he's happy to see such a positive Lebanese influence in our area. 

"And we're joining kind of a world-wide movement to that that youth of Lebanon basically started a movement to end corruption. And they've done it without violence and with anything but the good-nature," he said. "And for all the right reasons. It's great to connect Lubbock to the international community." 

Earlier this month Lebanon's prime minister was forced to step down, but protesters have called for the entire political elite to step down.