Fairuz: Fans celebrate 90th birthday of Lebanon’s iconic voice of unity amid war

Fairuz, legendary singer of Lebanon and one of the most cherished artists in the Arab world, marked her 90th birthday on Thursday, amidst Israel's assault on the country.

Renowned for her songs about Lebanon, and in support of the Palestinian cause, Fairuz's enduring voice has extended over generations, uniting audiences with messages of love, longing and resilience. 

Social media lit up with tributes and emotional reflections on Lebanon, many of which featured one of her most iconic songs released during Lebanon's civil war: "I love you, oh Lebanon, my homeland, I love you."

"One of the only things we can pretty much all agree on is Fairouz, generations on generations Fairouz’s music has infiltrated all of our hearts, at home, in wars, in pain, in diaspora missing the home, everywhere," posted one user. "May she always be one of our historic icons."

"Fairuz turns 90 today. She blows her candles through yet another war. May she - and our #Lebanon - live forever," posted another.

Many users highlighted her as a symbol of unity - a designation that arose when she remained in Lebanon during the country's 15-year civil war, and because she did not explicity take sides, which further earned her the respect of Lebanese across communities and sectarian divides.

ربينا على أغانيك و كل مغترب بحّن ل وطنه بأغانيك#فيروز90عامًا
أيقونة لبنان
كل سنة و انت بصحة و أمل ل لبنان
الأخضر الحلو و راجع أقوى من قبل على الأكيد pic.twitter.com/V5zF7mTT9R

— Caroli (@couxi24) November 21, 2024

Translation: #Fairuz90years #IconofLebanon

Happy birthday, May you always be in good health and always a hope for Lebanon. The green beauty [Lebanon] will return stronger than before

One user described her as "the identity of Arab art, past and present," and another user referred to her as "a symbol of unity in a time of conflicts and wars".

"Despite the ongoing challenges, Lebanon will always be beautiful with Fairuz’s voice," said another.

Fairuz turns 90 while Lebanon battles yet another unnecessary war. Independence Day to follow while Lebanon’s sovereignty is undermined from within and without. Dark shadows are cast over what were meant to be occasions for national joy. https://t.co/uSaY1sO2zW

— Lina Khatib (@LinaKhatibUK) November 21, 2024

Other users noted that Fairuz, celebrating her 90th birthday, is older than the state of Israel, which was established after the 1948 Nakba.

"Ninety years for Fairuz. Older than the age of their entity," a user said.

في عيد ميلادها التسعين
فيروز اقدم من كيانكم و دولتكم .#إسرائيل #فلسطين #ترامب #نتنياهو #غالانت #غزة #بيروت #الضاحية_الجنوبية #لبنان #فيروز90عامًا @EdyCohen pic.twitter.com/i9XUDblhvS

— ahmed alamery (@montecresto83) November 21, 2024

Translation: On her 90th Birthday, Fairuz is older than your entity and state. #Israel #Palestine #Trump #Netanyahu #Gallant #Gaza #Beirut #Dahiya #Janubiyah #Lebanon #Fairuz90yearsold

In a post on Instagram, French President Emmanuel Macron also honoured the singer on her birthday: "Fayrouz is still watching over the hearts of so many Palestinians and Lebanese deprived of the peace they deserve.

"To the woman who embodies the soul of this region with dignity, a happy birthday," Macron added.

One of the only things we can pretty much all agree on is Fairouz, generations on generations Fairouz’s music has infiltrated all of our hearts, at home, in wars, in pain, in diaspora missing the home, everywhere.
Fairouz turned 90 yesterday, may she always be one of our… pic.twitter.com/rKGVkj0rxF

— Celine (@celinekasem) November 22, 2024

After the 2020 Beirut port explosion, Macron had met Fairuz and awarded her France's prestigious Legion of Honour, the highest official honour in France.

The Arabic-speaking spokesperson for the Israeli army posted a sarcastic birthday video on X, formerly known as Twitter, addressing Fairuz by referencing lines from her songs, sparking angry responses.

Avichay Adraee said: “#Fairuz, how will you sing to Lebanon today, which is wounded by betrayal, treachery, and the occupation of Hezbollah, which has prioritised the interests of Iran over the fate of the Lebanese people?”

Social media users defended Lebanon and Fairuz, often using her lyrics: "One of the most beautiful songs sung by Fairuz: We are all together, hand in hand, we will build not only Lebanon but the entire East. With goodness, we will overcome evil," responded one user.

Several users simply shared the lyrics of Zahrat El Mada'en, or "Rose of all cities" - her tribute to the city of Jerusalem, highting the lines:

"This is our home and Jerusalem belongs to us / And with our hands, we will restore the splendour of Jerusalem / With our hands peace will return to Jerusalem."

"Fairuz also sang for Lebanon, saying 'I love you in all your ways.' We love Lebanon, no matter what it is and in whatever condition it is in, and certainly not under your aggression, war, or destruction," another added.

A few users also said they hoped Adraee would end up being tried by the International Criminal Court, referencing the arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday.