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→‎Notable Lebanese Haitians: Saldana is irrelevant to this discussion. She's an American and her distant Lebanese ancestry comes from her Puerto Rican mother.
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{{Short description|Ethnic group of Haiti}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{infobox ethnic group
{{infobox ethnic group
|group = Lebanese Haitian
|group = Lebanese Haitians
|image=
|image=
|caption =
|caption =
|population=12,000<ref name="iLoubnan, 2009">{{cite web|url=https://yalibnan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Lebanese-Diaspora.jpg|author=iLoubnan|website=[[Ya Libnan]]|year=2009|access-date=17 May 2021|title=Geographical distribution of Lebanese diaspora|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518004801/https://yalibnan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Lebanese-Diaspora.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/645518/Les_Libanais_a_l%2527heure__du_desastre_haitien.html|title=Les Libanais à l'heure du désastre haïtien|website=lorientlejour|access-date=23 January 2024|archive-date=23 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123222457/https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/645518/Les_Libanais_a_l%2527heure__du_desastre_haitien.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|poptime =
|popplace = [[Port-au-Prince]]
|popplace = [[Haiti]]
|langs = [[French language|French]], [[Haitian Creole]]{{efn|Given as languages used by [[Arab Haitians]] in general by the [[Library of Congress Country Studies]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Haggerty |first1=Richard A. |title=Haiti: A Country Study |date=1989 |url=https://countrystudies.us/haiti/25.htm |access-date=16 October 2023 |chapter=The Upper Class}}</ref>}}
|langs = [[French language|French]], [[Haitian Creole]], [[Arabic language|Arabic]]
|rels =
|rels = [[Christianity in Lebanon|Christianity]], [[Islam in Lebanon|Islam]]
|related= [[List of Lebanese people in the Caribbean|Lebanese Caribbean]]
|related= [[Arab Haitians]]
}}
}}
{{Lebanese people}}


'''Lebanese Haitians''' are [[Haitians]] of [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]] descent, one of several groups of [[Arab Haitians]]. Their history dates back to the late 1800s, when many individuals left [[Lebanon]] for [[the Americas]], including [[Haiti]]. They are active in a variety of industries, including [[retail]] and [[telecommunications]]. As of 2010, their population was estimated at 12,000.<ref name="iLoubnan, 2009">{{cite web|url=https://yalibnan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Lebanese-Diaspora.jpg|author=iLoubnan|website=[[Ya Libnan]]|year=2009|access-date=17 May 2021|title=Geographical distribution of Lebanese diaspora|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518004801/https://yalibnan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Lebanese-Diaspora.jpg|url-status=live}}</ref> As a minority with a position of relative power in the [[Haitian economy]], they have faced [[ethnic discrimination]], notably encouraged by gang leader [[Jimmy Chérizier]].
'''Lebanese Haitians''' are [[Haiti]]an of [[Lebanon|Lebanese]] descent or a Lebanese with Haitian citizenship.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://infosurhoy.com/en_GB/articles/saii/features/main/2010/01/29/feature-01 |title=History of immigration to Haiti dates to the 19th century |accessdate=31 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202231744/http://infosurhoy.com/en_GB/articles/saii/features/main/2010/01/29/feature-01 |archivedate=2 February 2014 }}</ref>


==History==
==Notable Lebanese Haitians==
[[Lebanon]] saw widespread [[emigration]] to [[the Americas]] during the second half of the 19th century as a result of regional and international conflicts, such as the [[1860 civil conflict in Mount Lebanon and Damascus|ethnic conflict between the Maronite Christians and the Druze in 1860]]. [[Lebanese people|Lebanese individuals]] travelled to the [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[Brazil]], [[Argentina]], and various other [[Latin America]]n states.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fersan |first1=Eliane |title=Syro-Lebanese Migration (1880-Present): "Push" and "Pull" Factors |url=https://www.mei.edu/publications/syro-lebanese-migration-1880-present-push-and-pull-factors |website=[[Middle East Institute]] |language=en |date=19 April 2010}}</ref> These migrants began arriving in [[Haiti]] during the 1880s. In some cases, migrants attempting to reach the United States stopped in Haiti and decided to stay. They were followed by other groups of [[Arabs]], including [[Syrians]], [[Jordanians]], and [[Palestinians]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Augustin |first1=Noah |title=A brief history of Haiti as a destination for groups seeking refuge |url=https://haitiantimes.com/2022/05/19/a-brief-history-of-haiti-as-a-destination-for-groups-seeking-refuge/ |website=[[The Haitian Times]] |access-date=16 October 2023 |date=19 May 2022}}</ref>


This immigration has continued into more recent times, and in 2010, there were estimated to be 8,000 Lebanese Haitians. Many are active in the [[retail]] and [[telecommunications]] industries, trading pearls, owning stores (especially supermarkets), and working as engineers. After the [[2010 Haiti earthquake]], Lebanese engineers employed by [[Digicel]] worked to repair the damaged [[telecommunications network]], including two who were on leave in Lebanon and returned to help their colleagues in Haiti.<ref name = "infosurhoy">{{cite web |url=http://infosurhoy.com/en_GB/articles/saii/features/main/2010/01/29/feature-01 |title=Arabs' history of immigration to Haiti dates to the 19th century |last=Hossary |first=Nagia |date=29 January 2010 |accessdate=31 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202231744/http://infosurhoy.com/en_GB/articles/saii/features/main/2010/01/29/feature-01 |archivedate=2 February 2014 }}</ref>
*[[André Apaid|André Apaid Jr.]], American-born tycoon

*[[André Apaid|André Apaid Sr.]], businessman and political activist who was a strong supporter of [[Jean-Claude Duvalier]]
==Demographics==
*Claude Apaid, brother of André Apaid Sr. and owner of the computer company that has secured the government contract to supply voting machines in Haiti
The 12,000<ref name="iLoubnan, 2009"/> or so Lebanese Haitians are part of a larger Arab Haitian community, the largest subgroup of which being [[Syrian Haitians]]. As of 2010, the total population of Haiti was estimated at 10 million.<ref name="infosurhoy"/>
*Jessie Al-Khal, businesswoman; manager for the compas band T-Vice; mother of Roberto Martino and Reynaldo Martino

*[[John Boulos]], professional footballer
==Discrimination==
*Pierrot Al-Khal, renowned musician for compas band, ''Les Gypsies de Pétion-Ville''
After the [[assassination of Jovenel Moïse]] in 2021, former police officer and gang leader [[Jimmy Chérizier]], who described the event as an "international conspiracy", called on his followers to engage in violence against the "masters of the system". This included business owners of Syrian and Lebanese descent, whom Chérizier urged to leave the country, stating that supermarkets should by owned by "folks who looks {{Sic}} like us".<ref>{{cite web |title=Haiti crime boss threatens Syrian and Lebanese businesses following president's assassination |url=https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210714-haiti-crime-boss-threatens-syrian-and-lebanese-businesses-following-presidents-assassination/ |website=[[Middle East Monitor]] |access-date=16 October 2023 |date=14 July 2021}}</ref> In a 2023 interview with [[Jon Lee Anderson]], Chérizier further blamed "the Lebanese" for Haiti's problems, describing them as oligarchs who kept [[Black Haitians]] from having the same wealth and opportunities.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Anderson |first1=Jon Lee |title=Haiti Held Hostage |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2023/07/24/haiti-held-hostage |magazine=The New Yorker |access-date=16 October 2023 |date=17 July 2023}}</ref>
*[[Robert Malval]], Prime Minister of Haiti (1993−1994)

*Reynaldo Martino, singer, composer and maestro for the popular [[compas]] band, ''[[T-Vice]]'' (partial Lebanese descent)
A 2022 report by the [[US Department of State]] made note of the [[ethnic discrimination]] faced by the economically powerful Syrian-Lebanese community.<ref>{{cite web |title=2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Haiti |url=https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/haiti |website=United States Department of State |access-date=16 October 2023 |date=2022}}</ref>
*Roberto Martino lead singer and guitarist/composer for the popular [[compas]] band, ''[[T-Vice]]'' (partial Lebanese descent)

*[[Steeven Saba]], professional footballer
==Notable Lebanese Haitians==
*[[Michelle Buteau]], American-born comedian and television host of partial Haitian Lebanese descent through her father<ref>{{cite web |last1=Raiford |first1=Tiffany |title=10 Things You Didn't Know about Michelle Buteau |url=https://tvovermind.com/michelle-buteau/ |website=TVovermind |access-date=16 October 2023 |date=20 April 2021}}</ref>
*[[Robert Malval]], Prime Minister of Haiti (1993−1994)<ref>{{cite web |date=31 August 1993 |title=New Top Minister Vows He Will End Haiti's 'Madness' |url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1993-08-31/news/9308300655_1_robert-malval-haitian-embassy-president-jean-bertrand-aristide |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202202907/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/1993-08-31/news/9308300655_1_robert-malval-haitian-embassy-president-jean-bertrand-aristide |archive-date=2 February 2014 |access-date=23 June 2023 |website=[[Sun Sentinel]]}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Haiti|Lebanon}}
{{Portal|Haiti|Lebanon}}
* [[Arab diaspora]]
* [[Arab Haitians]]
* [[Arab Haitians]]
* [[Mulatto Haitian]]
* [[Palestinian Haitians]]
* [[Palestinian Haitian]]
* [[Syrian Haitians]]

* [[Syrian Haitian]]
==Notes==
{{notelist}}


==References==
==References==
<references />
<references />
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140202231744/http://infosurhoy.com/en_GB/articles/saii/features/main/2010/01/29/feature-01 Hossary, Nagia] (Archive article)


{{Haitian people}}
{{Haitian people}}
{{Lebanese diaspora}}
{{Lebanese diaspora}}


[[Category:Arab Haitian]]
[[Category:Middle Eastern diaspora in Haiti]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Haiti]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Haiti]]
[[Category:Lebanese Caribbean]]
[[Category:Haitian people of Lebanese descent| ]]
[[Category:Haitian people of Lebanese descent| ]]
[[Category:Lebanese diaspora by country|Haiti]]
[[Category:Lebanese diaspora by country|Haiti]]

Latest revision as of 09:12, 15 May 2024

Lebanese Haitians
Total population
12,000[1][2]
Regions with significant populations
Haiti
Languages
French, Haitian Creole[a]
Related ethnic groups
Arab Haitians

Lebanese Haitians are Haitians of Lebanese descent, one of several groups of Arab Haitians. Their history dates back to the late 1800s, when many individuals left Lebanon for the Americas, including Haiti. They are active in a variety of industries, including retail and telecommunications. As of 2010, their population was estimated at 12,000.[1] As a minority with a position of relative power in the Haitian economy, they have faced ethnic discrimination, notably encouraged by gang leader Jimmy Chérizier.

History[edit]

Lebanon saw widespread emigration to the Americas during the second half of the 19th century as a result of regional and international conflicts, such as the ethnic conflict between the Maronite Christians and the Druze in 1860. Lebanese individuals travelled to the United States, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and various other Latin American states.[4] These migrants began arriving in Haiti during the 1880s. In some cases, migrants attempting to reach the United States stopped in Haiti and decided to stay. They were followed by other groups of Arabs, including Syrians, Jordanians, and Palestinians.[5]

This immigration has continued into more recent times, and in 2010, there were estimated to be 8,000 Lebanese Haitians. Many are active in the retail and telecommunications industries, trading pearls, owning stores (especially supermarkets), and working as engineers. After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Lebanese engineers employed by Digicel worked to repair the damaged telecommunications network, including two who were on leave in Lebanon and returned to help their colleagues in Haiti.[6]

Demographics[edit]

The 12,000[1] or so Lebanese Haitians are part of a larger Arab Haitian community, the largest subgroup of which being Syrian Haitians. As of 2010, the total population of Haiti was estimated at 10 million.[6]

Discrimination[edit]

After the assassination of Jovenel Moïse in 2021, former police officer and gang leader Jimmy Chérizier, who described the event as an "international conspiracy", called on his followers to engage in violence against the "masters of the system". This included business owners of Syrian and Lebanese descent, whom Chérizier urged to leave the country, stating that supermarkets should by owned by "folks who looks [sic] like us".[7] In a 2023 interview with Jon Lee Anderson, Chérizier further blamed "the Lebanese" for Haiti's problems, describing them as oligarchs who kept Black Haitians from having the same wealth and opportunities.[8]

A 2022 report by the US Department of State made note of the ethnic discrimination faced by the economically powerful Syrian-Lebanese community.[9]

Notable Lebanese Haitians[edit]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Given as languages used by Arab Haitians in general by the Library of Congress Country Studies.[3]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c iLoubnan (2009). "Geographical distribution of Lebanese diaspora". Ya Libnan. Archived from the original on 18 May 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  2. ^ "Les Libanais à l'heure du désastre haïtien". lorientlejour. Archived from the original on 23 January 2024. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
  3. ^ Haggerty, Richard A. (1989). "The Upper Class". Haiti: A Country Study. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  4. ^ Fersan, Eliane (19 April 2010). "Syro-Lebanese Migration (1880-Present): "Push" and "Pull" Factors". Middle East Institute.
  5. ^ Augustin, Noah (19 May 2022). "A brief history of Haiti as a destination for groups seeking refuge". The Haitian Times. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  6. ^ a b Hossary, Nagia (29 January 2010). "Arabs' history of immigration to Haiti dates to the 19th century". Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
  7. ^ "Haiti crime boss threatens Syrian and Lebanese businesses following president's assassination". Middle East Monitor. 14 July 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  8. ^ Anderson, Jon Lee (17 July 2023). "Haiti Held Hostage". The New Yorker. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  9. ^ "2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Haiti". United States Department of State. 2022. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  10. ^ Raiford, Tiffany (20 April 2021). "10 Things You Didn't Know about Michelle Buteau". TVovermind. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  11. ^ "New Top Minister Vows He Will End Haiti's 'Madness'". Sun Sentinel. 31 August 1993. Archived from the original on 2 February 2014. Retrieved 23 June 2023.