Al-Fuheis Festival Pays Tribute to the Late Marouf Al-Bakhit and Remembers His Virtues
Speakers at the “Festival Personality” seminar—organized by the administration of the “Al-Fuheis Festival – Jordan: History and Civilization” in its 32nd edition—remembered the late Prime Minister Dr. Marouf Al-Bakhit on Sunday evening at the Church Museum / Khaled Mneizel Platform. They recalled his achievements, dedication, wisdom, and humility.
اضافة اعلان
The first speaker was former Minister of Interior, Eng. Samir Habashneh, who shed light on Al-Bakhit’s character. He emphasized that Al-Bakhit was not an isolationist and had a balanced personality that reflected Jordan’s own nature—a country that embraces the hopes and pain of all Arabs.
Minister Habashneh said: “Al-Bakhit was a model of the realistic Jordanian personality who could make even the toughest decisions calmly.” He described Al-Bakhit’s second term as prime minister as a “firefighting government” due to the turbulent conditions in the Arab region during the so-called Arab Spring. He added that Al-Bakhit embodied genuine Arab values.
Habashneh concluded his remarks by thanking the Al-Fuheis Festival for honoring important Jordanian figures, such as the late Marouf Al-Bakhit.
Former Minister of Culture Dr. Sabri Rbeihat also spoke about Dr. Al-Bakhit, whom he first met in 1998, maintaining a connection with him ever since. He confirmed that Al-Bakhit possessed the qualities of a true statesman, noting that he was close to the people, sharp, intelligent, and a keen thinker.
Rbeihat reflected on Al-Bakhit’s military and political experience, remarking that although Al-Bakhit did not seek the limelight like some other former prime ministers, he weighed his words carefully. He noted that Al-Bakhit sided with the poor and opposed price hikes, viewing himself as part of the middle class.
He was fair and open to differing opinions in cabinet discussions. Dr. Rbeihat also touched on how Al-Bakhit endured the hardships of illness and the death of his son Suleiman with patience and faith.
The final speaker at the seminar was former Minister of Social Development Dr. Wajih Azaizeh, who expressed his deep personal affection for the late Al-Bakhit. He noted the difficult circumstances surrounding Al-Bakhit’s two terms as prime minister—the first following the Amman bombings and the second during the Arab Spring.
Azaizeh highlighted Al-Bakhit’s support for the poor and residents of refugee camps, stressing his efforts to ensure they had access to a dignified life. He recounted Al-Bakhit’s visits to Al-Wahdat and Al-Baqa’a camps and his commitment to their residents as an integral part of the nation.
He also emphasized Al-Bakhit’s firm stance on the Palestinian cause, affirming the right of refugees to return and receive compensation. Al-Bakhit opposed raising fuel prices, believing that the country’s security was more important than financial considerations.
At the end of the seminar, Dr. Suzanne Al-Bakhit, daughter of the late Prime Minister, expressed gratitude to the Al-Fuheis Festival, its organizers, the local community, and the speakers. She spoke about personal aspects of her father’s life—his devotion to family, his habit of spending Fridays with them, playing with his grandchildren, and discussing noble values and principles with them.
She also shared her father’s love for Al-Fuheis, the land, and the underprivileged, and his belief in the importance of combining knowledge with culture.
