‘We should never forget’: Lebanese Montrealer calls for justice for friend lost in 2020 Beirut explosion

Two years after the Beirut explosion that killed more than 200 people and left some thousands injured, the pain hasn’t stopped.

For many like Lamia Charlebois – a Lebanese Montrealer who lost her friend and former Montreal businessman Nazar Najarian in the blast – she says until someone is really held accountable, no one can heal.

“It is not called an anniversary it is called a huge bleeding reminder of what happened,” said Charlebois.

“It is a criminal explosion, we should never forget, this is not an accident, it’s not a regular explosion, it’s a criminal act, and the biggest drama after the blast, that all those responsible are wandering free. There has been no trial, no investigation, so it doubles the grief.”

Nazar Najarian, Montrealer killed in 2020 Beirut explosion. (Photo Credit: Facebook/ @nazar.najarian)

Tonnes of ammonium nitrate was stored in a warehouse at the port of Beruit that exploded on August 4, 2020. It had been left neglected since 2013.

The disaster heavily damaged the city and is one of the largest non-nuclear explosions ever.

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While several senior officials have been accused in the disaster no one has officially been held responsible.

“I don’t think a domestic investigation will ever succeed, because the cancer is deeply rooted in the government,” said Charlebois. “How can you be the criminal and the judge, let’s not forget that there are people in prison, and it’s been two years. The fact that they are still in prison is evidence that they know the truth.”

Nazar Najarian, Montrealer killed in 2020 Beirut explosion. (Photo Credit: Facebook/ @nazar.najarian)

Charlebois says she’s still in shock and cannot believe she’ll never see her friend again. Najarian is 63-year-old, grew up in Beirut and was Armenian.

Well known in Montreal – he was active in the community, holding fundraisers to help those back home in Lebanon.

“He was here he was established in Montreal. He has a business here, he created employment in Montreal. He was very loved and respected in Lebanon and in Montreal. I love his wife and kids he was a dear friend, and in a split of a second he was gone, he returned to the country to give back to Lebanon.”

Nazar Najarian, Montrealer killed in 2020 Beirut explosion. (Photo Credit: Facebook/ @nazar.najarian)

Charlebois says she along with many Lebanese around the world, will continue to chase the truth and justice for the victims.

“I don’t think we can change the system overnight. I don’t think we can get rid of the criminals overnight. But every step in the right direction is happening right now, I am optimistic as much as I can be because I believe in the people.”