Melhem Mustafa Kanso
(b. March 17, 1886 in Mukhtara, d. March 21, 1965, Beirut Lebanon) At the age of 14, he boarded a ship in Beirut and set out to explore the world beyond. After a stay in Spain, he came to America. Later, he went to Latin America staying a while in Buenos Aires, Argentina, then moving to Mexico. He settled in Pachuca, state of Hidalgo where he established a center for the manufacturing and distribution of cotton and linen. Textiles branches were opened in Merida, Mexico city, Monterry, Puebla, and Veracruz. The circumstances and events of Mexico's revolutionary period from 1910 through the 20's and 30's brought him into contact with Mexico's leading public and revolutionary figures, and turned his attention and focus on the terrible conditions of the people, especially the elderly, the women and children who became destitute and resigned themselves to the worst. With devoted dedication to his mission of overcoming strife and chaos with love and compassion, he felt a deep sense of responsibility toward human issues, and directed his energy and resources toward helping provide food and shelter for the poor and refugees.
The extraordinary outpouring of his generosity, and his life-long commitment to the needy and unfortunate touched many lives. People felt a tremendous fulfillment in his persona and spoke of his infinite goodness and compassion. They relate details, episodes and events of his life that read like legends, yet they all are real and true. There are several instances in which he would risk his life and the security of his business to defend and save someone who has been unjustly condemned to imprisonment or death. On one occasion he obtained a pardon for an innocent man minutes before his scheduled execution. He always looked deeply at the immensity of humanism, and found much inspiration in man’s quest for truth and goodness, and the potential to make a difference in the world around. He loved the country and nature passionately, and expressed that love in all his undertakings whether in Mexico, the United States or Lebanon. He paved the way for many relatives and compatriots to come to America and fulfill their dreams. He reached out to families in his native land in supporting educational programs for children and the orphans, construction of roads, and implementation of electric and water projects. He initiated a series of building projects that included Assur center, Mukhtara Gardens, and Piscine Alley. The latter' strategic location overlooking the coastal capital, however, made it a target for occupation by Allied forces during World War II. Despite terrible destruction and losses as a result of the war, he carried on his work and maintained a relentless drive to bring harmony and peace to the land and people. He vehemently renounced foolish prejudice, animosity, hypocrisy and violence, and remained steadfast in dedicating himself uncompromisingly to his ideals and visions. While it’s difficult to sum up his accomplishments, a glimpse of his life and time is offered through some of the few pictures and documents that escaped destruction or loss during the Lebanese Civil War of 1975-90.