History of Jezzine in Timeline

Jezzine is a Lebanese municipality situated 22 km from Sidon and 40 km south of Beirut. Serving as the capital of Jezzine District, it's nestled amidst mountain peaks and pine forests at an average altitude of 950 m. Known as South Lebanon's primary summer resort and tourist spot, Jezzine offers scenic beauty and a notable landmark: the shrine of Our Lady of the Waterfall.

January 1940: Birth of Carlos Slim Helú

Carlos Slim Helú, son of Julián Slim Haddad, was born in Mexico City in January 1940. He later became one of the world's richest men.

1941: Battle of Jezzine

In 1941, Jezzine was the site of a battle between Allied forces (Australian 7th Division, British, and Free French) and Vichy French forces.

1955: Erection of Virgin Statue

The Virgin Statue at the "Saydet Jezzine" shrine was erected in 1955 during religious celebrations on the day of the Virgin's Assumption.

1960: Construction of Jezzine Public Library

The Jezzine Public Library was built in 1960.

1982: Jezzine Enters Israeli Security Zone

Following the 1982 invasion of Lebanon, Jezzine became part of the Israeli security zone.

June 1992: Roadside Bombing

On June 6, 1992, two members of the South Lebanon Army (SLA) were killed by a roadside bomb near Jezzine.

August 1995: Clashes Between SLA and Hizbollah

In August 1995, fighting broke out in Jezzine between the SLA and Hizbollah, resulting in the deaths of five Hizbollah fighters over two days.

1997: Hizbollah Campaign and SLA Response

During 1997, Hizbollah launched a campaign to isolate the SLA in Jezzine. Several incidents occurred, including roadside bombings, detentions, and the shelling of Sidon by the SLA.

October 1998: Population Decline in Jezzine

By October 1998, the population of Jezzine had reportedly decreased from 50,000 to around 3,000.

June 1999: SLA Withdrawal from Jezzine

In June 1999, the SLA withdrew from Jezzine and 36 surrounding villages, relocating to areas within the UNIFIL zone.

2004: Jezzine Public Library Refurbishment

The Jezzine Public Library underwent refurbishment in 2004.

2007: Carlos Slim Helú Becomes Richest Man

In 2007, Carlos Slim Helú, whose father was born in Jezzine, became the richest man in the world.

2014: Christian Voters in Jezzine

In 2014, Christians comprised 99.11% of registered voters in Jezzine, with the majority being Maronite Catholics (83.37%) and Greek Catholics (10.15%).