On May 31, 1939, Sa’adeh addressed the Syrian nation and reminded the Social Nationalists of the renowned day of Bikfayya. He said:
“I remind you of the day of Bikfayya when the armed forces attacked you with the intent of seizing your flags, and you closed in on them like a lion’s jaw on a gazelle’s neck. Your leader sent a message to me informing me that the heavily armed force was now in our grip and asking for new instructions. I directed you to spare the force, whose leader did not deserve such noble treatment!”[1]
The Story Behind This Historic Day
Bikfayya Day dates back to February 20, 1937, when Lebanese authorities attempted to prevent a national celebration organized by the Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) in the mountain town of Bikfayya.[2] This event aimed to demonstrate popular support for the party and its leader, following the notable success of a similar rally in the Shouf region.
Despite warnings from local party members who pointed out that Bikfayya was a stronghold of pro-French Maronite political groups and government officials, and that the SSNP’s presence there was relatively weak, Sa’adeh insisted on holding the event. He declared: “Because Bikfayya is known as such, I want the celebration to take place there.”[3]
The Confrontation
The event took a dramatic turn when government security forces, led by the local governor (Qa’immaqam) Fu’ad al-Baryyidi, attempted to seize the SSNP flags and disperse the crowd. The confrontation escalated into violence as SSNP members encircled the armed forces. This clash resulted in several participants being struck with rifle butts, leading to two serious injuries and minor bruises for others.[4]
Aftermath and Sa’adeh’s Response
In the aftermath, Sa’adeh issued a strong communiqué condemning the government and the ruling sectarian elite. He emphasized that SSNP members were not outsiders but rightful citizens of Lebanon, entitled to express their vision for the nation’s future. Sa’adeh asserted:
We declare that an entity of this kind is fundamentally corrupt. If Lebanon has an entity, it is the entity of the entire Lebanese people. Suppose the ruling class in Lebanon considers itself synonymous with Lebanon and views the Syrian people as nothing more than a governed community. In that case, we take pride in declaring that one of the primary objectives of the Syrian Social Nationalist Party is to eliminate this negative image of our national life—the image of the ruler and the ruled—and to abolish civil privileges within the state.[5]
Government Repression and Sa’adeh’s Imprisonment
The government’s response was severe, launching what observers described as “a vast and systematic campaign of persecution” against the SSNP.[6] This included attempts to arrest Sa’adeh, who was eventually apprehended on March 9, 1937, on charges of inciting public disorder. He was detained for two months, during which he stood trial and was acquitted of all charges.
While imprisoned, Sa’adeh wrote Nushu’ al-Ummah al-Suriyyah (The Genesis of the Syrian Nation), although the French authorities confiscated the manuscript, which was never returned.[7] His arrest sparked protests among youth in Tripoli and al-Kura, who petitioned the Lebanese President, decrying the government’s restrictions on freedoms and calling for Sa’adeh’s release. Their outcry led to charges of conspiracy and contempt of government, resulting in fines and legal repercussions.[8]
Legacy of Bikfayya Day
In a speech on March 1, 1938, Sa’adeh reflected on the significance of Bikfayya Day:
“Following the visit to the Chouf region, a grand reception in Bikfayya became a historic milestone for the party. It showcased the party’s robust organization and unwavering morale. The SSNP proved its moral superiority—not through war or combat, but through its steadfast stance, which commanded respect from the armed forces. A single error on one side and misconduct or malice on the other led to an assault on participants from Shweir, Bikfayya, and Khonshara. This resulted in injuries from rifle blows and minor wounds for others.
The Bikfayya incident served as a vital test in the SSNP’s fight for its nationalist vision, becoming an unbreakable link in its history. It was a moment of pride in the party’s strength and organization, and the first significant trial in the journey of any party committed to public responsibility. This challenge was necessary to gauge the party’s readiness to confront adversity, overcome it, and continue its path toward victory. A party unable to withstand a trial like Bikfayya, which we navigated with sacrifice, does not deserve to endure. I commend the Syrian nationalists present on that day for their noble stand, now enshrined as a crucial chapter in our renaissance and struggle. Their actions will be remembered with honour when our movement prevails, fortifying our unity and pushing us forward.”[9]
[1] Antun Sa’adeh. Comple works, Vol III, 1938-1939, An Address to the Syrian Nation, 15/07/1939.
[2] Jubran Jurayj, Min al-Ju’bah (From the Case History), vol. III, Beirut: SSNP, 1988, pp. 162-163.
[3] Ibid.
[4] ibid., p. 159.
[5] Antun Sa’adeh, Mukhtarat fi al-Mas’alah al-Lubnaniyyah (1936-1943), vol. I (Selected Writings on the Lebanese Question), Beirut: SSNP, 1976, p. 43.
[6] Labib Z. Yamak, The Syrian Social Nationalist Party: An Ideological Analysis, Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1969, p. 58.
[7] Haytham A. Kader, The Syrian Social Nationalist Party: Its Ideology and Early History, Beirut: Haytham A. Kader, p.113.
[8] The first trial took place in Tripoli on November 23, 1937. The second started on December 18, 1937, and concluded on April 12, 1938. For details see Jubran Jurayj, Min al-Ju’bah (From the Case History), vol. IV, Beirut: SSNP, 1993, pp. 187-192.
[9] Speech of 1938 in Sa’adeh fi ‘Awwal Adhar )Sa’adeh on the First of March). Beirut: SSNP, 1956).