Youssef Karam

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Youssef Beik Karam (5 May 1823 – April 7, 1889), was a Lebanese nationalist leader. He was born to Sheikh Boutros Karam (Lord of Ehden and surrounding district), and Mariam (daughter of Sheikh Antonios Abi Khattar Al Ayntouri) in Ehden, Lebanon.

He was French educated and at the age of 7, he was well versed in Aramaic, Arabic, French and Italian languages. He trained in unarmed combat, horse riding, shooting and fencing. In 1840 at the age of 17 Karam displayed remarkable leadership skills as he fought against Egyptian armies then occupying Lebanon.

Karam led the nationalist effort against the Ottoman occupation.

On the 7th April, 1889, Karam died near Naples, Italy. His last words were "God ... Lebanon". He is buried in St. George Church in Ehden, Lebanon where in 1932 a statue of Karam on his horse was erected. This statue was made by his namesake Youssef Howayek.^[1]