Meet the blind Lebanese lawyer whose mother never gave up

Rabih Jammal lost his eyesight due to glaucoma at the age of sixteen. Ever since, darkness has become his long-time companion – that, and his law books. 

His incredible story of courage and unconditional love unravels right before our eyes in a heartwarming episode of Zyara, an award winning Lebanese web docu-series.

The Lebanese lawyer's story caught the attention of the series' creative director Denise Jabbour, who then decided to feature him in an episode.

Both Jammal and Jabbour spoke to StepFeed and told us more about their life changing encounter.

"After endless procedures, doctor visits and treatments, I completely lost my eyesight at the age of sixteen," Rabih says.

"But I refused to give up, for my mother, my family and myself... I couldn't give up and so my journey began where it could have ended."

Jammal tells us that while darkness may terrify many, in it he finds a space for imagination to flourish. In that space, he transforms a pitch black situation into an endless source of determination and light.

Determined to continue his education, he dreamed of becoming a lawyer and realized his dream a few years down the line with the help of his mother -a woman who spent years recording herself on tape while she read tens of law books, to make possible his studies.  

"This is how I studied, I would replay the tapes and listen to her voice. Without her, none of this would have been possible, she made an incredible sacrifice for me, I am so grateful."  

After graduation, Rabih, was unable to find a job. He even searched for internships but couldn't find any. This all changed after his story was featured in the docu-series, Zyara. 

After the episode came out, Rabih was contacted by a law firm who offered him a job.

He feels blessed that his meeting with the law firm took place on Mother's Day, which made it even more special.

"I am excited to start this new chapter of my life," Rabih says, adding that his message to anyone with special needs is not to let anything stand in the way.  

"I want people with disabilities to know that the real barrier between them and their dreams is choice not circumstance. We are able to do anything we set our minds to and able to be active participants in creating change in our societies."

Denise Jabbour, creative producer of Zyara told us that Rabih's story inspired the whole production team. "Rabih graduated with honors, he runs marathons and is a man filled with light and hope," she says, adding that the whole team was humbled and thrilled to hear the news of his job offer.

His episode was part of the second season of the successful series, which is dedicated to highlighting the inspirational journeys of people with special needs. The first season was focused on creating intimate portraits of individuals from across Lebanon, and the series as a whole conveys a message of oneness. 

Jabbour tells us more about the inspiration behind Zyara and how it all began.

In 2014, the unstable situation in Lebanon drastically affected Jabbour's work, but instead of giving up, she decided to embark on a new journey and this is how Zyara came to life.

"It all started with the need to meet authentic people, to know more about the different phases of their lives, their childhood memories, love stories, family bonds and hopes for the future ... I shared the idea of visiting people and talking about life with Muriel Aboulrouss, asking her to direct and film the series since I am a huge admirer of her work. She agreed to do it on one condition: full creative freedom, with no restrictions whatsoever. I agreed and we filmed the pilot." 

Jabbour tells us that she chose the name Zyara (a Lebanese word for short visit) because it reflects the team's perception of life, “no matter how difficult it may seem, it is a beautiful Zyara.”

A dedicated crew and faith in their message helped the team launch the series amid great difficulties that face film production in Lebanon, especially when it comes to funding. But the team believes that even in a commercial world, the universe conspires to make things happen for people who believe in the greater good.

Jabbour also credits an incredible crew for bringing the series to life with their support and dedication, saying that they have believed in Zyara throughout.

"Zyara is our resistance; through it we try to spread love and peace. Our job is to be the change we want to see in this world, and send a message of tolerance to every human being on the planet,"  Jabbour says.