Expert: Sirine Malas - 3/13/2011

Question
Hello Sirine. My father's 80th birthday is coming up in July. I'm  curious to know if there's a traditional Arabic way of celebrating this milestone year, or a traditional Arabic way of paying tribute to an old man who deserves tribute. I'm planning a "one world" party for my Dad, as we're a multi-cultural family. Thank you.

Answer
Hi Leonard,

Um... Actually saying an Arabic way is too big of a choice ... U know Arabic is not one single thing...

But if you ask me if there is a Syrian or Damascene way ... there isn't we don't really like getting old all that much...

People usually get more religious as they get old ... so you could book him a ticket to Jerusalem or Mecca (depending on his religion) ...

He might like that ...
Sorry but there really isn't there anything we do for old age celebration .. :"-)

Cheers.
Sirine