Nabil brought so much of Lebanon to Houston By Former Mayor of Houston Honorable Sylvester Turner

I had the privilege of meeting and working with a number of people as Mayor of the City of Houston who moved here from all over the world. Over the last eight years Nabil El Habbaki and Julia Nader with the Lebanon Times Magazine have shined a spotlight on the global and diverse makeup of our City.  Initially I saw them as journalists interviewing, writing stories, and taking numerous photographs of events showcasing the Lebanese and Arab communities. Nabil was passionate and dedicated to his work and Julia was constantly in motion, energized and determined to capture every key moment with her cameras. From one event to another they made their presence known and their love for our City and their support of my administration became very apparent. Throughout my eight years as Mayor, Nabil and Julia, this dynamic team, came to visit with me at City Hall, reserved space for me in the Lebanon Time Magazine, invited me to their Galas and to church, sent some of the most beautiful flower arrangements to commemorate special occasions, and embraced me not just as their Mayor but as their friend.
I will always remember Nabil’s smile, feel his warm embrace, and appreciate the fact he chose Houston to live outside the country he deeply loved, Lebanon, but he brought so much of Lebanon to Houston. He made us a better city, and made me a better Mayor and a better person. In his final weeks I had the privilege of spending some time with him and Julia. I wanted to thank him for his contributions to the media and the press, for his work in our community and for being a good will ambassador. I regret he is not still with us but his contributions live on. Rest well my friend. A job well done!