About Dr. Elias K. Ayoub
In the mountain resort village of Hammana, high in the mountains above Beirut, Elias Ayoub was born to Josephine and Kozhaya Ayoub. He was the 6th of seven children. He lived in Hammana and went to school in Alay and Zahle. Elias’ life changed drastically when his long-lost cousin, Dr. Eddie Farrage, visited Lebanon. Dr. Farrage convinced Elias to live with him in the United States and study. Dr. Farrage, himself a true humanitarian, would become the role model for young Elias. He decided to follow in his cousin’s footsteps and practice medicine. Elias earned his Bachelor’s Degree and later his Medical Degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska.
Elias moved to Cleveland, Ohio for his residency at the Cleveland Clinic. He began a life of service to his family, friends, and his community. There was no activity on behalf of his church, his community, or his beloved Lebanon in which he was not in the forefront of leadership. He was honored by the people of Cleveland for all of his contributions. In Cleveland, he founded and became the president of the Cleveland chapter of the American-Lebanese League.
The League's goals were to lobby the U.S. government for humanitarian aid for Lebanon and to engage in bringing about a ceasefire among the factions in the Lebanese Civil War.
In 1981 he returned to Lebanon, met, wooed, and married his life partner, Mireille Eid. At his wedding, he celebrated with family, friends, and many of Lebanon’s leaders. Elias and Mireille were married for over 28 years and successfully raised five intelligent and accomplished children in California. Over the years, Dr. Ayoub was involved in many activities on behalf of his profession, his church, and the people of Lebanon. He walked among and earned the trust, respect, admiration, and love of prelates, celebrities, and government officials alike. They have entrusted him with their health and their cause.
In 1993, Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir asked him to form an organization to help him promote Lebanon and a connection to its culture and heritage around the world. Dr. Ayoub led the creation of the International Maronite Foundation which has held two substantive and effective conferences and carried out numerous humanitarian and cultural missions.
Dr. Ayoub was also a great part of Our Lady of Mt. Lebanon- St. Peter Cathedral. He was part of the Maronite League for many years in an effort to provide support for the Church and Maronite community. Both he and his wife Mireillle co-chaired the 46th Annual NAM Convention in Los Angeles. The Convention was a huge success. Many honored and distinguished guests attended the Convention along with Maronites from all over the United States.
He led seminars on public health in Lebanon as well as hosted the American Lebanese Medical Association convention on two separate occasions. He also spearheaded an effort to garner much needed medical equipment for the men of the Lebanese Army.
Thus, for all his work on behalf of Lebanon and its people, he was honored with the bestowing of the Order of the Cedars in a ceremony in Detroit. Not long after, he was recognized for all his work in the United States on behalf of his culture, his profession, and the United States of America with the Elias Island Congressional Medal of Honor.
Dr. Ayoub was an inspiration for so many, especially to his nephews and nieces and so many more who have followed him both as physicians and humanitarians. Beyond his professional inspiration, he has inspired all of us to a life of service to humanity; he has inspired us to make a difference in our journey through life.
Elias always enjoyed entertaining, a good laugh, and of course, singing and dancing. But most importantly, D. Ayoub earned a reputation of dedication and commitment to his profession; whether as a physician, chief of staff, or humanitarian providing free health care and education in Lebanon. He has earned a reputation as a selfless healer, confidant, and advisor.