Elias Abela

Youssef Abela (1770–1840) was born in Acre and studied medicine and surgery.

Early life

Youssef enrolled in Napoleon 1st’s army when the latter’s army occupied Acre. Ahmad Pacha, the Ottoman governor in Acre was angered when he heard this news and got incredibly angry at Youssef and his brothers, causing them to flee Acre. When Napoleon left, Youssef went to Lebanon where he stayed hidden until the death of Ahmad Pacha El-Jazzar in 1804.

Afterwards, he went to Saida and practiced medecine there as well as commerce. When the british government decided to designate a representative in Saida, he was heir first choice. He undertook this challenge with passion and energy which helped him acquire much attention and recognition from the government

Youssef had ten children whom all prospered in different positions and acquired a multitude of land and in Saida, Beyrouth and in Lebanon.