BEIRUT: First Lady Wafaa Sleiman met Friday survivors of last week’s car bombing that killed a top intelligence chief and praised the survivors on their courage and determination.

According to President Michel Sleiman’s press office, the first lady “praised the courage and faith of the wounded, particularly those who are still in hospitals, and hoped for their speedy recovery.”

Last week, a car bombing in Ashrafieh, Beirut, killed at least three people including Brig. Gen. Wissam al-Hasan, the head of the police’s Information Branch, and wounded over 100 other people.

Many of the wounded were in their apartments at the time of the blast and the severity of the explosion led to significant material damage to surrounding buildings.

In the rare public appearance, Sleiman also said that the survivors, some of whom are still in critical condition, “are living examples of the determination and ability of Lebanese to overcome difficulties.”

She also hoped that the future would hold better times “full of hope, love and tranquility that will certainly reflect positively on Lebanon's advancement and its leading role in the world.”

At Hotel Dieu Hospital, where most of the patients are receiving treatment, Sleiman met with the medical team involved in their treatment as well as three survivors.

She also met the family of Evelyn Khalil Richahit, 72, who was wounded by shrapnel and remains in intensive care.

The first lady also met with Antoinette Haddad, who has multiple wounds.

Sleiman also visited the Lebanese-Canadian Hospital, where 10-year-old Jennifer Chdid is recovering after undergoing several surgeries.

Chdid, who has around 300 stitches around her body, head and face, told Sleiman that she was determined to recover and get back to living a normal life.