Since Oct. 17, Lebanon has been rocked by protests calling for the resignation of the government.

This was sparked by a proposed daily tax of US$0.20 (S$0.27) for calls made over WhatsApp, along with other grievances such as the extremely high rate of unemployment.

However, amidst the ongoing discontent, a light-hearted moment has emerged.

Protesters sing "Baby Shark" to child in car

On Oct. 20, Eliane Jabbour posted a video on Facebook of herself in a car with her 15-month-old son, Robin.

They were surrounded by a crowd of protesters who proceeded to sing and clap to the song "Baby Shark".

The video has since gone viral with over 1,600 shares.

Here is the video:

In case you can't see the video:

Asked the crowd to stop shouting

Speaking to both CNN and Reuters, Jabbour stated that the incident occurred in Baabda District, just south of the Lebanese capital of Beirut.

She added that she had asked the crowd if they could stop shouting as her child was sleeping in the front seat.

This prompted the protesters to stop shouting and start singing instead.

Wanted the child to have fun

Joe Nehme, a 22-year-old business student who was one of the men seen dancing in front of the car, said that the protesters simply wanted the baby to have fun, the New York Times (NYT) reported.

It is unclear if they woke the baby, as he is seen wide-eyed and awake in the video, looking around at the crowd, while holding a milk bottle.

However, it appears to have been a good outcome, given that Jabbour said, "He likes this song. He hears it many times at home and laughs."

What's more, her son has also become a fan of the video itself, laughing every time he watches it.

She added, "Although he looked confused in the video, right now he starts laughing whenever he watches it."

Video represents the reality for children in Lebanon

Jabbour further highlighted that the video was representative of the current reality facing children in Lebanon.

Currently, the country has seen protests over the political system and economy.

While there have been certain incidents of vandalism, arson and looting, NYT reported that the protests have remained largely peaceful, with many parents bringing their children to protests.

The unemployment rate in Lebanon stands at 25 per cent, with the figure rising to 37 per cent for those under 25. 

The country's debt stands at US$86 billion (S$117 billion) or 150 per cent of its GDP.

Here's why the Lebanese are protesting:

Top image collage from Eliane Jabbour Facebook.