Up to $350 thousand go to WA Hebron projects

Amman – On Friday, October 21, the welfare association (WA) and the Jerusalem Forum jointly held a fundraising dinner in Amman. The event managed to beat the target by fundraising approximately $350 thousand in support of selected group of WA renovation and community development projects in Hebron. The event was attended by over 500 guests, including some of WA’s long-term members and supporters who have made the association’s work possible.

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                                                                Dinners' Keynote Speaker

                                 H.E.Lakhdar Brahimi, Special Advisor to UN Secretary –General

In his remarks, the dinner Keynote speaker H.E. Lakhdar Brahimi, UN Special Envoy and former Special Advisor to the Secretary-General, thanked the guests for their sense of responsibility and giving to Palestine, recalling several WA’s late founding members, namely Abdulmajeed Shoman, Hasib Sabbagh, Nizar Jardaneh, Hani Qaddumi, Ibrahim Abu Loughud, and Edward Said, for their giving and support to the Palestinian development process.

Titled “What about the Palestinian Spring?!” Mr. Brahimi’s speech highlighted the importance of the Palestinians’ collective power in attaining their aspired goal. He also stressed the need for Arab intellectuals to positively empower change and provide guidance on how to perceive and act towards the global balance of power.

                                              Dr. Marwan Al Sayeh, Vice-Chairman of the WA’s Board of Trustees 

WA was represented by Vice-Chairperson of the board of trustees Dr. Marwan Al Sayeh, who thanked all WA’s supporters and friends, urging them to continue their endeavors and support for a better Palestinian future. Dr. Subhi Ghosheh, Chairman of the Jerusalem Forum, expressed his pride of the Forum’s profound relationship with the welfare association, adding that such a long-term relationship has contributed to the success of several events jointly held in Amman.

The event featured a short movie produced by the Hebron Reconstruction Committee, highlighting the daily suffering experienced by the people of Hebron. The movie was followed by a brief speech made by H.E. Dr. Ali Al Qawasmi, Chairperson of the Committee, who gave examples of the current situation of he city and of efforts exerted to face different challenges on the ground.

                                                    Young Palestinian Musician Salah Eddin Maraqa

During the dinner which was mastered by famous Lebanese TV presenter Ricardo Karam, young Palestinian musician Salah Eddin Maraqa (27) made a solo performance on the Qanun. The performance reflected Maraqa’s outstanding talent which he started at the age of nine.The proceeds of the event will enable WA to support several community development institutions located in Hebron.