RELIEF DINNER Sunday, 7 p.m. Ackerman Grand
Ballroom
To raise money for Lebanese civilians, an alliance of student
groups will host a charity dinner from 7 to 10 p.m. this Sunday in
Ackerman Grand Ballroom.
Anyone is invited to attend the dinner for a suggested donation
of $15 for adults and $10 for students. All proceeds will be
donated to the Middle East branch of the Red Cross, Red Crescent
and the Lebanon Relief Fund to help that country rebuild after the
recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
Fighting broke out in July between Israel and Hezbollah after
Hezbollah troops captured two Israeli soldiers. The conflict
escalated, killing more than 1,500 people before a United
Nations-brokered ceasefire went into effect Aug. 14.
“This is a non-partisan effort. No one’s pointing
fingers or making accusations. People need help and we are doing
our part to get them that help,” said Samer Araabi, an
Undergraduate Students Association Council general representative
who helped organize the event.
Traditional Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine will be served
to the music of the UCLA Near Eastern Ensemble. After dinner,
speakers will address the current situation in Lebanon.
Many prominent guests plan to attend the event, including the
Honorable Consul General of Oman Dr. Joseph Kechichian and
Honorable Consul General of Kuwait Muhyee AlDeen Rashed Al
Felaij.
United Arab Society treasurer Combiz Abdolrahimi said the
fundraiser is completely nonpolitical, nonreligious and
nondenominational, focusing entirely on humanitarian aid for those
in crisis.
“We hope that this can be an event where people can come
together to appreciate humanity, no matter what their opinions on
the political situation in Lebanon,” Abdolrahimi said.
“Even if you have political differences with someone, you can
still agree that people who are suffering need help.”
Sarah El-Annan, a third-year communications studies and
international development studies student, said she hopes those
attending the dinner come away with a greater awareness about both
the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon as well as problems in other
parts of the world.
“I hope people become more enlightened on the situation in
the Middle East because it’s very important to be aware of
what’s going on in other parts of the world,” El-Annan
said. “No matter if it’s in Darfur, Africa or wherever,
we should still know what’s going on in the world and do
whatever we can to help out those who aren’t as lucky as
us.”
Abdolrahimi said he hopes the dinner will be the beginning of a
continuing effort to provide assistance to victims in Lebanon.
“I hope that everyone comes together to grow and share
ideas with one another to better form a united effort to get
through this crisis,” he said.
With reports from Anthony Pesce, Bruin senior
staff.