“To be honest we thought hard as to whether we should have this event or not” our Executive Director and co-founder began in her speech at the start of the evening.
But gather we did, all 350 of us, attired in the colours of the Palestinian flag, friends old and new, peppered with celebrities, ambassadors, academics, film makers, businesspeople, the young, the old, all with one important thing in common, the desire to come together with Gaza in our hearts and in solidarity with Palestine. Our MD as our MC helped a seamless flow of events to keep us entertained and to establish memories of a wonderful evening.
“Education is power” acknowledged a filmmaker as a counterpoint to the fact that most of the schools and universities in Gaza have now been destroyed and those that have not are sheltering displaced families.
Palestinians have always prided themselves on their high literacy rate and education was always seen as the way to guarantee a better future in a better country. “The occupation may take away one’s land, but they can never take away one’s education” was always a maxim that gave Palestinians solace.
Now, what little education there is left in Gaza happens sporadically in tents. Educide and scholasticide are new words on everyone’s lips. This overall assault on education is without doubt to ensure there is no overall intellectual development and it aims towards erasure of a culture, a history and an identity.
Dr Ghassan Abu Sittah, our keynote speaker, reflected on the father who pushed an amputee 14-year-old boy in the wheel chair for six or seven hours in those ploughed streets to get him to a doctor. He went on to say: ”It is that superpower, the love the father had towards his one remaining son that makes me believe what saved us in ’48 is what will save us again in this new elimination.” His words were greeted with a standing ovation.
“That’s it” our chairman was overhead saying to the guests on his table. “It’s all about love”, and in his own speech asserted that “a free Palestine will free us all” and that “Palestinians also have a dream that peace and justice will prevail from the river to the sea.”
“And you probably think you have done all you can, but tonight we don’t need you to do all you can. We need you to do the absolute best you can,” our Executive Director challenged us at the end of her speech.
And the challenge was met whether through outbidding each other at the auction, making pledges or sponsoring the costs of holding the event. The comedian Amer Zahr was hilarious and the sublime Dana Saleh entranced us all with her beautiful singing. The conversation flowed as readily as the wine, the ambience reflected conviviality, respect and love, for one another, for education, justice, and for Palestine.
“We supported one student who graduated and now we are supporting another” one student sponsor explained.
“If we have made a difference to one person’s life we have made a difference “ echoed another guest.
And at the end of the day the event, thanks to the incredible generosity of the guests, made enough to make a difference to many lives.
Not only is there renewed funding to continue the Galilee Foundation’s own programmes but new partnerships will be forged through a share of the proceeds with Ajyal, IMET and FQMS.
Enjoy the highlights of the wonderful occasion
Whether you missed the event entirely or whether nostalgia at its recollection has made you wish to recall the inspiring contributions of speakers and entertainers, we are now able to provide reminders of all the best bits. Enjoy:
Maha’s introduction
Sawsan’s speech Our Executive Director and Co Founder reminds us of why we gathered together with Gaza in our hearts.
There was a standing ovation for Dr Ghassan Abu Sittah, our keynote speaker, at the beginning and the end of his speech
Our Chairman, Dr Marwan Bishara, spoke of the growing support and love for Palestine
And Dana Saleh enchanted us with two songs from her repertoire dedicated to Palestine
