The Lebanon Fundraising Iftar, hosted jointly by the Lebanese Muslim Association and Feed The World on Sunday 24 May, brought together community leaders, members and supporters for an evening that delivered both spiritually and practically – raising in excess of $100,000 for humanitarian aid in Lebanon.
Held at Sophra Mediterranean Restaurant in Georges Hall in Sydney’s southwest, the intimate gathering drew a number of distinguished guests including Mr Raymond El Chamlati, Consul General of Lebanon (NSW), Mrs Sarah Al Dirani, Consul of Lebanon in Sydney, Bilal El-Hayek, Mayor of the City of Canterbury-Bankstown, the National Grand Mufti of Australia Sheikh Riad El-Rifai, Sheikh Yahya Safi, Imam of Lakemba Mosque, and other mashaykh and representatives from a number of Lebanese community organisations.
The LMA Board was represented in strong numbers, led by President Hajj Hafez Alameddine.
LMA Secretary and Spokesman Hajj Gamel Kheir said the response from those present exceeded all expectations.
Sheikh Yahya Safi.
“We knew the community cared deeply about Lebanon but the generosity shown on the night was something else,” Mr Kheir enthused.
“Raising over $100,000 at such an intimate gathering is a powerful statement about who we are as a community.”
Mr Kheir also paid tribute to the collaborative spirit that made the event possible.
“Nights like this don’t happen without a lot of people giving their time, energy and resources quietly behind the scenes.”
“From the LMA staff and volunteers to the team at Sophra, everyone brought their best.”
LMA General Manager Hajj Khaled Alameddine (right) was a major driving force behind the fundraiser.
The evening was expertly MC-ed by Br Nazieh Kheir, with the program featuring speeches and videos shining a light on the severe hardship currently being experienced by communities across Lebanon.
All proceeds go directly to aid in Lebanon. For more information visit feedtheworld.org.au
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