Anera’s Annual Dinner Supports Vital Aid for Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank

On October 4, 2024, Anera hosted its Annual Dinner fundraiser at the Ritz Carlton in Washington, DC, drawing 520 guests who came together to support vital humanitarian and development initiatives in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Jordan. The event, which raised nearly $3 million, reflected Anera's commitment to empowering and honoring life through community-focused efforts.

The evening's theme, "Life Through Community," underscored Anera's belief in the power of global community to inspire resilience and change. From humanitarian relief to long-term development, Anera's network of staff, partners, and supporters are catalysts for action and hope, even amid challenging circumstances. This theme resonated in presentations that celebrated Anera's reach-from a tented camp in Gaza to fundraisers on college campuses worldwide.

Inspiring Presenters and Performers

The evening featured a lineup of remarkable presenters who captivated the audience with their insights and stories. Hala Taha, host of the popular Young and Profiting (YAP) Podcast and CEO of YAP Media, served as MC, bringing her experience interviewing notable figures like Matthew McConaughey and Deepak Chopra. Human rights attorney and Rutgers professor Noura Erakat shared her perspective on Anera's work, emphasizing the resilience of Palestinians and the critical role Anera's staff play in delivering aid during crises. Political commentator Mehdi Hasan echoed this, acknowledging the dedication of Anera's team and the outpouring of support from nearly 70,000 new donors worldwide, while sharing inspiring stories of fundraisers from marathons to cultural events.

The night also included a soulful performance by Palestinian artist Nibal Malshi, alongside Maurice Chedid, Bashar Farran, and Gilbert Mansour, adding cultural and emotional depth to the gathering.

Honoring Anera's Heroes: Staff and Donors

This year, Anera honored two groups: its dedicated staff and emergency donors. Noura praised the staff's ceaseless efforts, describing how they have become family to each other, especially those on the ground in Palestine and Lebanon. She noted their daily commitment, often working through personal tragedy to deliver life-saving aid.

Mehdi also paid tribute to Anera's donors, who have shown extraordinary generosity, particularly following recent events. He shared stories of individuals who went above and beyond, including an anonymous donor who doubled their gift to $1 million and 2,000 new monthly donors who give from the heart and help Anera maintain operations over the long haul.

President's Remarks

In his poignant speech, President Sean Carroll paid tribute to Anera's fallen colleague Mousa Shawa and acknowledged the heavy losses endured by all of Anera's team and the communities they serve in Gaza. He highlighted the constant onslaught of challenges faced in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, where Anera has intensified its humanitarian efforts amid escalating crises. Sean emphasized the persistence of grief fatigue among Anera's staff, who continue to deliver aid under harrowing conditions, and underscored the need for ongoing support from donors to sustain these vital efforts.

One important point Sean honed in on was the stark reality of restricted aid access, noting that while Anera has managed to deliver over 1,000 truckloads of aid into Gaza, this falls far short of the need. He called on the audience to shift their focus from the number of trucks to the restrictive policies that hinder humanitarian access.

Despite the challenges, Carroll affirmed Anera's commitment to not only providing emergency relief but also advocating for long-term change and support for Palestinians' aspirations. "Part of Anera's work," said Sean, "even if not our main mandate, ends up being about showing the world that Palestinians' aspirations are as valid as anyone else's."

Anera's president closed with a call to action, inviting attendees to reflect on their impact and urging them to remain engaged in this critical work. He requested a minute of silence to honor all those lost in the conflicts and reiterated the importance of Anera's role in delivering hope and advocating for peace in the Middle East. As he concluded, Sean reminded the audience of the relentless dedication of Anera's team, who would continue their vital work, helping to rebuild lives and communities amid the ongoing turmoil.

Recognizing Our Sponsors

The event was made possible with the support of our generous sponsors, including embassies, corporations, and individual philanthropists. Patrons like the Embassies of Qatar and the UAE, along with Ambassadors, Leaders, and Friends, all played a crucial role in making the evening a success, helping to raise more funds than ever before at an Anera event.

As we look back on this incredible event, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who joined us or contributed in some way. Together, we are building a future where communities can thrive, no matter the challenges they face. Anera's Annual Dinner was not just a fundraiser-it was a statement of solidarity, resilience, and the power of a global community to bring about meaningful change.