Gaza and Lebanon solidarity event hosted by Al-Arab in UK Platform

Al-Arab in UK Platform and Forum hosted its second annual solidarity event, “United for Gaza and Lebanon”, in London on Monday. The event attracted more than 200 Arab citizens and embodied a spirit of unity in support of key Arab causes.

The evening featured the presentation of the “Outstanding Arab Personality” awards for 2024 and included a fundraising auction of paintings by artist Bisan Arafat. Proceeds from the auction will support humanitarian projects run by Action for Humanity in Gaza and Lebanon.

Several initiatives aimed at benefiting the Arab community were also announced during the event, including the launch of an Arabic-language radio station, the organisation of a youth-focused job fair to enhance employment opportunities, and a dedicated day to promote the learning and preservation of the Arabic language.

Kuwaiti doctor Dr Mohammad Al-Kandari (R), who volunteered in Gaza during the ongoing genocide, attended the annual solidarity event themed ‘United for Gaza and Lebanon’ held by Al-Arab in UK Platform and Forum on 21 October 2024 in London, UK [somiyanmphotography]

Al-Arab in UK Platform and Forum held its second annual solidarity event themed ‘United for Gaza and Lebanon’ on 21 October 2024 in London, UK [somiyanmphotography]

Leanne Mohamed at the annual solidarity event themed ‘United for Gaza and Lebanon’ held by Al-Arab in UK Platform and Forum on 21 October 2024 in London, UK [somiyanmphotography]

• The Forum recognised individuals who have made significant contributions to Arab causes and presented awards to Dr Ghada Karmi, Dr Omar Mufid Makhlalati, Lowkey, Ahmed Al-Nauq and Leanne Mohamed. A number of other individuals were recognised for their “pivotal roles in strengthening Arab-UK relations”, including Dr Mohamed Al-Kandari, Youssef Al-Hilu and Nancy Al-Arabi.

The evening commenced with a minute’s silence in honour of the martyrs of Gaza and Lebanon. This was followed by an opening speech from Adnan Hmidan, head of the Al-Arab in UK Platform, who expressed deep gratitude to everyone attending for their solidarity.

“We gather here today to strengthen our unity and stand together in the face of the horrific genocide endured by our people in Gaza, with Lebanon also wounded by these events,” said Hmidan. “From here in the heart of London, we raise our voices as one in rejection of this injustice and stand firmly against the betrayal that has led to complicity in the crimes unfolding in Gaza.”

Al-Arab in UK Platform and Forum held its second annual solidarity event themed ‘United for Gaza and Lebanon’ on 21 October 2024 in London, UK [somiyanmphotography]

Al-Arab in UK Platform and Forum held its second annual solidarity event themed ‘United for Gaza and Lebanon’ on 21 October 2024 in London, UK [somiyanmphotography]

Al-Arab in UK Platform and Forum held its second annual solidarity event themed ‘United for Gaza and Lebanon’ on 21 October 2024 in London, UK [somiyanmphotography]

The Forum’s Dr Mohamed Al-Hajj Ali also underscored the importance of such gatherings. “The Al-Arab in UK Forum,” he explained, “is a platform for all British Arabs to connect, strengthen relationships, support our just causes, and preserve our cultural identity while integrating positively within British society.”

The CEO of Action for Humanity, the event’s chosen charity for the evening, stressed how important it is to align charitable and political efforts to support Gaza. “We must beware of the ongoing conflict’s detrimental impact on the region,” said Othman Moqbel. He referenced former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s remarks about the potential threat to “Western civilisation” if arms exports to the occupation state were suspended. “I urge everyone to continue to apply political pressure for a ceasefire.”

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