SAWA Iftar Buffet. Photograph by Pennie Quinton © 2011
There was a remarkable atmosphere of solidarity at Saturday evening’s Ramadan Fundraising Iftar for Syrian refugees in Lebanon. The event was held at London’s Conway Hall on 13 August, and brought together British-Syrians, young Syrians completing their studies in England and friends of all backgrounds. Lebanon’s English language paper, The Daily Star, has reported from the makeshift shelters in Lebanon that Syrians who fled the Syrian regime’s brutal crackdown on its own citizens still lack basic freedoms as well as necessities; they fear going outside the shelter because they entered illegally through the unofficial border crossing. Approximately 2,500 UNHCR-registered Syrian refugees in Lebanon have been staying in the Wadi Khaled area. Many have been in Lebanon since the early days of the five-month unrest and the majority are from Tal Kalakh. Some of the recent arrivals, however, are from Hama.
SAWA, together for the Syrian refugees in Lebanon, organized the fundraising Iftar or evening meal to break the fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The purpose of the event was as much to raise awareness as funds, and we were reminded that Syrians of all creeds and ethnicities were united in condemnation of the Assad regime’s crimes against humanity, which have directly caused the humanitarian crisis on Syria’s borders.
We broke the fast with a few dates, our thoughts with those who were unable to enjoy the traditional family gathering at home this year. There was then an open buffet where the food was high in quality and quantity. Diners ate to the sound of Moroccan music on the oud, while children were treated to face painting.
The highlight of the evening was the auction directed by professional auctioneer Claudio Cassuto. Those gathered for Iftar enthusiastically bid for several large ink calligraphy drawings (generously donated by Evertitte Barbee), a traditional Syrian-made chair and table inlaid with mother of pearl, vouchers for beauty treatments and even a designer bag.
SAWA Fundraising Auction. Photograph by Pennie Quinton © 2011
The evening was an outstanding success, raising over £8,000 for the Syrians fleeing violence and repression in their home villages and cities.
If you were unable to attend, but still hope to contribute to the cause, you can donate directly to:
Reference: Together
please ensure you include this reference so we can process your donation
Bank Name: Barclays
Branch: Edinburgh
Acc name: Firefly
Acc no: 80900729
Sort code: 202923
IBAN: GB85BARC20292380900729
Swift code: BARCGB22
Please keep checking here for future fundraising events.
