The Rene Moawad Foundation USA held its 28^th Annual DC Benefit Dinner at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Washington DC on Tuesday November 19^th.  The event brought together over 300 supporters to celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Lebanese Americans who have made Lebanon proud and their critical role in preserving Hope in Lebanon, the theme of the RMF event this Year.

Amongst the guest list were many dignitaries and representatives from the US Government including the Lebanese-American members of Congress, Darrel Issa, Darin LaHood, newly elected Abe Hamadeh, Congressman Eric Swalwell, Lebanese American businessman Massad Boulos, a key influencer for the region in the incoming Administration, Andy Plitt, Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for ME at USAID, one of RMF’s key partners. Others from the NSC and State Department NEA section and Lebanon desk as well as MPs Raji El-Saad and Nadim Gemayel visiting from Lebanon, were also present.

The evening’s introductory remarks were given by its USA Executive Director Nadia Abourizk-Asaad who stressed that RMFUSA’s mission since its inception in 1993, was to give the Lebanese a dignified life in their own homeland.

In his brief remarks, Wael Hachem, Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Lebanon noted that “the gathering at RMF’s annual dinner is a testament to our collective resilience and unwavering commitment to Lebanon.”

HE Michel Moawad, RMF Lebanon’s Director started his keynote address with a powerful quote from Mahmoud Darwiche that he felt aptly described what the Lebanese were currently going through: “The war will end. The leaders will shake hands. The old woman will keep waiting for her martyred son. That girl will wait for her beloved husband. And those children will wait for their heroic father. I don’t know who sold our homeland. But I saw who paid the price”.  “Tonight is a call to stand by each other upholding unity and human dignity, as, beyond the geopolitical interests and political divide, lies a tragic reality” he added. Addressing the audience, he thanked the US diaspora for being the backbone of Lebanon and RMF’s mission, especially now in its darkest hours.

The event honored three deserving Lebanese Americans: The Outstanding Community Service Award was extended to Charlie Hanna, President of a very successful multi-billion US company, Cedars Mediterranean, for giving back to his US and Lebanese communities especially his contributions to education and developing his village Karkha in the south. The Public Service Award was given to Dr. Elias Ayoub & his wife Mireille Ayoub from the west coast for their extraordinary service to their community. Lastly the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award was extended to Mike and Hania Ahmar whose success story exemplifies that of the Lebanese diaspora wherever they may be and who are generously giving back and supporting many Lebanese American Organizations working for the cause of Lebanon in addition to their own local community.

The event was emceed by Ambassador ED Gabriel, president of another Lebanese American Organization, the American Task Force on Lebanon, who highlighted the partnership between the two entities. Finally, this year RMF recognized the role of Lebanon’s future leaders with its Host Committee young co-chairs Cheyenne Mawad and Ralph Nader. The evening also presented a meaningful and moving performance by a Lebanese artist AZIZA whose songs touched the hearts of the audience with their sounds of hope.