LONDON, (PIC)
The Al-Arab in UK Platform and Forum concluded its second annual solidarity event, themed “United for Gaza and Lebanon”, On Monday, 21st October. The event, held in London, attracted a significant Arab presence and embodied a spirit of unity in support of key Arab causes.
The evening featured the presentation of the “Outstanding Arab Personality” award 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, such as the launch of an Arabic-language radio station, the organization of a youth-focused job fair to enhance employment opportunities, and a dedicated day to promote the learning and preservation of the Arabic language.
Honoring outstanding Arab figures
Throughout the evening, the Forum recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to Arab causes. Awards were presented to the following honorees:
Dr. Ghada Karmi, presented by Professor Sabah Al-Mukhtar.
Dr. Omar Mufid Makhlalati, presented by MP Ibtisam Mohamed.
Rapper Lowkey (Kareem Dennis), presented by artist Rachid Gholam.
Journalist Ahmed Al-Nauq, presented by former Westminster Mayor Hamza Taouzzale.
Activist Leanne Mohamed, presented by artist Bisan Arafat.
Additionally, Dr. Mohamed Al-Hajj Ali, representing the Al-Arab in UK forum, and Adnan Hmidan, head of the Al-Arab in UK Platform, presented awards to several other guest honorees who have played pivotal roles in strengthening Arab-UK relations. These honorees included:
• Ibtisam Mohamed
• Sabah Al-Mukhtar
• Rachid Gholam
• Mohamed Al-Kandari
• Omar Al-Thuwaini
• Yahya Hawwa
• Ihssane Benalluch
• Osama Al-Maleeki
• Haifa Jouhar
• Nancy Al-Arabi
• Youssef Al-Hilu
• Hamza Taouzzale
• Bisan Arafat
• Ibrahim Khadra
Evening highlights and speeches of solidarity
The evening commenced with a minute’s silence in honor 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 the attendees for their solidarity. He remarked:
“We gather here today, for the second consecutive year, to strengthen our unity and stand together in the face of the horrific extermination endured by our people in Gaza, with Lebanon also wounded by these events. Tragically, many of our other cities remain affected by similar devastation.”
Hmidan continued, “From here, at Al-Arab in UK, 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.”
Dr. Mohamed Al-Hajj Ali, representing the Al-Arab in UK Forum, also underscored the importance of such gatherings, stating:
“The Al-Arab in UK Forum 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.”
Support for Gaza and humanitarian efforts
Action for Humanity’s CEO delivered a speech stressing the importance of aligning charitable and political efforts to support Gaza, warning of the ongoing conflict’s detrimental impact on the region.
He referenced former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s remarks about the potential threat to “Western civilization” if arms exports were suspended, urging continued political pressure to achieve a ceasefire.
Solidarity and attendance
More than 230 Arabs from across the UK attended the event in central London to commemorate the second anniversary of the Al-Arab in UK Platform and Forum, under the banner of solidarity with Gaza and Lebanon.
It is also worth noting that last year’s event was dedicated to providing relief for earthquake victims in Syria and Turkey, reflecting the Forum’s ongoing commitment to supporting humanitarian causes in the Arab world.
