The benefit, which took place at the historical Sursock Museum, honored Lebanese businessman and philanthropist Philippe Jabre as Amideast’s 2024 Education Hero for his commitment to education in Lebanon through access to quality education to underprivileged as well as scholarship programs. This prestigious award recognizes those whose lifetime achievements have significantly advanced educational opportunities and inspired future generations in Lebanon and beyond.
Organized by the Amideast-Lebanon Advisory Board, the annual event helps to raise awareness about Amideast Lebanon’s extensive work in supporting youth and entrepreneurs across the country, while helping to raise funds for future programs to benefit brilliant minds residing in Lebanon.
It is no coincidence that the event was held at the brilliant Sursock Museum, honoring the outstanding legacy of Nicolas Sursock, who believed in serving the community and empowering future generations.
For over 50 years, the Amideast-Lebanon office has served as a window of opportunity straight from the heart of Beirut, offering support to anyone willing to go as far as their dreams, talents, and dedication can take them, touching the lives of more than 20,000 people every year. Under our commitment to our mission in creating hope, opportunity, and mutual understanding among people of the MENA and the United States through life-changing opportunities, Amideast works with individuals from across the country and the region, regardless of their age, religion, financial status, or gender.
The organization’s initiatives include assisting students with scholarships and exchange programs, training and supporting entrepreneurs, managing and facilitating empowerment programs for women and youth, providing English language and professional training workshops, and testing services, all while building cross-cultural understanding.
Amideast’s work has also helped, over the past few years, hundreds of students from Lebanon receive over 20 million dollars in scholarships and financial aid toward prestigious universities in the US, including Notre Dame University, MIT, Georgetown, Columbia, Cornell, Vanderbilt, and the University of Pennsylvania, in addition to supporting and training many entrepreneurs launch their successful small businesses which stand to this day through difficult economic situation.
“Nothing can deter the Lebanese, from pursuing lives of prosperity and purpose,” said Mrs. Wafa Saab, Chairwoman of Amideast-Lebanon’s Advisory Board, who added “Our youth truly make us proud, and by providing them opportunities we invest in their potential. We foster their growth and enhance their career prospects, contributing to a more equitable and innovative society.” Mrs. Saab proceeded to address the scholarship students, saying, “The future of our country lies in your hands.”
Mrs. Wafa's heartfelt speech was followed by the hopeful words of the Amideast Lebanon country director Dr. Rana Taher who addressed the evening’s guests by highlighting the importance of Amideast’s initiatives and programs in changing lives. “I was privileged, but thousands of students in Lebanon are not.” She continued by sharing her own experience of studying abroad, and how this experience changed her life and offered “a lifetime opportunity to acquire unparalleled education.” Dr. Rana thanked donors and partners that support Amideast-Lebanon to continue to provide these life-changing opportunities to students from underprivileged areas across Lebanon.
The contributions from the 24 board members have allowed students to benefit from Amideast’s MENA Scholarship Support Fund (MSSF) and Hope Fund programs which support exceptional Lebanese and Palestinian students studying in the U.S., in addition to supporting local entrepreneurs to launch their businesses with the support of Amideast Entrepreneur Institute, provide professional development for English teachers, and offer employability skills trainings for women and youth.
Amideast-Lebanon is the local arm of Amideast, a U.S. organization established in 1951. Today, Amideast’s programs and services throughout the Middle East and North Africa touch the lives of half a million people a year, improving educational opportunities and quality, strengthening local institutions, and developing language and professional skills critical for success in the global economy.
Proceeds from the fundraising dinner will help support even more young people in Lebanon to receive life-transforming opportunities to achieve their dreams.
