Southern California Chapter holds its 4th Annual Gala in Anaheim, CA

On October 18, 2008 the PCRF-SC brought the Arab-American community together at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel in Anaheim, California to show our appreciation and gratitude for all the work they do on behalf of our children in Palestine and all over the Middle East. Our theme, Healing Hands offered the audience the opportunity to touch the lives of innocent children in need. We welcomed performances by the UCLA Students for Justice in Palestine (LA Dabkeh Troupe) and Comedian Nazareth as well as a recital of one of the late Mahmoud Darwish’s poems. Presentations from Dr. Hugh Watts (Shriner’s Hospital Los Angeles), Steve Sosebee, and the keynote speaker, Dr. Shibley Telhami (University of Maryland, College Park), were topped off by a moving tribute to the PCRF’s strongest pillars: Dr. Musa and Mrs. Suhaila Nasir.

Every year we receive numerous honors and recognitions from government personnel, including letters of support from Senator Diane Feinstein (CA), Representative Loretta Sanchez (CA), California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mayor Curt Pringle of Anaheim, CA and just recently, a message from Representative Kucinich (OH) formally acknowledging the work of the PCRF in the United States Congress. In 2006, we received a video-taped message of support from President Jimmy Carter, which was followed by messages from South African Archbishop, Desmund Tutu (2007) and her HRH Princess Haya bint Al Hussien (2008).

Past speakers include: Emmy-Award winning actor, Tony Shalhoub (2005), Golden Globe Winner and Oscar Nominated Director, Hany Abu-Assad (2006), and Dr. Hanan Ashrawi (2007).

As always, we witnessed an audience which was humbled to give of themselves and impassioned and empowered to take our cause to their families, their friends, and to their community.