Bloom Charity’s First Gala since 2020: A Night of Unity and Impact

On November 2, I had the privilege of attending BLOOM Charity Bloom Charity’s first Gala since 2020, and it was truly extraordinary. The evening brought together a sold-out crowd of 340 supporters, all united in their commitment to making a difference in the lives of those in Gaza. The energy in the room was palpable, and the generosity on display was deeply inspiring.

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One of the most remarkable outcomes of the night was the staggering $158,000 raised, with donations still coming in. This incredible sum will fund two months of critical food distributions and support soup kitchens in Gaza, a region desperately in need of aid amid ongoing conflict.

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The program itself was as moving as it was empowering. Lena Derhally , the evening’s emcee, set the tone beautifully. As the granddaughter of Bethlehem’s mayor and married to a descendant of the Naqba, Lena brought a deeply personal perspective to the evening. An author, therapist, and Bloom board member, she has been instrumental in developing a program that connects trauma patients from Gaza with culturally competent therapists in the U.S.

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Powerful stories resonated throughout the night. Dr. Irfan Galaria offered a poignant glimpse into his time in Gaza, sharing firsthand accounts of patients who lacked family support—many of their loved ones either injured or lost to the violence. His experiences served as a sobering reminder of the human toll of conflict. Meanwhile, Jihan Al Husseini, CEO of Hayat Washington and Bloom’s on-the-ground partner in Palestine, delivered an impassioned address about the challenges and resilience of those in Gaza.

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The night’s excitement was amplified by the presence of two renowned Palestinian activists, Isra Chaker and Knafeh Queen, whose advocacy lit up the room. Their auctioning of Knafeh pies and chocolates not only delighted attendees but also raised additional funds for the cause.

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The evening wasn’t just about fundraising—it was a celebration of Palestinian culture. The all-female Dabke group, Malikat (Queens) Al Dabke, captivated the audience with their vibrant performance, energizing the crowd with their passion and artistry. Guests also enjoyed an art auction, a stunning fashion show, and vendors offering unique clothing and jewelry—many of whom generously donated a portion of their sales to Bloom Charity.

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As the Gala came to a close, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the founders of BLOOM Charity , Uzma Ahmad and Amina Shams , whom I’ve known for over three decades. Their unwavering commitment to serving both their faith community and the broader global community is nothing short of inspiring. The values instilled in them by their remarkable parents—role models to my spouse and me—shine through in their work. To see them extend their compassion and leadership from local efforts to aiding vulnerable people thousands of miles away is truly humbling.

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This event wasn’t just a gala—it was a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with purpose and compassion. The funds raised, awareness generated, and connections forged will undoubtedly create a lasting impact.

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Thank you to Bloom Charity and everyone who made this unforgettable evening possible. It is through such collective efforts that we plant seeds of hope, ensuring they continue to bloom for years to come.