JEDDAH, 8 August 2006 — A group of Saudi and Lebanese women hosted yesterday a children’s festival, which was attended by more that 500 families, at the residence of Jeddah-based radio journalist, writer and speaker Samar Fatany.
“The festival is not just a financial event but also a means to express emotional support for the people of Lebanon in their time of crisis,” Leena Almaeena told Arab News. “It was organized by volunteers such as Rola Daftargar and Yasmeen Badruddin to show support, and solidarity with the children of Lebanon.”
Food and beverages were provided by Sands Hotel and Party Land. The SR75 entry fee and the proceeds of the T-shirt and sticker sales are being donated to Lebanese charities and NGOs, Almaeena added.
“It is a great initiative,” said Vivian Jabri, one of the event’s coordinators. “The children know, mainly from television, what is happening in Lebanon. This gathering is a way to enhance their understanding of the situation and help them contribute to alleviate the sufferings of the people, especially children in Lebanon.”
Abdullatif Kanafani, an eight-year-old festival attendee, described the events in Lebanon as “very horrible.” He said the Israelis are destroying people, buildings. “Why are they attacking the country? Why are they killing children?” he said. “We pray for the Lebanese children. God will save them.”
He said he is planning to hold a bike-a-thon to raise money for the children in Lebanon. “I expect at least 20 children to participate. Parents will pay a certain amount of money for each lap their children finish,” he said.
Children’s book author Hadeel Alabbasi said that children here seem to be aware of what’s happening in Lebanon. At the festival she told stories in simple words to children who had gathered eagerly around her. Each story session ended with questions and games.
“The stories are meant to enhance their knowledge and understanding,” she added.
Bilal Abdul Jamal, 12, a Saudi who lives in Lebanon and attends Adma International School in Beirut, said his beautiful country is being destroyed for no obvious reason. He said he was lucky to arrive in Jeddah a day before the war started.
“All my friends are there. I feel for them and pray for their safety,” he said. “It is our duty to help the victims of the war. I am ready to do anything to help with food, shelter, and medicine. My heart bleeds for them.”
