The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) extends it sincere and heartfelt appreciation to all of our friends and supporters who joined us for our annual “Spirit of Humanity” Gala on Thursday, May 12, 2016 at the Greenfield Manor Banquet Hall in Dearborn, Michigan.
The Gala was a very remarkable and memorable evening honoring and celebrating our common bond, our common humanity, human rights, and human dignity for all people. We are very grateful that approximately 850 guests of different generations, cultures, ethnicities, faiths, and professional backgrounds; including dignitaries, elected officials, law enforcement officials, members of the bench, and community leaders joined us for such a special human rights evening.
Ms. Glenda Lewis, WXYZ TV News Anchor:
Ms. Glenda Lewis, WXYZ TV esteemed and renowned News Anchor, graciously served as our Mistress of Ceremony along with AHRC-USA’s Board Secretary Attorney Isaac Robinson. Ms. Yasmine Suri, Artist and Singer sang the United States National Anthem.
Dr. Alzohaili, AHRC President Remarks
Dr. Opada Alzohaili, AHRC-USA’s Board President, welcomed the Gala’s guests and highlighted the AHRC’s dedication to defend human rights issues that continue to impact millions around the world, and of which continues to call upon everyone to work together to address human rights abuses. Dr. Alzohaili thanked the AHRC’s Gala’s supporters for their gracious and generous support to its mission and vision. Dr. Alzohaili acknowledged all AHRC-USA board members and staff thanking each of them for their efforts on behalf of AHRC-USA and noted the promising future and the challenges facing AHRC-USA.
American Flag in honor of Dr. Alzohaili, AHRC President:
Der. Opada Alzohaili, AHRC president was presented the American Flag by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell of the 12th District of Michigan. The flag was flown at the Capitol Hill in Dr. Opada’s honor for his passion, compassion and commitment to serving human rights through several endeavors. As a medical doctor, Dr. Opada organized and facilitated several medical missions to help Syrian refugees and others who were displaced brecciate of war and conflict.
AHRC Keynote Speaker Dr. Rima Khalaf-Hunaidi:
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA),
It was with great regret that our AHRC Gala’s Keynote Speaker, Dr. Rima Khalaf-Hunaidi, could not attend the AHRC “Spirit of humanity” Gala due to the sudden death of her brother. AHRC-USA extends its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Khalaf-Hunaidi and her family during this difficult time of mourning.
City of Dearborn Medal to Dr. Rima Khalaf-Hunaidi:
Chief Ronald Haddad, on behalf of Dearborn Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr., welcomed the Gala’s guests and presented Dr. Khalaf-Hunaidi the City of Dearborn Medal welcoming her to the city and in recognition of Dr. Hunaidi work on behalf of human rights and the United Nations. Attorney Sara Najjar-Wilson, AHRC Honorary Chairwoman of AHRC’s “Our Common Humanity” Scholarship Program received the medal on Dr. Khalaf-Hunaidi’s behalf.
AHRC Special Request from all of our Gala’s guests:
AHRC requests all the Gala’s supporters and participants to kindly forward us any thoughts, observations and suggestions so we can learn and together can better shape the 2017 “Spirit of Humanity” Gala. AHRC extends its heartfelt apology if we did unintentionally cause any inconvenience to any guest and sponsor. We are very grateful and we are very overwhelmed with God’s blessings of support.