Category: Announcement

Washington, DC, May 19, 2022 – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese heritage, hosted its annual awards gala dinner on May 18th at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington, DC.

Once again, the event gathered together current and former US officials in Congress and the Administration, former leaders in the US military, current and former diplomats, business and civic leaders, and Americans of Lebanese descent who, together with ATFL, urgently call for Lebanon’s leaders to prioritize the needs of the Lebanese people above their own interests.

Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States, Victoria Nuland, addressed the audience saying, “Secretary Blinken, all of us at the State Department are proud to be long-time partners of the American Task Force on Lebanon . . . You truly represent the gold standard in diaspora support.”

At the dinner, the following individuals were honored for their leadership and contributions to the US and to Lebanon: 

Congressman Garret Graves

US Representative, 6th District of Louisiana

Recipient of the Philip C. Habib Award for Distinguished Public Service

After accepting his award, Congressman Graves said, “I look forward to working with all of you to truly ensure that the great inspiration that I saw in my grandfather is able to be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Dr. Joseph E. Aoun
Seventh President of Northeastern University
Recipient of the Peter J. Tanous Founder’s Award

“In other places, the diaspora played a big role in launching higher education and launching industries. I believe that if it can be done in Bangalore, it can be done in Beirut. The Lebanese people will prevail,” remarked Dr. Aoun.

Mr. Ghassan M. Saab & Mrs. Manal Saab
CEO, Sorenson Gross Company & CEO, SGCS
Recipient of the Issam M. Fares International Leadership Award

“I will always preach about helping Lebanon to whoever will listen. Never ever, ever give up on Lebanon. No matter the weight, Lebanon will rise again,” said Ghassan Saab.

The Mayyas
Alternative Dance Crew & Winner of America’s Got Talent, Season 17 
Recipient of the Peter J. Tanous Founder’s Award

Lea Ghorayeb of the Mayyas said, “Dance has taught us discipline, hard work, and perseverance – these are the qualities that have helped us achieve success – not just as dancers, but also as people.” She added, “We hope to continue to empower women to take control of their own lives . . . to create a world where women are appreciated for their talents, skills and contributions, where we are able to move freely not just on stage, but on the streets and in our homes as well.” She concluded, “We promise to keep going, keep fighting, and keep dancing.”

The honorees highlighted the importance of ATFL’s leadership in fostering a strong US response to the urgent needs of the Lebanese people.

ATFL’s leadership noted the challenges that lie ahead as well. They emphasized ATFL’s continued commitment to encouraging the US and its allies in the international community to push for timely solutions to Lebanon’s most pressing problems so that the country can move toward recovery.

“[The Lebanese people] need urgent sustainable programs that guarantee affordable, clean energy and water, a banking system that protects their life savings, and education and health services that once defined the best of what Lebanon had to offer,” said Ambassador Ed Gabriel (ret.), President of ATFL.

The Hon. Spencer Abraham, Chairman of ATFL, remarked, “What the Mayyas and all of us in this room share in common is that no amount of adversity can stand in the way of a determined Lebanese.” He added, “Now imagine the heights the Lebanese people could reach with a functional government and stable economy. This is our vision for Lebanon. This is why we are here tonight.”

Washington, DC, August 8, 2022 (ATFL) – The United States Senate, on August 4, 2022, unanimously approved the nomination by President Joseph Biden of Edward M. Gabriel to become a member of the board of the US Institute of Peace. Ambassador Gabriel currently serves as President and CEO of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a nonprofit organization that seeks to build greater understanding and cultural ties between the United States and Lebanon. As a USIP board member, Ambassador Gabriel will become part of a prestigious organization that was founded by Congress and is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for US and global security. Ambassador Gabriel was the 16th US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, serving during the second term of President Bill Clinton. He has been recognized with the Order of the Ouissam Alaouite from the King of Morocco in 2001, and the National Order of the Cedar from the President of Lebanon in 2002. His international work has also involved national security and trade issues, including matters of Russian and European nuclear non-proliferation. He has also been recognized for his work in the fields of Native American rights and education, inner-city economic development initiatives, Arab American rights, energy policy, and promotion of American education in the Middle East.  His diplomatic career was preceded by a business career in which he built one of the largest public affairs companies in Washington, and early in his career was the founding Executive Director of the Council of Energy Resource Tribes (CERT), an energy development association comprised of 22 American Indian Tribes. Gabriel is a native of Olean, NY and currently resides in Washington, DC with his wife, Kathleen Linehan, an accomplished lawyer and advocate for animal rights. For additional information contact steven.howard@atfl.org or WhatsApp +1 202.603.5789

The American Task Force on Lebanon is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of prominent Americans of Lebanese heritage, who educate for the strengthening of the historic U.S.-Lebanon relationship. The mission and objectives of ATFL shall always be in the best interest of the United States and will promote the national unity, independence, and prosperity of a democratic and multi-sectarian Lebanon.

Washington, DC, May 12, 2022 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese heritage, hosted its annual gala dinner on May 11 at the Fairmont Hotel in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC.

Themed, “A Tribute to the Courageous People of Lebanon,” the event gathered together US officials, business and civic leaders, and Americans of Lebanese descent to send a clear message of solidarity to the Lebanese people, who are suffering from record-high levels of poverty and are mere days away from the May 15th parliamentary election and to the US government about the necessity of continued US engagement with Lebanon.

At the dinner, the following individuals were honored for their leadership and contributions to the US and Lebanon:

Governor Christopher T. Sununu of New Hampshire: The 2022 Philip C. Habib Award for Distinguished Public Service

Ambassador David Hale: The 2022 Philip C. Habib Award for Distinguished Public Service

Ms. Roula Khalaf: The 2022 Joseph J. Jacobs Distinguished Achievement Award

Mr. Marcello Damiani, Mr. Said Francis, Dr. Charbel Haber, Dr. Francois Nader, Dr. Joe Sarkis, and Mrs. Joyce Kfoury Sousa of Moderna, Inc. with the 2021 Issam M. Fares 
International Leadership Award

Her Excellency Nayla Moawad with the 2020 Issam M. Fares International Leadership Award

Mrs. Hania & Mr. Mohamed Ahmar with the 2020 Ray R. Irani
Lifetime Achievement Award

The Honorable Elizabeth Richard with the 2020 Philip C. Habib
Award for Distinguished Public Service

The honorees highlighted the importance of ATFL’s leadership in fostering a strong US response to the current crisis in Lebanon.

Ambassador Richard remarked that “As long as we the United States continue to put the country first and the Lebanese put country first…hand and hand, we can both have a very bright future.”

“Ultimately, of course, we look to the Lebanese people and leadership for the kind of reform initiatives that we can support,” said Ambassador Hale. “Washington can help, but we can’t make the tough decisions that are required of Lebanese leaders,” he added.

ATFL’s leadership both noted the challenges that lie ahead and emphasized ATFL’s continued commitment to pushing for both reforms and humanitarian assistance.

“One thing we’ll promise you tonight is that you can count on ATFL to address the needs of the people of Lebanon so that we meet and we surmount the challenges at hand,” said Ambassador Ed Gabriel (ret.), President of ATFL. 

The Hon. Spencer Abraham, Chairman of ATFL, noted that the people of Lebanon “have spent the past three years dealing with countless crises, yet they have persevered.” He also added, “ATFL stands with the people of Lebanon through their struggles for survival to renewal and we will stand with them as they revive and recover.” 

Washington, DC, April 8, 2022 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese heritage, led a ten day delegation to Lebanon headed by Amb. Ed Gabriel (Ret.), President of ATFL. 

The purpose of the visit was to call attention to the worsening economic situation in the country and the need to urgently negotiate an International Monetary Fund (IMF) debt-relief package, as well as the importance of holding free, fair, and on-time elections. 

In the presence of Dorothy Shea, the United States Ambassador to Lebanon, the delegation met with senior leadership in the current Lebanese government including President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. The delegation also met with the Deputy Prime Minister Saade Chami, Minister of Interior Bassam Mawlawi, Minister of Finance Youssef Khalil, Minister of Economy and Trade Amin Salam, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib. 

To gain a fuller understanding of the security concerns in Lebanon, the delegation was briefed by General Joseph Aoun of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), Brigadier General Maroun el Kobayati of the South Litani Sector of the LAF, and Head of Mission of the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Major General Aroldo Lázaro. Furthermore, the group visited with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) Joanna Wronecka as well as the Deputy UNSCOL and Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator Najat Rochdi, in addition to other representatives of UN missions in Lebanon.

ATFL met with former and current parliamentarians, nascent and other political movements, civil society organizations, activists, Druze, Christian (Maronite Catholic and Greek Orthodox), and Muslim (Sunni and Shi’a) religious leaders, and members of the media in anticipation of the upcoming 2022 parliamentary elections. 

“The situation in Lebanon is dire, caused by decades of political corruption that put individual interests ahead of the nation’s interest,” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel. “We urged the government to expeditiously negotiate an IMF debt-relief package without further delay and conduct free, fair, and on-time elections in order for Lebanese citizens to elect trusted leaders who will address reforms that meet the needs of the people.”

Washington, DC, January 31, 2022 (ATFL) – The Middle East Institute (MEI), the oldest Washington based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East, and the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, have announced that Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) will make opening remarks at the February 1st webinar launch event for their policy brief, “Helping the Lebanese People Move Towards Recovery: Recommendations for US Policy.”

Rep. Issa joins MEI President Paul Salem and ATFL President Ed Gabriel for the event. A panel discussion featuring Salem, Gabriel, MEI Vice President of Policy Brian Katulis, and Senior Correspondent for The National (UAE) Joyce Karam, will be moderated by ATFL Vice President for Policy Jean AbiNader.

Speakers will discuss the latest events in US-Lebanon relations such as the resignation of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, reconciliation negotiations with the Gulf Arab states, and the implications of an Iran nuclear agreement. Co-authored by more than 22 experts on US-Lebanon relations, recommendations for US policy include: continued US diplomatic leadership on the crisis; International Monetary Fund (IMF) and international economic aid tied to government reforms; supporting on-time, free, and fair elections in May; humanitarian support for the Lebanese people; promoting sustainable solutions to regional issues including maritime boundary negotiations with Israel; and the use of sanctions and actions such as asset freezes to strongly combat corruption in the Lebanese government.
 
The panel will also discuss the urgency of US assistance to support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and the Internal Security Forces (ISF) to support the livelihood of the troops and their families. The Levantine energy deals that will see Egyptian gas and Jordanian electricity sent to Lebanon will also be on the agenda.

The policy brief will be released during the webinar on February 1.

Washington, DC, January 19, 2022 (ATFL) – At a meeting with senior State Department officials yesterday, the leadership of American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL), a leadership organization of Americans of Lebanese descent, and the president of the Middle East Institute (MEI), the oldest Washington based institution dedicated solely to the study of the Middle East, discussed policy recommendations for US-Lebanon relations.  

In their meeting, the ATFL and MEI officials reviewed issues related to supporting the people of Lebanon and encouraging a more responsive government. They highlighted the urgency of supporting a United Nations fund to provide assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Internal Security Forces (ISF) to support the livelihood of the troops and their families, as well as the significance of the Levantine energy deal that will see Egyptian gas and Jordanian electricity sent to Lebanon.

This discussion included: encouraging continued US diplomatic leadership on the Lebanon issue; tying IMF and international economic aid to Lebanon based on government proposals that enact needed reforms; supporting on-time, free, and fair elections in May; increasing humanitarian support for the Lebanese people; the use of sanctions and actions such as asset freezes to strongly condemning corruption in the Lebanese government; and promoting sustainable solutions to regional issues including maritime boundary negotiations with Israel. Furthermore, the US should ensure that negotiations with Iran do not impact Lebanon negatively, and reassert that it is committed to safeguarding Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. 

“We are working hard to encourage the US and the international community to stand with the Lebanese people and help them along that path of renewal and reform,” said MEI President Paul Salem. ATFL President Ed Gabriel added, “We are greatly encouraged that the State Department will seriously consider these recommendations and make clear that free and fair elections are an important milestone. We look forward to briefing policymakers in a public seminar and members of Congress and senior leadership in individual meetings on Capitol Hill to urge their support for Lebanon at this critical time.”

Washington, DC, July 12, 2021 (ATFL) – The American Task Force on Lebanon, a 501c3 nonprofit educational organization comprised of Americans of Lebanese heritage, announced today its new growth strategy. As it joins with other partners in advancing a strong US-Lebanon bilateral relationship to address the critical needs of Lebanon, ATFL has become an indispensable part of an ever increasing need to communicate with Washington.  

The crisis in Lebanon has been referred to by the World Bank as possibly one of the three worst crises worldwide since the mid-19th century. It is faced with unprecedented challenges to stabilize its financial and economic sectors, confront a political void caused by a deadlocked government, and mitigate an increasingly high rate of extreme poverty. In response, the ATFL is redoubling its efforts to educate key policymakers on the importance of prioritizing the US-Lebanon bilateral relationship, standing firm against corruption in all sectors of the economy and political life, the need for addressing the humanitarian crisis among the Lebanese people, and the importance of maintaining a strong Lebanese Armed Forces.  

“ATFL has been a trusted voice for more than thirty years with US policymakers. As the US confronts its many diverse but connected interests in the Middle East, and one of the worst crises in Lebanon’s history, ATFL will be prepared to ensure that Lebanon is not forgotten in this myriad of issues,” remarked Ambassador Ed Gabriel, President and CEO of ATFL.

ATFL is staffing up with new positions in the fields of communications, social media, virtual production, and policy analysis. Parties interested in finding out more about opportunities at ATFL should inquire at www.ATFL.org. 

“As Lebanon enters one of the most devastating eras in its history, now is the time for ATFL to double down on its efforts to educate America’s policymakers on the consequences to US interests of a weakened or failed Lebanon on the eastern Mediterranean border,” said former Secretary and Senator Spence Abraham, Chairman of ATFL.  “In this regard, we believe these changes will enhance ATFL’s mission in supporting a strong US-Lebanon bilateral relationship.” 

For more information, please visit us at www.ATFL.org. 

Washington, DC, May 20, 2021 (ATFL) – ATFL has intensified its efforts with the Biden Administration and Congress to ensure a continuing emphasis on a strong US-Lebanon relationship. The joint MEI-ATFL policy paper, “6 Key Steps for Targeted US Diplomacy” released in March, outlined how the US government can work with its international partners to ensure Lebanon’s survival and recovery. A leadership organization made up of Americans of Lebanese descent, ATFL meets regularly with Congress and the Administration, including former Undersecretary of State David Hale before and after his recent trip to Lebanon.
 
Most recently, our efforts to educate and encourage members of Congress to support Lebanon’s partnership with the US has led to two letters that spell out the importance of Lebanon to US interests in the region.  The first letter was initiated by Representative Gregory Meeks, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and co-signed by 24 other Members, including Representative Ted Deutch, Chairman of the Middle East Subcommittee.
 
The letter was addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and said, “We urge prompt and significant US action, in coordination with key international partners, to address the suffering of the Lebanese people and prevent Lebanon from economic collapse, posing further risks to the security and stability of the broader Middle East as well as US national security.” 
 
The Meeks letter listed four recommendations: formation of an international group of friends of Lebanon to develop a plan to stabilize the economy pending formation of a government capable of implementing reforms, attacking corruption, and completing an audit of the Central Bank; building an international humanitarian assistance fund that would be channeled directly to the people; supplementary support for the Lebanese Armed Forces; and completing an independent investigation of the Beirut Port explosion of August 4, 2020.
 
In conclusion, the letter stated: “We support policies that advance a strong and stable US–Lebanon relationship and a just, prosperous, and independent future for the Lebanese people.
 
The second letter, from the US-Lebanon Friendship Caucus, echoed many of the points made in Chairman Meeks’s letter, stressing the humanitarian and security repercussions of the current status of Lebanon. The Caucus, which was recently relaunched in the 117^th Congress, has more than 20 members. Its letter was sent to President Biden as well as Secretary of State Blinken. It was co-signed by the four co-chairs of the Caucus, Representatives Darin LaHood, Charlie Crist, Darrell Issa, and Debbie Dingell, as well as other members of the Caucus. 
 
The Caucus letter made the point that “Lebanon can again be an example of a stable, independent, and sovereign democracy in the Middle East. In partnership with the US and its allies, Lebanon can overcome the challenges facing it today. Success requires the commitment to forming a transparent and representative government protected from political corruption, implementation of economic reforms, and ensuring continued access to humanitarian resources for its people.”
 
Paul Salem, President of the Middle East Institute, which houses a Lebanon program, remarked, “The months ahead will dictate the future of Lebanon for years to come. Along these lines, this week’s letters embody Congress’s much appreciated understanding of the urgency of the Lebanese situation today. Although there is little doubt that the country’s deliverance will eventually have to come from the people of Lebanon themselves, US leadership, engagement, and support will continue to be essential in helping Lebanon’s people and institutions, securing stability and encouraging reform.”
 
Edward Gabriel, ATFL President, welcomed the letters and pointed out that “Having two Congressional letters signed by more than 35 Members of Congress issued on the same day underscores that Lebanon remains a priority for the US despite all the turmoil in the region. As the center for American educational institutions in the region, a relationship going back more than 150 years and nourished by the more than 1.5 million Lebanese Americans, Lebanon’s survival and success must continue to be a priority for the US.”

Through the efforts of Direct Relief, FedEx, Anera, and the Ghassan and Manal Saab Foundation, the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) coordinated an airlift of some $12.7 worth of medicines and supplies to Beirut in August. Preparations for a second flight, however, were delayed until Sam Mraiche, President and CEO of MHCare in Canada generously offered to provide a cargo plane through his ties with Cargojet from Hamilton, Ontario to Istanbul, Turkey. The team was able to secure the support of Middle East Airlines (MEA) to arrange the final leg by adding passenger flights between Istanbul and Beirut to transship the medical supplies. 

Mraiche had already delivered two relief flights direct to Beirut but faced similar clearance challenges in securing a permit for his third flight. Through his vast network he was able to connect the various groups necessary to move this product across four countries to get it to the final destination. Meanwhile, Emirates Air agreed to carry small shipments of urgently needed cancer meds and medical supplies on their passenger jets from several US cities.

Pallets of medical relief destined for Lebanon. Pallets are offloaded in Beirut.

FedEx, which provided air transport for the first Lebanon Relief Project airlift on August 24, again stepped into the gap and arranged for its trucks to carry supplies gathered by the Afya Foundation from warehouses in New York to Canada. Afya has been receiving large quantities of donated supplies, storing, and coordinating shipping and logistics to ensure those supplies reach Beirut efficiently and effectively through air and sea freight. Once in Beirut, the supplies are managed by Anera, which offloads the shipments, clears customs, and distributes the various earmarked materials to Beirut hospitals of the nearly $6 million worth of medications from Direct Relief via Emirates Air, or by Afya Foundation for the Cargojet shipment.

The Lebanon Relief Project depends on an extensive network of volunteers to gather and prepare the desperately needed medicines and supplies. Principal among those is Manal Saab, a long-time board member of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, who remarked, “There are many hearts suffering for Lebanon and we are all in this together. Thanks to the leadership of ATFL, Rashal Baz Zureikat founder of Lebanon Relief Project, and the Afya Foundation, along with the ongoing generosity of FedEx, we were able to transcend borders across three countries and extend our healing hands to Beirut hospitals.”

ATFL President Edward Gabriel added, “This effort represents the love that we overseas Lebanese in the US and Canada have for that special country. We are grateful for the volunteers and companies that joined in this humanitarian effort which will continue for quite some time. The Project relies on creative and hard-working people in our community to make this work despite the many challenges that are encountered. We are indebted to those volunteers here and in Lebanon that are vital to the successful impact of the program.”


This release has been updated to reflect the arrival of the first airlift and to provide an updated link to the Lebanon Relief website.

A coalition of Lebanese Americans coordinated by the American Task Force on Lebanon has organized an airlift of badly needed medicines, supplies, and equipment from the American people to the Lebanese people in the aftermath of the explosions at the Beirut port. The first plane arrived today, Monday, August 24.

Pallets of medical aid are staged in Direct Relief’s warehouse on August 17, 2020. Photo: Direct Relief

Nearly 100 tons of essential medicines and supplies has arrived today in Beirut. The shipment is a people-to-people exchange, a gift from the American people to the Lebanese. It is destined for the hospitals, critical care centers, and care providers attending to the communities in Beirut who were most affected by the shocking explosions of August 4. The shipment contains requested essential medicines and personal protective equipment worth in excess of $13 million which will help relieve the strain on Beirut’s health care facilities. This shipment includes 131 pallets of high-value medicines donated by Direct Relief as well as 96 pallets from other sources. It will arrive on a plane donated by FedEx.
 
This relief effort has been coordinated by the American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) in response to a request from the US State Department.  A team of key nonprofits specializing in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance are mobilized in a campaign to collect these badly needed items and shepherd them to Lebanon. The organizations involved in the coordinated effort include Direct Relief, Anera, the Ghassan and Manal Saab Foundation, the Afya Foundation, and the Center for Arab American Philanthropy (CAAP). Today’s is the first of several shipments by air and by sea to support Beirut’s hospitals with critical supplies.
 
Anera, which has a strong ground operation in Lebanon, is working with US Embassy Beirut to offload the shipments, clear customs, and distribute the earmarked materials. Rafik Hariri University Hospital’s warehouse will serve as a distribution center securing our “people to people” exchange from the Americans to the Lebanese. Direct Relief, based in Santa Barbara, CA, and the Afya Foundation in Yonkers, NY, are the logistics providers that prepared, packaged, and documented the shipments.
 
Our campaign will continue as we work with our members and the Lebanese American community in a massive mobilization of supplies and donations. Principal among those volunteering to coordinate this effort is Manal Saab, a long-time board member of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital who remarked, “The outpouring of aid and help originating from our fellow Lebanese American citizens has been nothing short of spectacular. There are many hearts suffering for Lebanon and we are all in this together. We will continue this effort as long as there is a need in Lebanon.”
 
The response to ATFL’s campaign has been tremendous, with pallets of medical supplies and medicines ready to fill the additional shipments. ATFL President Edward Gabriel said, “This effort represents the love that we Lebanese Americans and those who care about Lebanon have for that special country. Ms. Manal Saab has been instrumental in facilitating this campaign and we are grateful for her partnership. We also want to thank the Clinton Foundation and Rep. Donna Shalala for their key support early in the campaign.”
 
Today’s shipment will be distributed to the following four hospitals, which are heavily involved in the response to the explosions. These hospitals will be sharing with other facilities and care centers in need:American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC)Lebanese American University Medical Center (LAUMC)Hotel Dieu de FranceRafik Hariri University Hospital (RHUH)