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The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) proudly marks the success of its inaugural NextGen Leadership Summit, which brought together thirty young Lebanese American professionals in Washington, DC for an immersive day on Capitol Hill.

Participants explored the historic US Capitol building and engaged in an exclusive bipartisan policy discussion with Representatives Darrell Issa, Darin LaHood, Seth Moulton, and Eric Swalwell alongside current and former Congressional staff. The conversation focused on US-Lebanon relations, the role of Congress in shaping foreign policy, and the ways in which young Lebanese Americans can contribute to policymaking and public service.

Participants also toured the Library of Congress and met with analysts from the Congressional Research Service—often referred to as “Congress’s think tank”—to gain insight into the research and analysis that supports legislative decision-making.

Following this successful launch, ATFL will turn its focus to its Rising Leaders program, reaffirming its commitment to to empowering the next generation of Lebanese Americans to engage in civic life and serve their communities, their country, and their ancestral homeland.

The American Task Force on Lebanon (ATFL) celebrated a landmark moment with the successful conclusion of its gala, which brought together over 500 VIPs, including Lebanese Americans from across the United States, Lebanese officials, and bipartisan US officials representing Congress and the Administration. The event showcased the depth of support for ATFL’s mission and the growing recognition of the American Lebanese community’s role in advancing a strong US-Lebanon relationship.

The gala highlighted ATFL’s unique position as a credible, nonpartisan voice advocating for Lebanon’s sovereignty, stability, and prosperity — in full alignment with US foreign policy. ATFL remains committed to supporting Lebanon’s recovery through principled advocacy that reflects shared priorities with the US administration: the disarmament of all armed groups, the strengthening of state institutions, and the urgent implementation of economic and governance reforms in a country at peace with its neighbors.

“ATFL looks forward to the next phase of its work, and helping ensure that US policy continues to align with Lebanon’s long-term interests and that meaningful progress is achieved,” said ATFL President Ed Gabriel.

The gala also underscored ATFL’s proud role as a unifying platform — a tent under which Lebanese Americans of all backgrounds and perspectives, as well as friends of Lebanon, gather with a shared purpose. The diversity of attendees underscores ATFL’s longstanding belief that inclusive dialogue and principled engagement are the best paths forward.

ATFL welcomes the spirited discussions that reflect the dynamism and passion of the Lebanese people. Such differences are not a division, but a strength — echoing the resilience and vitality that define Lebanon and its diaspora.