TORONTO, June 8, 2016 /CNW/ - On Wednesday, May 25th, The Daughters for Life Foundation (DFL) held its 4th Annual Gala at the Carlu, celebrating the achievements of inspirational activists and previous DFL scholarship recipients. Almost 400 guests joined in a new vision for peace and gender equality in the Middle East and around the world.
Guests were taken on an emotional journey as journalist Shlomi Eldar was interviewed on stage by executive publisher and Vice President of Penguin Publishing House, Louise Dennys. Shlomi was the first to talk to DFL founder Dr. Abuelaish after the tragic deaths of his daughters and niece in Gaza in 2009.
The evening was made more poignant by the MC for the evening, media personality Erin Davis, who had lost her own daughter only one year before. The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Ontario's Lieutenant Governor, set the tone of the gala with her moving opening remarks.
Speakers included New College of Florida's Provost, Stephen Miles and DFL scholar Loureen Sayej. Premier sponsor Jonathan Kolber from the International Language Academy of Canada (ILAC) shared his thoughts on the role of education in promoting peace.
Malala Yousafzai's could not attend in person due to exams. Her parents accepted The Courage and Inspiration Luminary Award on her behalf. "The greatest gift to peace in the world is through the education of women," said Malala's father, Ziauddin Yousafzai.
Michele Landsberg and her husband, Stephen Lewis were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Luminary award and Maria Campbell was awarded the Trailblazer Luminary award. Teen social activist Hannah Alper spoke passionately about her experience as an activist and how role models like Malala inspire her to speak up for the voiceless.
Thank you to all our sponsors: ILAC; Indigo, Chapters and Coles; Gomberg Mediation and Dr. Michael Dan & Amira Dan; Lee LLP, Spin Master, and Rashid & Quinney Corporation, Trent University, Ryerson University, Mohawk College, as well as community supporters and in-kind sponsors.
SOURCE Daughters for Life Foundation
Image with caption: "From left: Michele Landsberg, Stephen Lewis, The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Maria Campbell, Malala’s parents, Tor & Ziauddin Yousafzai and Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish (CNW Group/Daughters for Life Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160608_C7702_PHOTO_EN_708696.jpg
Media Contact: Jacklin Ibrahim, [email protected], 416.640.0246
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