United Palestinian Appeal will be commemorating its 40 years of service this September at the Key Bridge Marriott in Arlington. It has been several decades since UPA has held an event of this nature and magnitude. This Washington-area event will be the launch of international recognition of UPA’s 40 years of service with events to follow in Jordan, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip. The events will pay tribute to UPA’s partners and beneficiaries in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Lebanon and Jordan, and to the true change-makers: UPA’s staff on the ground. Recently, Saleem Zaru, UPA’s executive director, discussed the motivation behind hosting such an event and how it speaks to UPA’s identity today.

Saleem Zaru is in his seventh year as executive director.

• Why did UPA decide to host an anniversary banquet to commemorate its 40 years of service?

Traditionally, UPA did not make it a priority to host such events. This year, however, is a milestone marking UPA’s 40^th anniversary of service. This event will give us a chance to look back at how the organization developed and what it accomplished. UPA was established 30 years after the Nakba. Over the last 40 years, UPA continued to respond to the needs on the ground in Palestine and in the refugee camps in the diaspora. It also continued to redefine itself as an organization to remain a dynamic entity ready to address the ever-changing needs of its beneficiaries.

This is a celebration of life and hope and of UPA’s ability to continue serving the Palestinian people. It is important for different stakeholders to take a closer look at our work. This event does just that. To understand UPA’s work, one must experience it. It is not about the numbers or statistics. The real meaning of our work is from the fulfillment one gets from touching a life. This event will demonstrate this deep emotional experience.

• You are calling this event “elegant yet not extravagant.” What does that mean?

We work in areas where having a roof over one’s head is a luxury—hosting an extravagant event does not seem appropriate.

We found a venue that is elegant enough yet simple and affordable. Staying true to our mission, respectful of our donors’ gifts and our guests’ financial contributions, we made a conscious decision to maximize the percentage of funds that will go directly to our programs as opposed to an extravagant venue.

• How will UPA condense 40 years of service into one evening?

We hope to highlight some of the most meaningful moments since UPA’s conception and capture the emotions from these experiences. We would like to highlight one moment for every year of service, in honor of all the dedicated and generous people who have made this work possible.

• Will all of UPA’s staff be represented at the event? Is it important for all staff, board members, etc. to be present at this event? If so, why?

It is important to have as many stakeholders present to recognize UPA’s ability to continue to serve. Since we have staff, board and advisory council members throughout the world it is not financially or logistically feasible to expect everyone to attend. Nevertheless, we do hope to have a representative from each location at the event. We are motivated knowing that our work continues to transform lives and empower communities and would like to share the moments that ignite this motivation with our guests.

• What does this event say about UPA’s work and identity as an organization today?

UPA’s commitment to its mission is constant, yet the organization is in a continuous state of change in order to remain effective and dynamic. Our story is that of a charity that started addressing short-term relief needs and grew throughout the years to develop viable programs and implement sustainable solutions. Presently, one of UPA’s priorities is capacity building in the Palestinian communities. As articulated by Mahmoud Darwish, UPA is helping people that love life find a way to it.

• What are some of the things you look forward to for the next 40 years of UPA’s service?

We look forward to continuing to expand our reach in serving the Palestinian people and remaining true to our mission. When Palestinians receive their full rights and are able to live in peace we will celebrate, we will have concluded our work. The road to peace is paved by working for justice.

• What do you enjoy the most about your work and or about your role as executive director?

I feel blessed to be part of a team that has the passion for a mission dedicated to transforming the lives of Palestinian people. I am fortunate to have a supportive board that promotes organizational growth and development to continue to enhance and expand our service.

Editor’s note: We encourage all those in the DC metro area to attend this event and help us continue our mission. For those who are unable to attend, please consider donating to our programs and initiatives.

Sponsorships are also available for this event.