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RELIEF DINNER Sunday, 7 p.m. Ackerman Grand Ballroom

To raise money for Lebanese civilians, an alliance of student groups will host a charity dinner from 7 to 10 p.m. this Sunday in Ackerman Grand Ballroom.

Anyone is invited to attend the dinner for a suggested donation of $15 for adults and $10 for students. All proceeds will be donated to the Middle East branch of the Red Cross, Red Crescent and the Lebanon Relief Fund to help that country rebuild after the recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Fighting broke out in July between Israel and Hezbollah after Hezbollah troops captured two Israeli soldiers. The conflict escalated, killing more than 1,500 people before a United Nations-brokered ceasefire went into effect Aug. 14.

“This is a non-partisan effort. No one’s pointing fingers or making accusations. People need help and we are doing our part to get them that help,” said Samer Araabi, an Undergraduate Students Association Council general representative who helped organize the event.

Traditional Lebanese and Middle Eastern cuisine will be served to the music of the UCLA Near Eastern Ensemble. After dinner, speakers will address the current situation in Lebanon.

Many prominent guests plan to attend the event, including the Honorable Consul General of Oman Dr. Joseph Kechichian and Honorable Consul General of Kuwait Muhyee AlDeen Rashed Al Felaij.

United Arab Society treasurer Combiz Abdolrahimi said the fundraiser is completely nonpolitical, nonreligious and nondenominational, focusing entirely on humanitarian aid for those in crisis.

“We hope that this can be an event where people can come together to appreciate humanity, no matter what their opinions on the political situation in Lebanon,” Abdolrahimi said. “Even if you have political differences with someone, you can still agree that people who are suffering need help.”

Sarah El-Annan, a third-year communications studies and international development studies student, said she hopes those attending the dinner come away with a greater awareness about both the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon as well as problems in other parts of the world.

“I hope people become more enlightened on the situation in the Middle East because it’s very important to be aware of what’s going on in other parts of the world,” El-Annan said. “No matter if it’s in Darfur, Africa or wherever, we should still know what’s going on in the world and do whatever we can to help out those who aren’t as lucky as us.”

Abdolrahimi said he hopes the dinner will be the beginning of a continuing effort to provide assistance to victims in Lebanon.

“I hope that everyone comes together to grow and share ideas with one another to better form a united effort to get through this crisis,” he said.

With reports from Anthony Pesce, Bruin senior staff.