International Action for Iraqi refugees (IAIR):
Special Iraqi Charity Dinner 7th May 2011


The main purpose of the Charity dinner was to raise awareness of the plight of Iraqi refugees in Syria, Jordan and Egypt and to raise funds for IAIR’s health and educational projects to support them in these countries.

IAIR’s Charity dinner took place at the Central Park Hotel in London on Saturday 7th May. The evening featured joyous Iraqi heritage, dinner and entertainment. The turnout was excellent, attendees were, chatting, laughing and enjoying the lively atmosphere throughout the night. There was a variety of delicious Arabic food, which many attendees commented on the generosity. For desert, traditional Halawa was served namely Zilabeeya, Halawa Jizar, Halgoum and Min Alsima.

The wedding show was acted out by young school students. The girls were wearing traditional Iraqi dresses of vibrant colours and sequences known as Hasheemeeya’ The bride entered acting out the wedding pre-paration stage whereby she wore a traditional Jalabeeya and Henna was applied to her hands. After, the bride changed into a modern white wedding dress and the groom entered by her side wearing the traditional dress of Arab Iraqi men, the dishdasha, an ankle length, typically white, loose-fitting, shirt like garment along with the Kooffiyah on the head which is a large chequered square scarf folded into a triangle with a black rope piece to secure it on the head.

On sale were unique Islamic decorative items for wall handing; CD compilation of traditional Iraqi songs which had a huge demand and was sold out quickly raising approx. £1,900. In addition, to add to the Iraqi theme, traditional wedding favors known as Shakar Aqid were being sold that included wrapped sweets, sugar coated almonds all wrapped up in a colourful Satan pouch with decorated ribbons. This raised £320 pounds.

Overall attendees gave positive feedback and enjoyed the atmosphere, some of the attendees quotes were:

“Tremendous! Well done! 200 people attended!!! Yesterday was such a lovely truly Iraqi night! The cultural aspect was wonderful, The wedding theme's idea, is pure genius! Looking forwards to more of the same! Long live your hands” Said Mrs. Tahrir Swift.



“Me and My daughter had a lovely time and my daughter particularly enjoyed taking part the show, it’s the first time she has worn a traditional outfit and she has now developed a great interest to learn more about the Iraqi heritage, thank you IAIR” Said Thikrayaat, Mother of one of the young volunteers.

“This is the first time I attend an IAIR event, I enjoyed the food, entertainment and lively atmosphere. I look forward to your future events” said Ahmed.

IAIR would like to thank everyone for attending and to all your generous contributions. We look forward to seeing you all again in the near future.