Never believed that I would produce such an event!
Recently, I had the honor of organizing a special event for the management and leadership of "Mekorot," Israel's national water company, titled "Leadership under Fire." This time, the event took place in Sderot, a southern town profoundly impacted by Hamas on October 7th. This gathering was a heartfelt tribute to the resilient people of Sderot, showing support and solidarity.
The event was deeply moving, featuring powerful stories from survivors who are now looking to the future and finding ways to rebuild their lives and communities. Here are a few key takeaways:
💪 The strength and support of the community are essential to overcoming crises and challenges.
🌟 People who have faced the most devastating tragedies can heal and rebuild by looking forward and focusing on concrete plans for the future.
🔧 Always prepare for challenging situations: the next earthquake, war, or weather crisis. Being proactive is crucial.
On a personal note, it feels incredibly rewarding to be working on events again. This one, in particular, was profoundly empowering and heartwarming.
#LeadershipUnderFire#CommunityStrength#Resilience#EventManagement#Mekorot#Sderot#Preparedness
We're releasing a short film about Peace Canal's work today! We were super privileged to get to camp in a cattle camp in Jonglei for three days to shoot this.
Communities in South Sudan's pastoralist regions are still waiting for sustainable, material peace.
The challenges these communities face are profound. Cattle raiding, abductions, and inter-community violence continue to displace and divide families, compounding the trauma from decades-long civil conflict. Innocent children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable, while agricultural activities remain disrupted, preventing communities from fully utilizing their arable land.
Peace Canal are dedicated to refocusing peacebuilding efforts on those most affected. The South Sudanese-led NGO, composed of local advisors from conflicting communities, operates on the frontlines, fostering dialogue and collaboration among groups in Lakes, Jonglei, and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
Since Peace Canal's inception in 2021, they've successfully facilitated peaceful cattle migration, de-escalated violent mobilization, and supported enduring peace initiatives like the Pieri Peace Process. However, while many international organisations provide crucial short-term humanitarian aid, few can maintain a long-term presence in the most conflict-affected areas.
To ensure their mission of sustainable peace can continue, we are raising funds to establish a permanent home for Peace Canal in Juba.
Join us in supporting locally-driven, sustainable solutions.
🔗 Watch the film: https://bit.ly/WeArePC
🔗 Support their crowdfunding campaign: https://bit.ly/peacecanal#Peacebuilding#SouthSudan#ConflictResolution#CommunityDevelopment#SocialImpact#SustainableDevelopment#HumanRights#Philanthropy#NGOs#MakeADifference
🌊 December 26, 2004 – a day that changed everything…
20 years ago, a massive earthquake 🌍 with a magnitude of 9.1 off the coast of Sumatra triggered one of the most devastating tsunamis in history 🌊. Sri Lanka was one of the hardest-hit countries, losing over 35,000 lives 🖤. Thousands more were injured or left homeless.
🕒 Timeline of events:
• 07:59 local time: The earthquake strikes off the coast of Sumatra – in Europe, it’s the middle of the night.
• 2 hours later: The first waves reach Sri Lanka’s eastern shores, destroying areas like Batticaloa and Trincomalee.
• Hours after: Waves as high in some places as 15 meters sweep through southern and western coasts, devastating cities like Galle and Matara.
This year, as we mark the 20th anniversary, Sri Lanka is hosting commemorative events, including a special journey of the restored express train 🛤️.
💬 Sri Lankans are still grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy.
Reconstruction continues, and memories remain vivid. It’s a stark reminder that international solidarity and support for affected communities are as important as ever.
🔗 How can we honor and support those still rebuilding their lives? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
#Tsunami2004#SriLanka#NaturalDisasters#HumanitarianAid#Solidarityhttps://lnkd.in/dK_ivEbQ
Founder of Footprint Foundation, to support local communities by improving access to education, clean water and...
Business Development Executive at LUQAM, focused on creating effective business strategies.
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I also invite you to watch one of the films about this tragedy. The documentary "Sri Lanka Tsunami Train Disaster 2004", available on YouTube, portrays one of the most tragic events related to the tsunami – the derailment of the "Queen of the Sea" train, which carried over 1,700 passengers. The train's locomotive was carried by the water approximately 100 meters, coming to rest on marshy ground. The tsunami waves reached a height of 7.5 to 9 meters above sea level, exceeding the height of the train by 2 to 3 meters.
This film helps to understand the scale of the tragedy, the power of nature, and the determination of those who faced unimaginable losses. It is worth watching to pay tribute to the victims and remind ourselves of the importance of disaster preparedness.
Watch it here: [https://lnkd.in/dKqcA6uN]
🌊 December 26, 2004 – a day that changed everything…
20 years ago, a massive earthquake 🌍 with a magnitude of 9.1 off the coast of Sumatra triggered one of the most devastating tsunamis in history 🌊. Sri Lanka was one of the hardest-hit countries, losing over 35,000 lives 🖤. Thousands more were injured or left homeless.
🕒 Timeline of events:
• 07:59 local time: The earthquake strikes off the coast of Sumatra – in Europe, it’s the middle of the night.
• 2 hours later: The first waves reach Sri Lanka’s eastern shores, destroying areas like Batticaloa and Trincomalee.
• Hours after: Waves as high in some places as 15 meters sweep through southern and western coasts, devastating cities like Galle and Matara.
This year, as we mark the 20th anniversary, Sri Lanka is hosting commemorative events, including a special journey of the restored express train 🛤️.
💬 Sri Lankans are still grappling with the aftermath of this tragedy.
Reconstruction continues, and memories remain vivid. It’s a stark reminder that international solidarity and support for affected communities are as important as ever.
🔗 How can we honor and support those still rebuilding their lives? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
#Tsunami2004#SriLanka#NaturalDisasters#HumanitarianAid#Solidarityhttps://lnkd.in/dK_ivEbQ
Best@being a Human Being | Seasoned T-V Shaped HR Professional |Thought Leadership, Research & Advisory Enthusiast | Experienced in Banking Roles|COE Performance Management, Recognition, Events, L&D, Coaching & Mentoring
The recent tragedy of the mosque massacre, with the shocking toll of 814 mosques affected, raises urgent questions about humanity and the responsibilities we share as global citizens. As we witness Gaza bleed, the haunting images of innocent lives—babies, the elderly, the wounded—paint a stark picture of suffering that shatters our collective conscience.
International Criminal CourtInternational Court of Justice (ICJ)United NationsHuman Rights WatchWorld Health OrganizationQueen Rania Foundation
Where is the adherence to the Geneva Conventions in the face of such atrocities? Where is the moral outrage as we watch communities torn apart? While the world moves forward with year-end reviews, celebrations, and business plans, these moments of joy feel discordant against the backdrop of such profound tragedy.
It is heartbreaking to recognize that today it is them, but tomorrow it could just as easily be us. The vulnerability of life, the fragility of peace, and the ease with which division can take root remind us that we are all interconnected.
Let us not forget, let us stand in solidarity, and let us strive to be the change we wish to see in the world. We must raise our voices, advocate for justice, and work tirelessly so that one day, these threads of violence and suffering may be replaced with compassion and understanding. The time for action is now, for history remembers our choices.
*Prayer for Protection and Peace*
"Dear Heavenly Father,
We come to You in urgent need, seeking Your divine protection and peace.
*For Protection from Hurricane Milton:*
- Calm the stormy winds and rains
- Shield those in the path of destruction
- Provide safe shelter and refuge
- Protect lives, homes, and communities
*For Peace in the Middle East:*
- Bring an end to conflicts and wars
- Unite leaders and nations in peace talks
- Guide diplomatic efforts with Your wisdom
- Fill hearts with love, forgiveness, and understanding
*For Global Peace:*
- Let Your peace, which surpasses understanding, guard hearts and minds
- Disarm hostile forces and intentions
- Foster cooperation and mutual respect
- Establish Your reign of peace and harmony
In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen."
*Scripture Meditation:*
- Psalm 91:1-16 (God's protection)
- Isaiah 2:4 (Swords into plowshares)
- Matthew 5:9 (Blessed are the peacemakers)
- Philippians 4:6-7 (Peace that surpasses understanding)
*Let's Pray Also For:*
- Comfort and provision for affected families
- Guidance in relief efforts and humanitarian aid
- Protection and strengthened emergency responders
- Revival and spiritual awakening in affected regions
*Closing Blessing - Benediction* May God's peace and protection envelop the world.
How are 100+ hostages still held captive in Gaza this Yom Kippur? Why have we (American Jews & the US Government) allowed the Extreme Nationalists in Israel to call all the shots, to oppose a ceasefire to free the hostages? Why do we keep arming Israel while the hostages remain in captivity? Why do we allow Netanyahu determine "Who Shall Live and Who Shall Die," on this Yom Kippur?
https://lnkd.in/gQdhnZCK
OUR VALUES
🌿 Peace: A Pillar of Hope 🌿
At Hope Revived Project (HRP), we believe peace is more than the absence of conflict—it’s the presence of love, security, and harmony. For the vulnerable children, widows, and orphans we serve, peace brings stability, comfort, and a renewed sense of hope.
💡 Through PEACE, we inspire HOPE:
- Humanity thrives in peaceful spaces.
- Opportunities grow where peace reigns.
- Peace restores strength to overcome hardships.
- Excellence is born from unity and care.
When peace fills hearts, hope follows. Together, we can bring lasting change to those who need it most.
📢 Join us in spreading peace and inspiring hope today.
#HopeRevivedProject#PeaceIsHope#RestoringLives#CompassionInAction
*Prayer for Protection and Peace*
"Dear Heavenly Father,
We come to You in urgent need, seeking Your divine protection and peace.
*For Protection from Hurricane Milton:*
- Calm the stormy winds and rains
- Shield those in the path of destruction
- Provide safe shelter and refuge
- Protect lives, homes, and communities
*For Peace in the Middle East:*
- Bring an end to conflicts and wars
- Unite leaders and nations in peace talks
- Guide diplomatic efforts with Your wisdom
- Fill hearts with love, forgiveness, and understanding
*For Global Peace:*
- Let Your peace, which surpasses understanding, guard hearts and minds
- Disarm hostile forces and intentions
- Foster cooperation and mutual respect
- Establish Your reign of peace and harmony
In Jesus' mighty name, we pray. Amen."
*Scripture Meditation:*
- Psalm 91:1-16 (God's protection)
- Isaiah 2:4 (Swords into plowshares)
- Matthew 5:9 (Blessed are the peacemakers)
- Philippians 4:6-7 (Peace that surpasses understanding)
*Let's Pray Also For:*
- Comfort and provision for affected families
- Guidance in relief efforts and humanitarian aid
- Protection and strengthened emergency responders
- Revival and spiritual awakening in affected regions
*Closing Blessing - Benediction* May God's peace and protection envelop the world.
In 2016, I put up a not-so-random post on my BlackBerry Messenger saying I would like to put together an outreach for Good Friday for indigent and underserved persons in Lagos.
I received several responses from people who eventually made up the inaugural team of volunteers for the First Relief Project. It was held at Dustbin Village in Ajegunle, a community where residents lived in wooden houses on a massive dumpsite, frequently lost belongings to floods, and were highly vulnerable to various diseases. That day, we provided food items for over 100 families, schoolbooks for the children, clothing for everyone, and a memorable experience for all.
We grew, evolved to focus on underserved riverine communities on the Lagos Coastline, and now, nine communities and over 1,000 families later, providing everything from medical support to food and clothing to school supplies and general livelihood items—including disaster support and COVID relief—we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary.
As I reflect on our journey, I realize The Relief Project has been a life-changing experience, especially for me. Beyond providing support, it’s taught me the importance of community and adaptability. I have, in time past, thought to keep my ‘private life’ away from my ‘professional life’ but ultimately, I am the sum of many parts, and The Relief Project has tremendously impacted even my professional life. I’ve worn many hats—project manager, social media coordinator, website administrator, community advocate etc—and have seen firsthand the power of simply showing up, no matter what it takes.
Now, as we finalize plans for our December event (I will share specific details soon), we need your help more than ever to make Christmas merry for many families. I invite you to:
1. Get to know The Relief Project: Visit our website: thereliefproject.org, follow us on LinkedIn: @thereliefproject
2. Volunteer: If you’d like to get involved hands-on, fill out our volunteer form: https://lnkd.in/dGmu_YKc
3. Donate!!!! We need support from individuals and organizations who believe in giving back. Donations of any kind—monetary support, school supplies, food items, well-used clothing, toys—make a real difference to families living in low-income riverine communities. Please donate via our website here https://lnkd.in/dwpyB3eX or via direct transfer: 1012419314 | Keystone bank |The Relief Global Worldwide foundation
PLEASE join us! Every bit helps bring light to these communities, and your support is invaluable.
I look forward to sharing more updates soon. In the meanwhile, please enjoy this feature of the project by the UNDP Borderlands. https://lnkd.in/dR7kEPkfOluwatobi BabalolaAyodele Ayo-AkweMayowa A.Shola OgunduboyePhilip AkingbemisolaAyobami EdunChidi AkunneOmowunmi KolawoleDamilola Odunbaku
Technical and Multicam Director, Broadcast Producer and streaming solutions architect.
8moThe feeling of seeing an event coming together at show time. Nothing quite like it. And for a good cause, even better.