United in Song, United for Gaza Benefit Concert for MECA's Gaza Relief

Join us for an evening of powerful music and solidarity featuring the renowned Georges Lammam Ensemble and legendary activist-artist Holly Near. Special guest, Zeiad Abbas, MECA Director with informative slide show on MECA’s work in Gaza.

Sunday, October 26

La Peña Cultural Center, Berkeley

7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)

Tickets: $25 – $70

Proceeds support Middle East Children's Alliance (MECA) and their urgent relief efforts in Gaza. Come raise your voice, lift your spirit, and stand united through song.

Meet the Artists

Georges Lammam

Of Palestinian descent, born in Beirut, Lebanon, Georges is a solo violinist exemplifying the Arab style of instrumental improvisation. A recording artist, composer and artistic director for the Georges Lammam Ensemble, Georges is a featured artist in other musical groups - Ancient Future, Wobbly World, Shabazz and Pena Pacha Mama Grou.

As artistic director of the Georges Lammam Ensemble, noted for its mastery of the panoramic range of the Arab musical repertoire, Georges is devoted to bringing the rich diversity and passions of Arabic music to listeners everywhere.

The music is soulful and deep, but joyously infectious as well.

Holly Near

Holly Near’s legacy is nothing short of extraordinary—a tapestry woven from activism, artistry, and unwavering compassion. For over five decades, she’s stood at the intersection of music and social justice, using her voice not just to entertain, but to galvanize change.

Her songs like It Could Have Been Me and Singing For Our Lives are more than melodies—they’re emotional chronicles of pivotal moments in American history. She’s known for transforming sweeping themes like peace, equality, and human rights into intimate, personal narratives that resonate deeply.

Honored by the ACLU, the National Organization for Women, and Ms. Magazine, Holly’s accolades reflect her influence both as an artist and as a changemaker. Grammy nominations and the Legends of Women’s Music Award underscore her artistic excellence.

Holly Near isn’t just a voice for change—she’s a living embodiment of progressive history.

Anita Barrows

Anita Barrows has received awards for her poetry from The National Endowment for the Arts, the Ragdale Foundation, the Dorland Mountain Arts Colony, the Robinson Jeffers Foundation, and publications by The Quarterly Review of Literature and the Riverstone Press. Anita will share some of her Poems for Gaza. This is what she wrote about these poems:

"When the genocide began I started writing

daily notes. I felt the urgency to document these tragedies in a whole poem every day,

and that is what I will do until the genocide ends.

I intend to keep writing until the ceasefire is permanent — until Palestine is free”

The Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA)

Zeiad Abbas, Executive Director of MECA is a Palestinian refugee himself, born and raised in a refugee camp in the West Bank. Zeiad brings his family history, his knowledge of the region, and his commitment to justice to any presentation. He will share MECAs slide show presentation Everyday Miracles in Gaza: MECA’s Work on the Ground.

This presentation is incredibly powerful and important. The Middle East Children's Alliance (MECA) has been active in providing humanitarian aid and psychosocial support in Gaza, since the first day of the attacks. Their work includes:

Community Kitchens

MECA supports food kitchens that provide hot meals to families. These kitchens often serve hundreds of people daily, offering not just nourishment but a sense of dignity and care.

Water Purification Projects

Clean water is a critical need in Gaza, where infrastructure has been severely damaged. MECA installs and maintains water purification units ensuring children and families have safe drinking water.

Small Clinics and Medical Aid

MECA partners with local health workers to operate clinics that offer basic medical care, especially for children and the elderly. They also distribute emergency medical supplies and hygiene kits.

Support for Traumatized Children

MECA funds and facilitates psychosocial programs that help children process trauma through art, play, and storytelling. These programs are run by local educators and therapists who understand the cultural and emotional landscape.

Join the conversation

This kind of discussion isn’t just about aid—it’s about resilience, community, and the power of solidarity.

Your support isn’t just about aid—it’s about resilience, community, and the power of solidarity. Please consider donating generously-every bit of support will bring critical aid to children and families in Gaza.

United in Song, United for Gaza with the George Lammam Ensemble and Holly Near

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