On Sunday, October 12th, ATFP held its Third Annual Gala entitled "The Courage to Persist, the Will to Build". The Gala was attended by 650 guests, including Palestinian ministers and officials, a Palestinian business delegation, members of congress, Arab and European ambassadors, US officials and members of the media, as well as members of the Palestinian-American community.

At the black tie Gala, ATFP President Dr. Ziad Asali delivered the opening remarks. In his address, the Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad focused on the need to restore Palestinian dignity after decades of occupation, and outlined his government's vision, achievements and some of the hurdles facing future progress. He emphasized the role of Palestinian-Americans in supporting progress in Palestine. USAID Administrator Henrietta H. Fore addressed the role USAID has played in the development field in Palestine. James K. Glassman, Under Secretary, Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, made brief remarks and read a letter from President George W. Bush to the Gala.

At the event, ATFP honored the contributions of leading Palestinian Americans in the fields of Government Service, Business and Science, and the Arts. Honorees include The Honorable George Salem, Esq., Strategic Advisor to DLA Piper and former Solicitor of the U.S. Department of Labor from 1985 to 1989; Dr. Adnan Mjalli, President and CEO of TransTech Pharma; and Mr. Simon Shaheen, virtuoso and composer. The Gala also extended a special welcome to the young Palestinian-American fashion designer Rami Kashou.

For more information please visit http://www.americantaskforce.org/gala_2008