Ambassador Wives Raise Funds for Sandy Victims

by Kate Oczypok

A group of ambassador wives and the Muslim Women's Association came together Nov. 19 to host a fundraiser for the victims of Superstorm Sandy.

"Solidarity for the Victims of Sandy" took place at the Indonesian ambassador's residence nestled on a hill off Tilden Street, NW.

The brainchild of Rosa Rai Djalal, wife of the Indonesian ambassador to the U.S., the fundraiser came together in a week's time. "I felt like I had to do it," Djalal said. "Indonesia was hit by a huge earthquake at the end of 2004, it was so devastating.... Many came to us and offered help. I felt blessed and not alone in facing this devastating situation."

That's why when Djalal heard the news of Sandy, she immediately felt a sense of déjå vu. "We wanted people to feel like they're not alone," she told the Diplomatic Pouch.

Guests who donated no less than $50 could partake in a unique culinary experience with foods from countries such as Libya, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and Jordan. There were also special country booths and music and dance performances, as well as a special auction with clothing and crafts from places like Palestine and Egypt.

All of the event's proceeds — $10,000 — were donated directly to the American Red Cross. Djalal also received nearly $500 in checks from those who couldn't join the fundraiser.

The invitation was sent only four days in advance.

"Some said, 'This isn't possible — how can you do it in four or five days?'" Djalal told us. "Friends said, 'You're crazy!'"

Yet in the end, 170 people attended the event.

The State Department's deputy chief of protocol also attended, which Djalal said showed White House interest.

The spouses of the ambassadors from Indonesia, Turkey, Libya, Egypt, Iraq, Tunisia, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Palestine, as well as the ambassador of Jordan, all helped out in the effort.

Naima Bseikri, wife of Libyan Ambassador Ali Aujali, when asked if she felt connected to Sandy victims given the violence and upheaval that's swept the Arab world, said she feels attached to any human being that has been suffering injustice, destruction or war.

"We as human beings are connected because we all live in the same world," she said. "We wish well to all and believe that peace and love is a common respect and belief between all different cultures."

Djalal is one of many ambassadors' wives (and the occasional husband) who use their diplomatic role to raise awareness of important causes.

"As an ambassador's wife, you are in the position that you can do much for your country and strengthen relationships with the country you're in," Djalal said. "As the wife of an ambassador, it's not glamorous. It's a full-time job. It's your choice to be active or passive."

Getting the international community and diplomatic corps to use the most of their time, sharing knowledge, culture and experiences, is just one of the ways in which ambassador spouses can fulfill their duties, Djalal added. "It's cultural diplomacy, strengthening the bonds between Indonesian and American communities," she said.

Similar fundraisers have been held in the past, including ones for Haiti and Japan through the United Nations.

Hurricane Sandy morphed into a gigantic storm that pounded large swaths of the East Coast in late October, causing at least 119 deaths in the United States, along with more than 60 in the Caribbean, and an estimated $50 billion in damages.

"I'm praying for [the Sandy victims]," said Bseikri, "and I wish that they have a happy holiday and God guide them in their suffering and help them overcome the loss and pain that occurred."

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About the Author

Kate Oczypok is a freelance writer for The Washington Diplomat.