Photo: YES alumni volunteers Reem Traboulsi (YES 2015-2016, hosted by AYA in Florence, SC), Rim Moussa (YES 2015-2016, hosted by PAX in Livonia, MI), and Ali Hallal (YES 2013-2014, hosted by PAX in Brattleboro, VT)

As YES students know very well, sometimes the best way to celebrate holidays is to give back to others. This year for Ramadan, thirty members of the Lebanese YES Alumni Association volunteered at the annual Iftar for underprivileged people in Beirut, which is organized by the nonprofit organization Beirutiyat.

The Beirut region representative of the Lebanon YES Alumni Association, Ahmad Houjeij (YES 2012-2013, hosted by AFS in McMinnville, OR), worked with current president Mohammad Ali Kalassina (YES 2012-2013, hosted by NW Services in Bridgeport, OH) to lead this event at Al Qarya Al Ramadaniya in Beirut. 

Photo: Mohamad Safadieh (YES 2015-2016, hosted by Ayusa in Laveen, AZ) and Talal Koujok (YES 2015-2016, hosted by PAX in Atwater, OH) set tables in preparation for the Iftar.

YES alumni volunteers were responsible for preparing the tables, welcoming guests, and serving the meal. The alumni knew it was their job to make sure that all the guests were satisfied. At the end, the alumni all worked together to clean the tables and return dishes to the kitchen. 

Photo: Sara Jaroush (YES 2013-2014, hosted by CIEE in Leavenworth, WA) serves familiest at the Iftar.

The Iftar was the first opportunity for recently returned YES '16 alumni to participate in a YES alumni activity! They expressed their excitement to continue volunteering with their YES family in the future, given the great community spirit they witnessed at the Iftar.

Photo: Sara Jaroush (YES 2013-2014, hosted by CIEE in Leavenworth, WA) serves familiest at the Iftar.

The Iftar was the first opportunity for recently returned YES '16 alumni to participate in a YES alumni activity! They expressed their excitement to continue volunteering with their YES family in the future, given the great community spirit they witnessed at the Iftar.