Principal David Gray Strengthens Support for BHS During U.S. Visit

Brummana High School Principal David Gray completed during the Easter break a week-long fundraising and awareness-raising visit to the United States, aimed at deepening ties between the only Quaker school in Lebanon and the wider Quaker and philanthropic communities in the U.S. His visit, which included stops in Philadelphia and New York, was marked by a full schedule of meetings, presentations, and meaningful conversations with supporters old and new.

The journey began in Philadelphia, where Mr. Gray reconnected with Daniel Hewitt, a retired banker and long-time supporter of Brummana, who first visited the school in 1973 during its centenary celebrations. This meeting set the tone for a week characterized by shared memories, mutual commitment, and strategic planning for the school’s future. He was then hosted by Georges and Georgette Hamaty—Georgette being a dedicated volunteer fundraiser and advocate for the school within U.S. Quaker circles. Over dinner with trustees of the Home Rule Global Trust, the Principal reaffirmed the importance of sustained support for liberal, values-based education in the Middle East.

Easter Sunday marked a significant day of outreach. Mr. Gray delivered presentations at Chestnut Hill and the historic Arch Street Meeting House in Philadelphia, sharing compelling video materials and firsthand accounts of life and education at Brummana. Audiences responded warmly, with several attendees making on-the-spot donations and many others requesting further information. These interactions contributed to the growth of the school’s “I Serve” Endowment Fund, which aims to safeguard Brummana’s future amid Lebanon’s ongoing challenges.

Further presentations took place at the Foulkeways and Kendal Quaker retirement homes, where Mr. Gray addressed large and engaged audiences in state-of-the-art auditoriums. He described these encounters as both heartening and energising, citing the evident concern among American Quakers for Lebanon’s stability and their belief in Brummana’s role in promoting peace through education.

In addition to his formal presentations, he found time to explore the rich cultural and civic landscape of Philadelphia, including a visit to the National Constitution Center. There, he met with long-time supporters Susanna Dodgson and Lois Wickstrom, who continue to advocate for Brummana’s mission of tolerance and coexistence. These moments of reflection served to reinforce the enduring value of Quaker education as a force for peace in times of geopolitical unrest.

The next phase of the trip took Mr. Gray to New York City. After lunch with old scholar Rurik Halaby, a steadfast supporter of the school, the Principal presented at the 15th Street Meeting, where members from across New York attended in person and online. The response was enthusiastic, with many expressing a desire to support the BHS “I Serve” Endowment Fund. The day concluded with a dinner hosted by prominent Quakers Katherine Alford, Robert Johnson, and Pam Wood, all of whom have close ties to the Friends Seminary, a fellow Quaker school in New York.

On the following day Mr. Gray met with key figures such as Anwar Zakour and QuIET Trustee, former member of the Governing Board of the school and member of the Central Philadelphia meeting, Tony Manasseh, with discussions focused on expanding Brummana’s network among the Lebanese diaspora and major philanthropic circles in New York. He returned to Philadelphia for a social event at the American Friends Service Committee and a moving talk by Quaker peace activist Claudia Krich, marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. The event emphasized the power of peaceful witness, an ethos deeply shared by Brummana. On the final Sunday of his visit he attended meeting for worship at the Central Philadelphia Meeting House and then gave a presentation to a large and receptive audience both in the Meeting House and online, after which he hosted a lunch for preeminent and influential Quakers who have long been supportive of the Quaker movement in the Middle East, Jonathan and Melissa Evans, and Sandy and Stephanie Rae, together with Georgette Hamaty, all of whom, together with Tony Manasseh, had been instrumental in making the visit possible.

Principal Gray’s visit to the U.S. not only raised significant funds and awareness for the school’s endowment fund, but also reaffirmed Brummana High School’s place in the hearts and minds of those committed to peace, education, and the Quaker tradition. His meetings and presentations brought new energy to long-standing partnerships and opened doors for future support, ensuring that the school’s mission continues to thrive in challenging times.