220 Guests Hear Featured Speakers Mehdi Hasan, Fisher Stevens, Nobel Laureate Tawakkol Karman, and Jamaal Bowman
(Washington, D.C., October 6, 2025) — DAWN hosted its 2025 Annual Gala & Awards Dinner on the evening of October 1, 2025, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., where more than 220 journalists, activists, artists, academics, policymakers, and concerned citizens gathered to honor the legacy of Jamal Khashoggi and celebrate DAWN's work to reform U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. The event was held on the eve of the seventh anniversary of the assassination of DAWN founder Jamal Khashoggi, who Saudi agents of Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman murdered in Istanbul's consulate to silence his advocacy for democracy and human rights.
DAWN presented its Integrity Awards to Amed Khan, a humanitarian philanthropist, human rights advocate, and executive producer of The Voice of Hind Rajab; and to Alana Hadid, creative director of Watermelon Pictures, producer of The Encampments, and producer of The Voice of Hind Rajab.
"We are so grateful to all our guests who joined us from around the country for an evening of solidarity and community to support DAWN's work and stand for human rights and democracy," said Sarah Leah Whitson, DAWN's executive director. "Together, we will meet the challenges of our time, from the Gaza genocide to the attack on our freedoms here in the United States."
Special guest former Congressman Jamaal Bowman, a longtime defender of Palestinian rights, spoke on how the struggle for justice in Palestine mirrors the fight for racial, social, and economic equity at home. After Israel's October 2023 assault on Gaza, he was among the few members of Congress to call for an immediate ceasefire and oppose further military escalation.
"Your work is essential. DAWN's work is essential. And every one of us, whatever small part we can play in this movement against authoritarianism, this movement against apartheid, military occupation and genocide, in this movement for the collective humanity of all people, is essential," Bowman said. "Any small part that you can play, please continue to play that part. It's exactly what we need. Because ironically, we are the people who will probably save American democracy."
The gala also featured powerful remarks from Tawakkol Karman, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and DAWN board member, who praised DAWN for carrying forward Jamal Khashoggi's mission: "We are living through a moment when genocide unfolds before our eyes in Gaza, when ethnic cleansing is broadcast live, yet much of the world remains silent," she said. Karman added, "[DAWN was] the first to call the devastation in Gaza what it is—genocide. They have pursued accountability when presidents and prime ministers refused to act, submitting cases to the International Criminal Court against American officials who aided and abetted Israeli war crimes."
She concluded by honoring DAWN for "fulfilling Jamal Khashoggi's dream—holding the United States accountable for its support of oppression in our region."
More than 220 people in the audience celebrated DAWN's achievements over the past year, including advocating for accountability for the atrocities in Gaza, pushing for enforcement of the Leahy Law to restrict U.S. weapons to abusive foreign militaries, and exposing the influence of lobby groups undermining democracy and human rights. The evening culminated with the presentation of the Integrity Awards.
"DAWN's Integrity Award honors individuals who exemplify Jamal Khashoggi's dedication to freedom, democracy, and human rights," said Sarah Leah Whitson, DAWN's Executive Director. "Alana Hadid and Amed Khan exemplify the power of art and advocacy to advance justice and dignity for oppressed people everywhere."
The awards were introduced by journalist Mehdi Hasan, founder of Zeteo, and Academy Award–winning actor, director, and producer Fisher Stevens, who has long championed human rights and environmental justice.
Fisher Stevens introduced Amed Khan by highlighting his remarkable record of direct action philanthropy and human rights work across multiple countries. For more than two decades, Khan has led evacuations of vulnerable women and rights defenders out of Afghanistan, delivered humanitarian aid on the front lines in Ukraine, and supported refugee resettlement through his nonprofit, Elpida Home, in Greece. He also directs reconstruction and development initiatives via the Zaka Khan Foundation, across Iraq and other parts of the region. Stevens noted that Khan's work reflects the conviction that aid must be responsive to local needs and that justice cannot wait.
In his remarks, Amed Khan spoke about working to get medicine into Gaza, urgent medical evacuations of Palestinian children and their families, and the immense roadblocks that Israeli officials put in place in both cases. He also announced that the film he executive produced, The Voice of Hind Rajab, will be distributed and screened around the world — everywhere except the United States, where the film still has no distributor.
Introducing Alana Hadid, Mehdi Hasan lauded her contributions, saying,
Tonight, as we face a historic moment in our lives, of repression and resistance, it is more essential than ever before, in my view, that we celebrate, that we elevate, voices like Alana Hadid's. Voices that insist we will not be silenced, we will not be erased, we will not stop telling the truth. What Alana represents so brilliantly, so importantly, so eloquently, is a bold new generation of Palestinian American voices who are unapologetic, defiant and forward-looking, who are reshaping the way in which we talk about Palestinian identity, culture and rights. Not just here in the U.S, but across the diaspora, across the world.
Alana Hadid joined the gala via Zoom, reflecting on the role of art, storytelling, and advocacy in advancing justice, and expressed her gratitude to DAWN for honoring her work.
"This moment reminds me that even in the darkest moments, there are people and organizations who insist that justice cannot wait. And that gives me hope," said Hadid. "So tonight I accept this award not just as an honor, but as a responsibility, to keep fighting, to keep pushing, and to keep building the future for our people, and all people. The future that we deserve."
"I have tried to use every tool available to fight for our dignity and our rights. And that is why I feel so incredibly connected to DAWN's mission," she added. "It's not just about legal challenges or policy, it's about refusing to look away. It's about standing in solidarity, even when it costs something."
The atmosphere of the evening was energized, emotional, and determined, reflecting the strength of civil society in holding those in power accountable. The program featured moving videos about the awardees and their advocacy and philanthropy, including a surprise tribute to Alana Hadid, with messages from her friends and her father, Mohamad Hadid. A video showcasing DAWN's achievements over the past year also drew warm applause and admiration, as guests celebrated the organization's impact and its fight for justice and accountability.
During the evening, Whitson also took a moment to acknowledge and honor many of the courageous advocates and allies present in the audience.
She praised activists like Medea Benjamin of CodePink; whistleblower Lt. Col. Anthony Aguilar; DAWN board members, including Nihad Awad, Sahar Aziz, Reed Brody, and Anas Shallal; Ahmed Moor, a plaintiff in the lawsuit organized by DAWN against the State Department; as well as former U.S. officials Josh Paul, Annelle Sheline, Stacy Gilbert, Harrison Mann, Josephine Guilbeau, and Hani Nofal, who resigned in protest of U.S. complicity in atrocities in Gaza. The gala included a seated dinner, networking, and a program highlighting DAWN's work and the courage of those who risk their lives to challenge authoritarianism. Aziz and Bowman led the fundraising portion of the program at the event.
The event was organized with the support of a distinguished Host Committee, including Dr. Asef Bayat, Tony Gerber, Dr. Linda Herrera, Lynn Nottage, Scott Ohnegian, Dr. Esam Omeish, Kathleen Peratis, Anas (Andy) Shallal, Patrick Taurel, Dr. Hanz Winkler, and Dr. Carolyn Yao.
