The Indiana Center for Middle East Peace hosted its annual Gala 2025 in Fort Wayne on November 9, drawing supporters to discuss peace efforts amid ongoing global conflicts. Former Congresswoman Cori Bush delivered the keynote speech at the event held at Orchard Ridge Country Club, highlighting human rights and calls for ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

Event Details and Attendance

Guests arrived at the Orchard Ridge Country Club starting at 3 p.m. for an afternoon filled with dialogue and fundraising. The gala ran until 6:30 p.m. and quickly sold out, showing strong community interest in Middle East peace initiatives. Organizers focused on current issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict, which has raged since October 2023 and caused widespread humanitarian concerns.

Attendees included local leaders, activists, and families from across Indiana. The event featured networking opportunities that allowed people to share stories and ideas for promoting justice. One board member noted the growing need for such gatherings as tensions in the region continue to affect global stability.

Keynote Speaker Cori Bush’s Message

Cori Bush, who served Missouri’s 1st Congressional District from 2021 to 2025, took the stage as the main speaker. She shared her experiences as an activist and her early push for a ceasefire after the October 7, 2023, attacks. Bush emphasized standing up for vulnerable people in the face of power, drawing from her work on human rights both in the U.S. and abroad.

Her speech touched on the personal toll of conflicts and the importance of non-violent solutions. Bush urged the audience to support policies that foster intercultural understanding. Many guests left inspired by her words, seeing them as a call to action for everyday involvement in peace efforts.

Bush’s background as a nurse and minister added depth to her talk. She connected local Indiana issues to broader Middle East challenges, like refugee crises and economic impacts from wars. This approach made her message relatable to the Fort Wayne crowd.

The Indiana Center for Middle East Peace’s Role

The Indiana Center for Middle East Peace has worked since 2008 to educate on global justice. Based in Fort Wayne, it runs programs that break down stereotypes and promote non-violent conflict resolution. The group’s non-sectarian stance helps it reach diverse audiences in the Midwest.

Through events like this gala, the center funds tours to Israel and Palestine, where participants meet peace workers on the ground. Past initiatives have brought experts from the region to Indiana, sparking local discussions on U.S. foreign policy. The gala raised funds to expand these efforts amid rising global tensions.

Board member Linda Kerr praised Bush’s advocacy, saying she represents the conscience needed for change. The organization plans more events to address timely topics, such as the ongoing effects of the Israel-Hamas war on civilians.

Key Topics Discussed at the Gala

The event covered several pressing issues related to Middle East peace. Attendees broke into small groups to explore solutions, making the discussion interactive and practical.

• Human rights violations in conflict zones, including impacts on children and families.
• The role of U.S. policy in promoting or hindering peace agreements.
• Strategies for intercultural dialogue to reduce prejudice at home and abroad.
• Recent developments in the Israel-Hamas war, such as stalled ceasefire talks and humanitarian aid needs.

These talks highlighted how local actions can influence international outcomes. One session focused on the economic ripple effects, like rising oil prices affecting Indiana families.

Broader Impact and Community Reactions

The gala ties into larger trends of peace activism in the U.S. With the Israel-Hamas war entering its third year by late 2025, groups like this center play a key role in informing communities. Similar events across the Midwest have seen increased attendance as people seek balanced views on complex issues.

Local reactions were positive, with many praising the event’s focus on facts over division. Some attendees shared stories of how past center programs changed their perspectives on global events. The fundraiser’s success ensures continued work, including upcoming Tibetan cultural events in December.

Experts note that such gatherings build long-term support for justice. By linking Middle East conflicts to American values, the center helps solve problems like misinformation and apathy. This approach entertains through storytelling while providing practical tools for advocacy.

Future Plans and Ongoing Efforts

Looking ahead, the Indiana Center for Middle East Peace aims to host more hybrid events to reach wider audiences. Plans include workshops on sustainable peace strategies and partnerships with schools for youth education. The gala’s momentum will fund these initiatives, focusing on regions beyond the Middle East if needed.

The organization tracks its impact through participant feedback and program reach. For instance, annual tours have engaged over 500 people since inception, fostering deeper understanding.

This table shows the center’s growth in engaging communities on vital topics.

As conflicts persist, events like this gala remind us of the power of collective action. Share your thoughts on Middle East peace efforts in the comments below, and spread the word to encourage more dialogue.