FAREWELL TO JORDANIAN AMBASSADOR KARIM KAWAR AND LUMA KAWAROctober 12 and November 17 · British Embassy and The Phillips Collection THE EVENT: It was quite a send off for two of Washington's most beloved diplomats, Jordanian Ambassador Karim Kawar and his wife Luma. From an extravagant black-tie dinner designed by David Tuttera at the Phillips Collection hosted by Huda and Samia Farouki to a more intimate black-tie aff air hosted by British Ambassador Sir David Manning and Lady Manning, a total of eighteen parties were held in the couple's honor. (Esther Coopersmith also hosted a farewell dinner.) THE SCENE: Andrew and Kathleene Card, Queen Noor, Alma and Joe Gildenhorn, Ricardo and Isabel Ernst, Chris and Kathleen Matthews, Tom Friedman and Saudi Ambassador Prince Turki Al-Faisal were among those toasting the Kawars at the Faroukis' party in a comedic but endearing video produced about the couple's time in Washington called "Meet the Kawars." THE MEMORIES: From the moment they arrived in August of 2002, the Kawars actively embraced the community and helped to build bridges between the U.S. and Jordan. Luma started a "Cultural Series" at the Mosaic Foundation which brought in international speakers, in addition to starting the Jordanian Chapter of the International Womens Forum. Over the years the couple graciously hosted many prominent Washingtonians including First Lady Laura Bush, Vice President and Mrs. Cheney and many cabinet members. They will be missed.
A NEVER-ENDING MISSION As Luma and I reach this signifi cant stage in our lives and careers, we're torn by the decision we make! A er having the honor of representing our country for four and a half years in the "capital of the world," we had to put our family fi rst and return home to Jordan even though this period has been the most fascinating of our lives. Despite the political complexities of this city, we've always enjoyed the civility of the debate, the quality of conversation and the cultural inspiration it aff orded us. The Washington community has been most engaging. It allowed us to share our culture and contribute our thoughts, opinions and perspectives. Our lives have been enriched by the various interactions we've had. Although Arabs are known for their generosity (Muslims give a minimum of 2.5% of their net worth to charity every year), Americans are equally generous, not only in their unmatched philanthropy but also in their volunteerism. These charitable endeavors aff ect individual lives in the most positive way. Luma and I have not met anyone in the United States who does not support at least one cause. We leave Washington feeling that our mission is a never-ending one. In this multicultural world, it is essential that we respect our cultural diff erences, and at the same time, emphasize our shared values. Obstacles and barriers are artifi cial. To pursue our mission, Luma and I have established a non-profi t foundation, "Bridges of Understanding." Washington is one of those places that once you've experienced you never want to leave. As we return to our extended family in Jordan we realize that we also have an extended family and a second home here.
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