The Wilson Center is hosting a charity concert to aid Gaza this Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. Known as Music for Meals & Meds, this social event invites the community to enjoy music by local artists Todd Miller and Jamie Moreira. Refreshments will be provided. Organizers suggest that those in attendance donate $20 to help the cause.
Located at 67 College Avenue, the Wilson Center serves as an inclusive space for spiritual exploration and multifaith dialogue. According to the website, people of all backgrounds are encouraged to visit the space and engage with its programming.
The funds raised this weekend will help support the following two organizations that provide resources to Palestinian citizens who are struggling as a result of the ongoing conflict.
World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a national organization that cooks fresh food on the frontlines of humanitarian crises. On the basis that food is a universal human right, WCK sets up field kitchens to provide hot meals. They are working toward a goal of one million meals in Gaza per day. Donations can help provide more supplies to help feed the community.
Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) provides medicine and medical attention to children in the Middle East who otherwise may not be able to access necessary health care. Tens of thousands of injured and ill children are treated by a network of humanitarian volunteers.
Dr. Melissa Ladenheim serves as associate dean of the University of Maine Honors College. She helped coordinate the fundraiser as a member of the Wilson Center Board and of Keshev, a local group of Jewish Mainers who promote peace in Israel and Palestine. She noted that the two chosen organizations for this fundraiser help address two pressing issues: famine and children’s health.
“This effort is driven by deeply humanitarian concerns and a desire to help alleviate the suffering of the children and others who are caught in the middle of this crisis,” said Ladenheim.
Ladenheim also referenced two Hebrew terms that serve as reminders in faith. The first is “tikkun olam,” which translates to “repairing the world” and is intended to reinforce the importance of engaging in social justice. The second is “tzedakah,” which translates to charitable giving, perceived as a moral obligation.
Todd Miller will perform folk rock tunes, and Jamie Moreira has a set list of folk and traditional music ready for the audience. The musicians are committed both to their craft and to supporting the cause.
“I’m horrified by the devastation in Gaza,” said Moreira. “The civilian population there — not Hamas but ordinary residents — have been put in an impossible situation, and I’m glad to do what little I can to contribute to the relief effort.”
The doors open at 6:30 p.m., half an hour before the concert begins. The sponsors of this event are the Wilson Center and Keshev.
The Wilson Center also hosts recurring events such as gardening, yoga and dinner and dialogue. For specialized events, those interested should refer to the digital schedule for more details.
