- On August 7th, Fourth Estate participant Sara Jawhari posted this in the Summit Facebook group: “Guys, I really need your prayers. Just got to the airport and they’re saying my flight was yesterday even though my itinerary says today. Pretty much stuck overseas until further notice and want nothing more than your hugs. Just pray. Until then, safe travels, all!”
Amanda & Andraya who paid for Sara’s flight hold up a sign for easy spotting at Fourth Estate for people who donated to the flight.
Sara had been in Amman, Jordan for the previous three months working as a volunteer for an NGO providing aid to Syrians at Zaatari refugee camp. This post drew a powerful response from many for a multitude of reasons. Namely the fact that Sara Jawhari (fondly referred to as Sara Jo) was responsible for inspiring hundreds at the 2011 Fourth Estate Summit due to her powerful story that was captured on film and shown to participants.
Aside from the fact that Sara has inspired many, she coincidentally is one of my best friends, and was supposed to be my roommate at Fourth Estate. It wasn’t until well after she was supposed to have boarded her flight and the post had been written in the group that I found out about the situation. Before I could panic and try to figure out my own rescue mission, Amanda Gieser and Andraya Aber Eisenman had boldly stepped in, with Amanda posting this:
“She’s not asking – I am. Sara Jawhari will have to purchase a new flight – it’s $1600. It’s either that or she cancels. Who is in? $5, $10…we CAN make this happen.”
In a matter of minutes, Fourth Estate attendees (many of whom had to do their own fundraising to make it to the Summit) were putting in contributions of $5, $15, and some as high as $100. In four hours, yes four, the page had raised the necessary $1600, and a new ticket for Sara was purchased to get her from Amman Jordan to LAX in time for the Summit.
Sara Jo posted this photo in the group with the following:
“The moment you all pulled off a miracle. I have no words. Just a full heart. See you in less than 24 hours.”
Working behind the scenes at the Summit, witnessing this (all from my trusty iPhone) was mind-blowing. I remember watching it all happen and thinking, this is what Fourth Estate is. This is why we do what we do. A group of individuals who seemingly had no reason to dish out $1600 to buy a plane ticket for someone from Jordan to LAX didn’t even bat an eye at the prospect. Where others would scoff at the impracticality of pulling off such a feat, the Fourth Estate Facebook group decided to come together and do the impossible without missing a beat. It is incredible to witness the magic that is Fourth Estate and I can’t adequately express my gratitude to all who made this happen.
The 2013 Fourth Estate Summit would not have been the same without my best friend. So thank you from the deepest part of my heart.
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