LEO Newsletter

Hard Choices

We have been working to fund the education of young women in Gaza in honor of our former student, Dr. Razan Hamdan Abulebdeh, a physician and LE.O scholar who was killed along with members of her family in Gaza in December 2023. Razan’s sister Hala survived because she was studying abroad at the time. Since […]

Hard Choices Read More »

Silence Doesn’t Mean Absence

Even when you don’t hear from us often, please know that you are always on our minds. Every single day we see the impact of your generosity on our students’ lives, their education, and their futures. We simply could not continue this journey without your support, and for that we are deeply grateful and humbled. This

Silence Doesn’t Mean Absence Read More »

We honor Dr. Razan’s life

Eleven years ago, as I was establishing the Leonard Education Organization (LE.O), I received a message on Facebook from a young woman in Gaza. She was studying medicine at Cairo University and wrote to ask if LE.O. could help support her education. At the time, our program was just being launched and had a very

We honor Dr. Razan’s life Read More »

The Emotional Toll and the Strength to Move Forward

When we began this program more than a decade ago, we understood that our students would face obstacles. Over the years, we adapted to conditions shaped by occupation, displacement, and recurring instability. We navigated travel restrictions, shifting border regulations, rising tuition, and unpredictable living costs. Hazard related fees, unreliable transportation, and complex visa requirements became

The Emotional Toll and the Strength to Move Forward Read More »

AGAINST ALL ODDS — THEY DID IT

We simply cannot close this year without sharing this extraordinary story. This week, two members of the LE.O community—still living in Gaza—became doctors. In the midst of devastation, we must pause to honor and celebrate them. From the very beginning, the odds were stacked against them. A young woman and a young man born to

AGAINST ALL ODDS — THEY DID IT Read More »

LE.O 10 Year Anniversary Tribute

Almost two weeks ago, we came together to pay tribute to ten years of the Leonard Education Organization (LE.O). Board members, host families, students, donors, and potential supporters gathered together to share an evening of connection. The event was designed as an opportunity for guests to hear directly from LE.O community, to learn about their journeys,

LE.O 10 Year Anniversary Tribute Read More »