ISB Dedicates a Day to Gaza

Community News - Community News

Written by Arjumand Yousuf

Friday, 27 February 2009 00:00

The Islamic Society of Baltimore hosted two events on Sunday February 9, 2009; the first was an open forum to educate and promote discussion of the conflict in Gaza, the second was a fundraising dinner for Islamic Relief to get the community to act and support this devastating crisis.

The afternoon began with a multi-faith open forum with the theme “A Common World: Seeking an understanding of the Gaza conflict.”   The purpose of the event was not only to educate and promote awareness about the Gaza conflict, but to encourage dialogue amongst Christians, Muslims, and Jews. The program began with a historical talk on the background of Palestine given by Richard Bliss, attorney and former White House representative. This was followed by an exchange of ideas through a panel discussion with Christian and Muslim representation. The event concluded with the opportunity for the attendees both Muslim and non-Muslim to ask questions of the panel and further discuss the crisis.

The evening event focused on raising funds for Islamic Relief’s Palestine Humanitarian Crisis campaign, organized with the help of ISB’s youth group. The evening began with a quranic recitation and was followed by very touching talks by Imam Khalil from Masjid-Al Nur and Imam Mahmoud from Dar-Al Taqwa.   The crisis is an issue for all faiths, Imam Khalil said in his talk.   He stressed that we can’t achieve peace without justice for all of humanity and emphasized our duty to support Muslims and other human beings.   Imam Mahmood spoke of the significance of Palestine and about softening our hearts “Allah unite us to help those in need” he said in his speech.

Belkacem Nahi, Development Coordinator for Islamic Relief highlighted the great work being done by this charitable organization wordwide, especially in Gaza and the West Bank. Islamic Relief has been supplying aid in Palestine since 1994 in the form of emotional and psychological support, health care, clean water and providing support to orphans and families.

Just hours after the crisis, Islamic Relief was able to deliver over 3 million in much needed medical supplies and equipment to hospitals, food, water, blankets and hygiene kits. Islamic Relief which opened its Gaza office in 1998, works with the UN and WHO to procure and distribute medicines and with the WFP for food. Supplies are often purchased locally when available. With a total staff of 80, this local office not only allows Islamic Relief to respond immediately, it ensures that supplies are being distributed adequately. However, more funds are desperately needed.   “Once the issue leaves the front pages it seems that the public interest drops, but the need continues” said Brother Naeem Muhammad emcee for the evening, and Islamic Relief representative.

The highlight of the evening was a graphic and disturbing video of the victims and the horrific conditions in Gaza: “Why are our neighbors living in peace but were deprived of that? What have the children done to deserve this? What did we do wrong?” said one victim in the video. The fundraising portion of the evening was carried out by Anwar Khan V.P of fund development for Islamic Relief. Brother Anwar who works out of the Dallas office urged the community to give generously. The evening ended with dinner and an auction of beautiful garments and artifacts donated by the ISB youth group. The dinner raised over 38 thousand to help our fellow Muslims in Palestine. To donate to Islamic Relief and see pictures of aid distribution visit their website at www.irw.org

The Islamic Society of Baltimore would like to personally thank the following individuals from the ISB Youth Group for helping make the fundraiser a success: Madiha Tahseen, Hasan Hammad, Abdullah Shafi, Khadeeja Alavi, Rehan Alavi and Mohsin Majid. More information about the Islamic Society of Baltimore can be found online at www.isb.org