Updated 3 March 2009
On 28th February and 1st March 2009, 89 volunteers came out on the streets of Birmingham in a unified effort to raise money for victims of the Gaza conflict which lasted 23 days, claimed 1,400 lives, wounded 5,450, destroyed over 14,000 homes, 219 factories and 240 schools. The event was organised by the Abbasi Youth Committee of the KSI Birmingham Jamaat, in conjunction with The World Federation and The Council of European Jamaats (CoEJ).
Through simple bucket collections, the aim was to raise £5,000 for victims of the Gaza conflict in order to provide them with much needed food and medicine supplies. By the Grace of the Almighty, the youth raised a grand total of £6,900 over two days. The money collected will be sent to Gaza through The World Federation, who is working with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) to provide relief to the people of the region.
It was heart-warming to see that children were among those who donated the most in the donation tins provided. Even the homeless, who were also out on the streets selling their magazines gave all that they could.
Organiser Ali Dharamsi of the Abbasi Youth Committee said: "My sincere thanks goes out to the volunteers who put continuous effort into this event. We had a total of 89 volunteers from various cities such as Peterborough, Leicester, London and Birmingham itself. They faced the challenges of the cold weather and showed great strength and eagerness to continue throughout the day. May Allah (SWT) reward all those who put their time and energy into this project and in making this a successful day."
President of Birmingham Jamaat, Shabbirbhai Rehemtulla stated: “As one of the first Jamaats to take on the initiative of organising such a large fundraising event for the innocent victims of Gaza, the KSIMC of Birmingham is proud of the achievements of its youth. I hope that the momentum initiated in Birmingham will spread to other Jamaats and that the youths of our community continue to remember and address the suffering of their fellow Muslim brethren throughout the world. Our congratulations go to every single one of the volunteers and the organising team for raising the exceptional amount that they have. Their commitment and enthusiasm has been truly inspirational and I pray that Allah (SWT) continues in their resolve to carry on in His noble work, Ameen.”
Volunteer, Taslim Shah noted: "I think that the Street Collection was a great experience and a wonderful show of team work! Together, we collected a lot of funds, and Alhamdulillah, people were so charitable. The total amount raised is a true reflection of the hard work from volunteers and the commitment from the community who helped and supported such a great and noble cause. May Allah (SWT) help the children of Gaza and give them patience. Ameen."
One of the youngest volunteers, Mohammed Bandali, aged 16 stated: “It was really good to see lots of different people of different ages and backgrounds coming together to help raise money for those in Gaza. It was an honour for me to be given the opportunity to help collect on Sunday and be part of a community that is so active in helping our brothers and sisters in Palestine.”
The Assistant Secretary General for Relief and Economic Development of The World Federation, Shan-E-Abbas Hassam expressed: “The people of Gaza are suffering day in and day out from the recent conflict. We are truly moved to see the enthusiasm and the commitment from the youth of Birmingham and its neighbours whose efforts will change lives for the better in Gaza, Insha’Allah. May the Almighty accept their every effort and may He strengthen their resolve to continue to help humanity always.”
For more information please contact relief@world-federation.org