Muslim organizations across New South Wales metMonday this week (17 January 2005) in Sydney to coordinate their local efforts towards easing the sufferings of survivors of the Indian Ocean Tsunami on Boxing Day (26 December 2004).
“This was the first of a series of meetings between Muslim organizations statewide to better coordinate the community’s work in collecting donations for the Tsunami victims,” said Mr Ali Roude of the Islamic Council of New South Wales (ICNSW).
Representatives from Islamic associations including Aid and Human Appeal organisations attended the meeting.
Muslim Community Co-operative Australia (MCCA) Chairman, Mr Mohamed Abu-Shaban, who spent the previous week in Aceh, Indonesia, with a delegate from Muslim Aid Australia, told the meeting that “it is difficult to describe the extent of the damage in life and infrastructure but we have to think ahead and bring hope for the devastated people”.
Mr Abu-Shaban’s key message was that now is the time to plan for long-term help to those suffering from the recent devastation. It was confirmed and further explained by Muslim Aid Australia Chairman, Mr Soliman Domingo and Human Appeal International Regional Director, Mr Bashar Jamal.
Participating Muslim organizations within New South Wales have already raised over A$500,000 directly for Tsunami relief efforts. Strong anecdotal evidence across Sydney mosques also confirms Australian Muslims have contributed generously to other high-profile Tsunami fundraising campaigns alongside their fellow Australians.
Funds raised through the local Muslims charitable groups will be channeled directly to the regions in need to support orphan sponsorships, education, sanitation and medical needs on the ground.
The ICNSW appeals to all its members and the Australian community to continue providing support to the Tsunami victims through financial or other contributions and prayers. Donors are encouraged to contact Muslim Aid Australia’s Emergency Hotline on 1800 100 786 or Human Appeal International at 97503161.
Mr Roude also confirmed that there would be special collections and prayers at local mosques tomorrow (Thursday 20 January 2005) on the occasion of Eid ul-Adha, one of Islam’s holiest days each year.
Eid ul-Adha is the Festival of the Sacrifice