2007 Winter Partnership

Pthe ofﬁ cialartners newsletter of Islamic Relief hi Winter 2007 p

Lebanon In the aftermath of the devastating conflict which left nearly a quarter of the country’s population homeless, Islamic Relief focuses its efforts on reconstruction and rebuilding.

Evening of Inspiration Internationally renowned artist Sami Yusuf headlines a six-city tour to benefit children, and victims of the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East.

Humanitarian Day 2006 Islamic Relief’s 5th annual Ramadan event to serve the homeless population expands to 14 cities nationwide.

Darfur, Sudan A field update on Islamic Relief’s projects to assist the long-suffering displaced population of this region.

Partnership | Winter 2007 1 Cover Departments Field Update 3 Darfur, Sudan Cover Lebanon: Life After War 8 Uncertainty loomed for the Lebanese people as their country faced six hroughout the six-week confl ict, weeks of confl ict that completely changed the lives of the whole nation. Events Islamic Relief continued to work in the Tsouth of Lebanon, which came under Evening of Inspiration 2006 Tour 12 the heaviest attack. Islamic Relief staff on the Over 7,000 across the country inspired to help ground continued to distribute food, blankets those in need and other desperately needed relief items to those who were unable to fl ee to safety. Understanding AIDS 14 Islamic Relief attends AIDS 2006 conference LEBANON: By the time a ceasefi re was agreed on August 14, 2006, over 1,000 people - mainly civilians Uniting to Fight AIDS 16 - had been killed and thousands more injured. Islamic Relief joins religious leaders from around Houses, schools and hospitals across the the world to respond to HIV/AIDS. country had been reduced to smoldering mounds of rubble and roads and bridges were Taking Convention Attendees to 17 completely destroyed. ‘Another World’ Islamic Relief’s ‘IR Xperience’ exhibition Th e ceasefi re has allowed Islamic Relief and showcases international projects other aid agencies to work more extensively in the region. Most of the families that left their 5 Community Fund-raising Events 18 villages have now returned home and Islamic A special thanks to our generous donors Relief is continuing to work with them, Children & Conflict distributing food, clean water and helping Life in Lebanon since the recent confl ict is diffi cult to say the least. For children, however, them rebuild their lives. the trauma of war can last a lifetime. Domestic Projects Islamic Relief was one of the few international Hurricane Katrina 19 Life aid agencies that continued to work on the 6 Islamic Relief continues to help victims in the ground in south Lebanon, and other war- “There is still a lot to work to be done” Gulf Coast aff ected areas. Working with our partner, the Islamic Relief USA staff member Sabeen Shaiq reports from war-torn Lebanon. Islamic Welfare Association, we delivered Humanitarian Day 20 food, medicine and other essential relief Ramadan respite for our nation’s homeless items to thousands of people in Sidon, Tyre, 7 Nabatiyeh and other southern areas. Lebanese Prime Minister Thanks Islamic Relief SIX-WEEK CONFLICT Prime Minister Fuoad Siniora recognizes Islamic Relief’s aid eff orts in Lebanon. News Dedicated to Serve 22 During the fi rst few weeks of fi ghting Islamic Islamic Relief awarded ‘Medal of Dedication’ by Relief staff delivered daily hot meals to 5,000 Pakistan government After people who took shelter in schools and Features community centers in Sidon. Islamic Relief Moving Forward 23 staff also distributed food parcels containing Islamic Relief USA headquarters moves to canned meat, rice, beans, tea, oil and sugar 10 new facility to 10,000 people in Tyre, another 10,000 in Sidon and 3,000 in Nabatiyeh. Th ousands of The State of Water jerry cans to store water, hygiene kits and sleeping Earth’s most abundant commodity is also it’s most sought after. mats were also provided for displaced families. Partnership | the official newsletter of Islamic Relief | winter 2007

STAFF CONTACT 48-HOUR WINDOW Nadia Afghani Islamic Relief Zaid Hisham 6131 Orangethorpe Ave Ste 450 Mostafa Mahboob Buena Park, CA 90620 On July 30, 2006, the southern town of Qana Arif Shaikh was bombed, killing around 30 people, over (888) 479-4968 toll-free CONTRIBUTORS (714) 676-1301 fax July 2006 saw the small country of Lebanon half of them children who had taken shelter Mohammed Afsar WAR Helen Mould [email protected] come under an attack that lasted six weeks in the basement of a building. In the wake of Sabeen Shaiq www.irw.org and completely changed the life of the the Qana incident, a 48-hour cessation of air Shagufta Yaqub Tax ID# 95-4453134 whole nation. In a short space of time one attacks was announced which enabled Islamic SPECIAL THANKS million people, nearly a quarter of Lebanon’s Relief to deliver much-needed relief to people Mahliya Almulad population, ﬂ ed from towns and villages in in towns further south, including Qana itself. the south of the country, leaving behind their When Islamic Relief reached Qana, people Partnership, the official newsletter of Islamic Relief USA, is published quarterly. homes, possessions and sometimes even their told us they had not received any food aid for Please contact us to request additional copies for distribution, or, if you would like to reproduce, or transmit any information in this newsletter by any means, loved ones. 20 days. electronic, photocopying, or otherwise.

2 Winter 2007 | Partnership Partnership | Winter 2007 3 Cover Departments Field Update 3 Darfur, Sudan Cover Lebanon: Life After War 8 Uncertainty loomed for the Lebanese people as their country faced six hroughout the six-week confl ict, weeks of confl ict that completely changed the lives of the whole nation. Events Islamic Relief continued to work in the Tsouth of Lebanon, which came under Evening of Inspiration 2006 Tour 12 the heaviest attack. Islamic Relief staff on the Over 7,000 across the country inspired to help ground continued to distribute food, blankets those in need and other desperately needed relief items to those who were unable to fl ee to safety. Understanding AIDS 14 Islamic Relief attends AIDS 2006 conference LEBANON: By the time a ceasefi re was agreed on August 14, 2006, over 1,000 people - mainly civilians Uniting to Fight AIDS 16 - had been killed and thousands more injured. Islamic Relief joins religious leaders from around Houses, schools and hospitals across the the world to respond to HIV/AIDS. country had been reduced to smoldering mounds of rubble and roads and bridges were Taking Convention Attendees to 17 completely destroyed. ‘Another World’ Islamic Relief’s ‘IR Xperience’ exhibition Th e ceasefi re has allowed Islamic Relief and showcases international projects other aid agencies to work more extensively in the region. Most of the families that left their 5 Community Fund-raising Events 18 villages have now returned home and Islamic A special thanks to our generous donors Relief is continuing to work with them, Children & Conflict distributing food, clean water and helping Life in Lebanon since the recent confl ict is diffi cult to say the least. For children, however, them rebuild their lives. the trauma of war can last a lifetime. Domestic Projects Islamic Relief was one of the few international Hurricane Katrina 19 Life aid agencies that continued to work on the 6 Islamic Relief continues to help victims in the ground in south Lebanon, and other war- “There is still a lot to work to be done” Gulf Coast aff ected areas. Working with our partner, the Islamic Relief USA staff member Sabeen Shaiq reports from war-torn Lebanon. Islamic Welfare Association, we delivered Humanitarian Day 20 food, medicine and other essential relief Ramadan respite for our nation’s homeless items to thousands of people in Sidon, Tyre, 7 Nabatiyeh and other southern areas. Lebanese Prime Minister Thanks Islamic Relief SIX-WEEK CONFLICT Prime Minister Fuoad Siniora recognizes Islamic Relief’s aid eff orts in Lebanon. News Dedicated to Serve 22 During the fi rst few weeks of fi ghting Islamic Islamic Relief awarded ‘Medal of Dedication’ by Relief staff delivered daily hot meals to 5,000 Pakistan government After people who took shelter in schools and Features community centers in Sidon. Islamic Relief Moving Forward 23 staff also distributed food parcels containing Islamic Relief USA headquarters moves to canned meat, rice, beans, tea, oil and sugar 10 new facility to 10,000 people in Tyre, another 10,000 in Sidon and 3,000 in Nabatiyeh. Th ousands of The State of Water jerry cans to store water, hygiene kits and sleeping Earth’s most abundant commodity is also it’s most sought after. mats were also provided for displaced families. Partnership | the official newsletter of Islamic Relief | winter 2007

2 Winter 2007 | Partnership Partnership | Winter 2007 3

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or thousands of children caught in the midst of the ﬁ ghting in Lebanon, the Fconﬂ ict has been particularly traumatic. It is estimated that up to half of those killed, injured or displaced from their homes were & CONFLICT children. Th ese stark numbers mask the personal tragedies of the young lives that were lost or thrown into turbulence.

TOO FRIGHTENED TO FLEE

Th e high death toll among children is partly due to them being too young or scared to escape during confl ict. Many families made long, arduous journeys on foot, with little food or water. Mothers had to make the impossible decision of leaving some of their children behind because they could not aff ord to take them or because they were too young to travel. In the basements of houses across southern Lebanon, older children were left looking after their younger siblings, huddled SHIPMENTS OF AID WITH THE distributing aid south of the Litani River to Islamic Relief has distributed clean drinking together as the bombs fell around them. CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF people who had come under the heaviest water to the people of Nabatiyeh and LATTER-DAY SAINTS attack but had not received any help during Marouahine as well as providing 50 water LANDMINES the war. In Nabatiyeh, in coordination with bladders thus providing thousands of liters Islamic Relief worked with long-time partner the United Nations World Food Program of clean water to villages in south Lebanon. One of the greatest threats to children’s health the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day (WFP) and the International Red Cross, Islamic Relief also provided the water and security since the confl ict ended has Saints to send two shipments of emergency Islamic Relief staff supplied 5,000 people with pumping station in Bent Jbeil, in the south of been from unexploded landmines, rockets aid items for victims of the humanitarian food, clean water and hygiene kits. Lebanon, with a generator to pump drinking and cluster bombs. At least 13 civilians have crisis in Lebanon. Th e cargo planes carried water to 1,500 people. been killed and 53 injured by unexploded essential aid items supplied by Th e Church of RETURNING HOME ordnances (UXO) since the ceasefi re, and Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Islamic Relief has served over 235,000 people this number is expected to rise. Children are medical supplies, hygiene kits, powdered Since the ceasefi re, thousands of families have in Lebanon and is continuing to provide particularly vulnerable as they are tempted to milk, baby formula, and hand soap. Aid returned home. Th is kind of mass population emergency relief to those aff ected by the play with the small objects that look like balls. distribution was overseen by Islamic movement, coupled with people’s exposure to confl ict. To date we have provided: Relief, the Hariri Foundation, a Lebanese the elements, can lead to the spread of disease. HIDDEN WOUNDS development and education organization, Th e lack of access to safe water after the • 35,000 hot meals Th e mental scars caused by the trauma of and the United Nations Relief and Works destruction of pipes and sewage systems has • 25,800 family-size food packages the confl ict will take longer to heal than the Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near also increased the risk of disease. With little • 2,400 family-size hygiene kits physical wounds. In war, children are forced East (UNRWA). healthcare or medicine available, a severe lack • 2 million liters of safe drinking water to experience the same horrors as adults but of water and sanitation facilities could result without the same sense of understanding or PERMANENT CEASEFIRE in a serious outbreak of diseases, especially context. Th e impact of these traumatic events amongst children. is already evident with children sitting quietly, On August 14, the fi rst day of the permanent unable to play, or haunted by nightmares ceasefi re, Islamic Relief immediately began whenever they sleep.

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TOO FRIGHTENED TO FLEE

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LEBANESE PRIME MINISTER THANKS ISLAMIC RELIEF “THERE IS STILL A LOT OF Islamic Relief Affi rms Long-Term Commitment to Help Rebuild Country enior Lebanese offi cials including Prime Devastating. It has had a shattering impact on Because of the destruction, we had to unload Minister Fuoad Siniora met with Islamic the lives of ordinary people. the supplies from larger onto smaller trucks WORK TO BE DONE” SRelief Worldwide President and founder, to take the aid as far as Tripoli. Th en we Dr. Hany El Banna on August 25, 2006. Th e Around a quarter of the entire population has unloaded the trucks onto smaller vehicles in Islamic Relief USA Staff Member Sabeen Shaiq Returns from War-Affected Region meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s offi ce, been displaced. Th ose people who had the order to get across the damaged roads towards focused on the humanitarian crisis in the means have fl ed abroad. We met some of them the south. Even fi nding drivers willing to risk country. Dr. El Banna briefed Prime Minister in Damascus, Syria, where 180,000 refugees their lives by taking the aid was diffi cult. ter the ceasefi re between Israel and something at him. Hussein reached back Lebanon. Hussein and Ali suff ered second Siniora regarding Islamic Relief’s aid distribu- have arrived. Th ey’re living in schools and Hezbollah, tragedy is still aff ecting to pull it off , then Ali yelled at him to stop. degree burns. Th ankfully, they will physically tions and ongoing rehabilitation activities. government buildings. Th ere is no such thing as a safe route, not even Athe lives of Lebanese civilians. In a Hussein did not realize that he was actually recover and heal with time, but the emotional Dr. El Banna added that Islamic Relief would for ambulances or relief aid. small village in southern Lebanon, Zebqine, pulling his skin off the back of his neck and face. scars may linger permanently. continue to work with the people of Lebanon Almost a million people have been displaced families are starting to return home to assess even after the current emergency. Prime Min- within Lebanon. Amongst the displaced are How would you describe the morale of the the damage and collect any memories they can Like most residents in the south, they had For Hussein and Ali, one of the hardest things ister Siniora told Dr El Banna, “We appreciate the elderly and the disabled who have no people you met in Lebanon? salvage. Two brothers, Hussein, 15 and Ali, 13 been warned about going into their fi elds and for them and their family is losing their home your initiatives and your eff orts to help those money and have had to stay in their deserted had returned home many times to sift through had been shown pictures of the various types along with all the memories, pictures, and that are suff ering from this war.” villages and towns, facing extreme danger Judging by the people I met, there was a the rubble that was once their home. Nothing of cluster bombs that were dropped by Israel belongings they have had since childhood. and deprivation. strong spirit amongst them. Th ere is a spirit could have prepared them for what they were in the last few days of the confl ict. But as their Th is is unfortunately a common theme in this Islamic Relief was one of only a handful of of self-help and a strong sense of community about to experience during one of their visits. older sister Hiba shared, you would never village where 85 percent of the town’s homes international aid organizations that continued Can you describe some of the diffi culties and cooperation. Although the Lebanese are On Wednesday, September 6, 2006, while expect to fi nd a bomb in your own house. have been completely destroyed and where 40 to deliver aid in southern Lebanon during the that aid agencies have faced in providing very diverse, Muslims – Druze, Sunni, Shi‘ah, they were going through their home looking homes were destroyed just 5 minutes before height of the recent war. humanitarian relief to the people and Christians, all were united in the face for their school books they were shocked by Islamic Relief USA staff members visited the the ceasefi re. of Lebanon? of this crisis and were helping those in need a sudden fl ash of a bluish-yellow light. An boys and their family in a hospital in Tyre Q&A WITH DR. HANY EL BANNA to the best of their ability, regardless of their unexploded bomb that had landed in their (Sour) right after Hussein was coming out of As true in any war-torn area, even though the Th e only entrance to Lebanon is via Syria. background. Th ey weren’t waiting for outside home had been detonated. surgery the next day. Th e boys were in good offi cial confl ict is over, there are still a lot of Having recently returned from Lebanon, Th ere used to be 3 roads, but 2 are closed due help; they were hard at work doing as much as spirits considering their situation and pain lingering remnants that are greatly aff ecting could you describe the impact of the ongoing to bombings. It takes 3 to 4 hours for a car to they could. At fi rst Hussein did not know what happened, they were in. Th ey were lucky considering the population. Th ere is still a lot of work to confl ict on the lives of ordinary people? get to the Lebanon border - imagine how long as there was no noise from the bomb. Hussein what could have happened if they had come be done. Th e people of Lebanon cannot it would take for a heavy truckload of relief aid? had thought that Ali had playfully thrown across the numerous cluster bombs littering be forgotten.

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6 Winter 2007 | Partnership Partnership | Winter 2007 7 THE CONFLICT LACK OF AID “I WANT MY CHILDREN TO BE AID WORKERS” The conflict between the Sudan government and rebels started The United Nations has estimated that the fighting has left half Fatma, aged 65, has four daughters and one son. She is partially three years ago. Since then it has been estimated by the United a million people in Darfur cut off from aid. In recent months sighted and unable to work. Like so many others, she had to Nations that almost 200,000 people have been killed and 2.2 the number of attacks on aid convoys and workers has risen

abandon her home when the conflict reached her village. Fatma Field Update million have been displaced from their homes. Many of these dramatically and many agencies are no longer able to deliver and her family are amongst 10,000 displaced people who make humanitarian relief. the Kerinding II camp their home. . Internally displaced people living in the many refugee camps in “I will never forget the night in January 2003 when our village people are living in squalid conditions in overcrowded refugee the country have been the worst-affected by the aid shortages was attacked,” she said. “They were shooting and burning camps. Atrocities continue to be committed, with villages being as they have little access to food, healthcare, clean water and houses. We ran away from our house but my husband’s legs looted and women being raped. The escalation in violence has sanitation. Attacks on aid workers and camp residents have also had been wounded. They burned three houses and one of them also pushed displaced people across the border into refugee increased, with women particularly vulnerable to violent assault was ours. The next morning they came back and looted all the camps in eastern Chad. and rape. cattle and other property that belonged to the villagers. Some time later, when the attack stopped, we returned and found my husband. He had to be hospitalized but died seven days later.

Before the war in Darfur, Fatma’s family had a good life. They owned 20 cows, 20 sheep, 12 goats, 4 donkeys, 1 horse and a reasonable amount of land that was suitable for farming. They had also stocked enough food to last the entire family for two years. Today, they have nothing.

“Our lives depend on Islamic Relief,” says Fatma. “We are happy being supported by them because we are taken care of better than people in other camps. We receive extra soap, clothes, shoes, and other items.”

“Our life has changed completely. The war that caused us these problems is still going on. Our village is just 15 kilometers away from this camp but we cannot go and visit it. We feel very angry because we cannot go back to our home due to the security situation. Armed militia are everywhere around us. My family cannot go even 1,000 meters away of the camp to collect fire wood and grass.”

Fatma is still hopeful for her family’s future. “I would like my children to be educated and help with humanitarian work, like Islamic Relief’s aid workers have been doing,” she said. FIELD UPDATE: he camps for displaced people have Men, women and children are all being Recently IslamicDarfur, Relief has been mobilizing Relief staff members are tryingSudan to get these Between 100 and 140 patients visit the clinic Th e biggest humanitarian problem in Darfur become a symbol of the Darfur terrorized by militia groups on a daily basis. people into groups such as the newly children back to school. everyday and the 13 members of staff struggle is that there is no freedom of movement Tconfl ict. Th ere are now approximately Shots are often fi red into the air to frighten formed Women’s Aff airs Committee. Th ese to keep up with the demand. At the moment because bandits control the roads. Th is means 200 camps in the region, some near the border people as the militia ride by on horses or committees encourage people to come How are children coping? we are also cleaning up the camp, cluster that humanitarian convoys have not been with Chad, others near major towns and camels. Parents fear for their children and do together and explore ways they can earn a by cluster, to ensure better hygiene and we able to deliver aid in areas of great need. cities. Th e Kerinding II camp in West Darfur not let them leave the camp. Many people living and support each other. It seems to me that children in the camp regularly distribute soap and other hygiene Some people are dying of hunger and sickness was established by Islamic Relief in 2004 and have had family members killed or raped have lost one phase in their life – childhood. items to camp residents. because suffi cient aid cannot reach them. is home to almost 10,000 people. when the militia attacked their villages. Now Are children able to go to school? Th ey are too mature for their age. Earlier I they cannot sleep at night because they know was talking with 20 children from the camp How do people feel about returning home? We also have a problem with unregistered Nermin Silajdzic, Islamic Relief’s camp the militias are nearby. Islamic Relief operates a school that has over and I noticed how they don’t have any desire people living in the camp. Th ere are currently coordinator, describes life for people in Darfur 1,800 students, mainly from the Kerinding II for toys and playgrounds. Th ey make trucks People cannot go back because of the security over 8,500 registered people in the camp and the challenges he faces working there. Are people able to earn a living? camp. Th ere are 35 teachers but they do not from old oil cans and play with them in the situation. Of course they would like to go back and another 1,200 or so who are not – plus get paid very much so parents often contribute sand but when I asked what they would like eventually but they don’t know when this will around 600 who live just outside. Th ese What is life like in the camps? Th e majority of those living in the Kerinding to their salaries to ensure that the teachers can to have the answers were not childlike. A few be possible. Th ey are patient people, prepared people come to the Kerinding II camp for II camp have no way of earning a living and aff ord basic necessities of life, such as food.. of the children said they would like to have a to wait for the security situation to improve. many reasons, including the fact that nearby Life in the camp is very diffi cult, especially rely solely on assistance from aid agencies and Th e school itself does not have benches or bike, a football or a toy but mostly they asked camps are very overcrowded, or because they when compared to how people lived before the United Nations. Some people collect grass chairs and needs more books and teaching for beds, mosquito nets, blankets, teacups, Th e reality is that rural areas in Darfur are have family in Kerinding II. However as they the confl ict. A family of about six share one and wood from outside the camp and sell it materials. Despite this, children enjoy school carpets, clothes, shoes and school bags. One very unsafe and many villages have now been are not registered they don’t have the ration shelter that is 10 x 13 feet. Some people had in the market. Leaving the camp, however, and many of them aspire to be teachers and six-year-old girl, Hisham, told me that she claimed by militia members, who have been cards they need to get food and other aid been sleeping on the ground for about a year is extremely dangerous. Women who do headmasters when they grow up. would like to receive a blanket to protect farming on the land. Recently, International items. But people end up sharing their food before Islamic Relief distributed mats. venture out then have to carry sacks of grass herself from mosquitoes and from the cold. Red Cross workers have been helping people with them anyway, especially with women or to the market, 3 miles away in the town of El Islamic Relief is also raising awareness restore family relations by training them in how the elderly. What is the security situation like? Geneina. A sack of grass will earn them 100 amongst parents about the importance of Do camp residents have access to healthcare? to write messages for their loved ones, establish Sudanese dinars (approximately 47 cents) but education. Many children do not attend contact and fi nd out if they are still alive. Th e number of security incidents within the if it doesn’t sell they have to carry it back to school because they are trying to earn Islamic Relief operates a health clinic that camps has increased recently, with people the camp and try again the following day. money and girls in particular drop out by provides essential healthcare, medicine, What are some of the humanitarian issues being attacked and donkeys being stolen. the age of 14 or 16 to get married. Islamic antenatal care and health awareness training. in Darfur?

8 Winter 2007 | Partnership Partnership | Winter 2007 9 The State of Feature

Waterin the world

ater is a basic need of humanity. • Over 980 million children still do not Water Facts Life and death are inextricably have access to adequate sanitation linked to the availability and • Of all babies born in the developing • If all the earth’s water fit in a gallon W jug, available fresh water would equal cleanliness of this resource. Millions, however, world each year, around half live without just over a tablespoon. are left without such access. Some of Islamic basic sanitation and one in ﬁ ve without • A person can live about a month Relief’s most important development projects access to safe drinking water, increasing without food, but only about a week to prevent future disasters include installing the risk of water-borne illness without water. • A person needs 4 to 5 gallons of and cultivating water resources in under- • Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation, water per day to survive. privileged regions of the world. combined with poor hygiene, contribute • The average American individual uses to the deaths of more than 1.5 million 100 to 176 gallons of water at home An example of Islamic Relief’s work in children under the age of ﬁ ve each day. • The average African family uses about this important sector is making water • Factors such as illness, the daily journey 5 gallons of water each day. contaminated by arsenic safe to drink. to collect water and the absence of • More than 200 million hours are hygienic facilities in schools keep older spent each day by women and female Arsenic is a notoriously poisonous metalloid children – particularly girls – out of class children to collect water from distant, that has many allotropic forms; yellow, black and uneducated, perpetuating the cycle often polluted sources. • Approximately 60 to 70 percent of and gray are a few that are regularly seen. of poverty. the rural population in the developing Arsenic contamination of groundwater has world have neither access to a safe led to a massive epidemic of arsenic poisoning Islamic Relief operates a wide-array of water and convenient source of water nor a in Bangladesh and neighboring countries. It and sanitation projects in the following satisfactory means of waste disposal. • According to the United Nations, 20 is estimated that approximately 57 million countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, percent of the world’s population in people are drinking groundwater with arsenic Chechnya, Indonesia, Kosova, Pakistan, 30 countries face water shortages. concentrations elevated above the World Palestine, and Sudan. Projects include delivery This number is expected to rise to 30 Health Organization’s (WHO) standard of 10 of clean water to rural areas, digging water percent of the world’s population in parts per billion. (from Wikipedia) wells and hand pumps, installation of water 50 countries in 2025. • Poor people in the developing world supply and irrigation systems, installation of pay on average 12 times more per According to the United Nations Children’s new toilet and bathing facilities, and more. liter of water than fellow citizens Fund (UNICEF): connected to municipal systems; these poverty-stricken people use less water, much of which is dirty • 1 billion people do not have access to and contaminated. safe water • 2.6 billion live without basic sanitation *Source: Water Partners International • Millions of people in the developing world, including an estimated 425 million children under the age of 18, still do not have access to an improved water supply

*According to a report published by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in September 2006

10 Winter 2007 | Partnership Partnership | Winter 2007 11 Events

Over 7,000 Across the Country Inspired to Help Those in Need

slamic Relief brought the highly popular Th e event reshaped the culture of Islamic Th e Dallas Morning News, which covered “Evening of Inspiration” benefi t concert entertainment throughout the United States, the city’s sold out show reported, “Diversity Ito the United States for the fi rst time, being one of the fi rst tours of its nature in history. was on display and maybe even the star of “Islamic Relief benefit [concert] is a refreshing departure after holding it for the third straight year in the show. Th e audience crossed just about the United Kingdom and selling out in all Headliners included platinum-selling artist every imaginable line - black, white and six venues. Over $1 million was raised at the Sami Yusuf and the Maryland-based group brown, young and old, conservative dress and from the routine.” - The Dallas Morning News, July 28, 2006 events; most of the funds will benefi t projects Native Deen. Yusuf has fast become the thoroughly modern.” to help children and other victims of the leading Islamic singer in Europe, the Middle humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. East and United States. TIME Magazine has Islamic Relief has always strived to connect called Yusuf “Islam’s biggest rock star” who’s with its donors and supporters and express Th e “Evening of Inspiration” benefi t concert “songs of peace elicit Beatle-sized frenzy.” gratitude for their generosity and support. - touring in Dallas, New Jersey, Detroit, Muslim comedians taking part in the concerts Th e benefi t concerts provided attendees with and Los Angeles from July 27 to August included Mohammad Amer, Preacher Moss, fun-fi lled, family entertainment while raising 6 - showcased some of the world’s leading and Azhar Usman. awareness and funds for humanitarian causes. performers of Islamic cultural entertainment.

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Events Events

AIDSUnderstanding Islamic Relief attends AIDS 2006 Conference

slamic Relief representatives attended the world’s largest HIV/AIDS conference, Iwhich took place in Toronto, Canada from August 13-18. Bringing together individuals, aid groups, business and political leaders concerned with the epidemic, the conference aimed to inform, motivate, and send people back home more proactive in the ﬁ ght against the deadly disease.

Since the threat of HIV/AIDS made a prominent global presence over two decades ago, the disease has taken countless lives of children, women, and men. According to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), an estimated 39 million people worldwide are infected with the disease. Th e majority of those aff ected are living in In Africa, a growing segment of new infection further entangled in the cycle of poverty and developing countries in Africa, Asia, and cases are in mothers and children. Many underdevelopment. When a family loses its Latin America. times, husbands carrying the disease infect breadwinner to the disease, this causes further their wives and then it is passed on to their hardship on the family members and decreases Just last year alone, over 2.8 million people newborns. About 30 percent of pregnant the economic output of the area. lost their lives because of AIDS-related causes. women in South Africa are HIV positive. A UNAIDS reports 4.1 million new people new phenomenon as a result is the “AIDS Islamic Relief is operating an AIDS orphans were infected with the virus last year. Since Orphan.” Th ese are children who’s parents are project in South Africa, helping fi ll these treatment is too expensive for those in the either too debilitated by the disease to take important gaps. Th e tragic aff ects of HIV/ developing countries, many cases of infection care of their children or have lost the battle AIDS on countless of innocent lives cannot go untreated, especially for children. Only to HIV/AIDS. be ignored. Long-term, Islamic Relief hopes 8-13 percent of children under 15 infected to expand its projects to help the innocent by HIV in developing countries have access Poor communities dealing with the increasing children, women and men who are faced with to treatment. death toll of HIV/AIDS around the world are this epidemic.

14 Winter 2007 | Partnership Partnership | Winter 2007 15 UNITING TO FIGHT AIDS Events Islamic Relief joins religious leaders from around the world to respond to HIV/AIDS. TAKING CONVENTION ATTENDEES

t has been 25 years since HIV/AIDS came on to the world radar. Since 1981 TO ‘ANOTHER WORLD’ Events Iover 25 million people have lost their lives to a disease that has been, and continues Islamic Relief’s ‘IR Xperience’ exhibition Showcases International Projects to be greatly misunderstood. Because of the taboo and stigma attached to this disease Islamic Relief has been cautious to approach the subject, but now with the deadly virus ach year during the Labor Day convention has experienced the sea of 500 “IR Xperience” to the United States. Th e growing to new proportions we are diving into weekend, tens of thousands of bazaar booths fi lled will clothing, books, “IR Xperience” is an innovative exhibition working on this pandemic. Epeople congregate for the national multimedia, jewelry, artwork, and information which allows bystanders to feel and experience Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) on various organizations and causes. the lives of those less fortunate. Th e display HIV (human immunodefi ciency virus) Convention, the largest Muslim-American “Xperience” centered around three themes: is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired symposium in the United States. Now in And, at the front-center of this year’s Orphan Support/Education, Emergency immunodefi ciency syndrome). It may be its 43rd year, the convention is known for ISNA bazaar, stood a seemingly misplaced Shelter, and Water and Sanitation. passed when infected blood, semen, or vaginal drawing in nationally and internationally emergency shelter, a water well, and a secretions come in contact with an uninfected acclaimed speakers, its musically-fi lled makeshift orphan classroom…all props in A partial classroom, equipped with desks, person’s broken skin or mucous membranes. entertainment sessions, and most of all, Islamic Relief’s booth. school supplies, and typical class information, Pregnant women can also pass HIV to their its highly anticipated, mammoth bazaar. was in the Orphan Support/Education baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as Anyone who’s attended the ISNA national For the fi rst year, Islamic Relief brought the quarter. Th ere, attendees could learn about through breast-feeding. the over 15,000 orphans supported by Islamic Relief donors in 18 countries worldwide. AIDS is a severe, life-threatening condition Development Program (UNDP) and the caused by HIV. Most people infected with League of Arab States. It was the 2nd annual Directly next to the orphan classroom, HIV seem healthy, and many do not realize regional forum for religious leaders regarding towered a makeshift emergency shelter like they have been infected. Without treatment, HIV/AIDS in the Arab States, consisting the ones created in Pakistan after the 7.6 most people with HIV infection will develop of Muslim and Christian, male and female magnitude earthquake left over 3.5 million serious symptoms at some point in the future. scholars from all over the Arab world. For people homeless. After emergencies such as HIV infects white blood cells that manage fi ve days, the leading religious leaders in the earthquakes and tsunamis, Islamic Relief the operation of the immune system. Th is Arab world discussed sensitive issues related instantly responses to the needs of those leaves the infected person vulnerable to life- to AIDS in a constructive interfaith dialog aff ected by erecting temporary tents and threatening illnesses. for a sustainable response. Th ey worked towards building shelters like the one displayed at ISNA. creating a joint action pact built upon previously Th e current global situation is going through agreed principles from previous conferences. Th e last section of the display included a water an all too familiar chapter in history. Asia well and water-droplet facts about the state of and the Middle East are bogged down by Islamic Relief is also planning its own water around the world. For instance, many the stigma that alienates survivors from their conference which hopes to build on this of us do not know that 1.1 billion people in families and jobs and the taboo that prevents and other conferences on the subject. the world do not have access to safe water; or, proper treatment and prevents people from Islamic Relief is in a unique situation as an that the average woman in Africa and Asia has being tested for the disease. As a result, the organization built upon Islamic values with a to walk 3.7 miles to collect water; and, that epidemic is not getting the proper attention. mission of being a purely humanitarian relief 2.2 million people in developing countries, If prevention methods and education about organization. Islamic Relief hopes to develop mostly children, die every year from diseases the disease are not disseminated soon, the and apply approaches to HIV/AIDS which associated with lack of access to safe water and epidemic might reach to the level of sub- are both eff ective and Islamically sound. Th e adequate sanitation. Saharan Africa. Th is trend is already evident conference aims to develop these approaches according to the United Nations which states jointly by Islamic scholars, HIV/AIDS- Th e display received the attention of many of that the Arab region accounts for one of the related practitioners, and people living with the ISNA attendees including a special visit highest infection growth rates in the world. HIV/AIDS. Th ey will be based on Islamic from comedian Preacher Moss, fi lm director/ teachings and examples of good practice, and producer Morgan Spurlock, and ISNA Recently Islamic Relief staff attended a will build upon existing Muslim and interfaith President Ingrid Mattson. conference organized by the United Nations declarations related to HIV/AIDS.

16 Winter 2007 | Partnership Partnership | Winter 2007 17 COMMUNITY FUND-RAISING

EVENTS Domestic Projects

A Special Thanks to Our Generous Donors

hile the world suﬀ ered through calamity after calamity in W2004 and 2005, the world also witnessed an increased level benevolence and

generosity in 2006. Events Days into 2005, millions of people in Asia and East Africa found themselves struggling to cope with the aftermath of the most powerful tsunami to hit the earth in 40 years. Months later, tragedy hit home when Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst disasters in United States’ history, struck down on the Gulf Coast. Soon afterwards, amidst existing unsteadiness, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake devastated South Asia, aﬀ ecting over 5 million people. And recently, conﬂ ict in the Middle East left thousands injured, and displaced over a million people in Lebanon.

With the consistency of a loyal friend, Islamic HURRICANE KATRINA Relief’s donors opened their hearts and wallets during these times of diffi culties. Millions of Islamic Relief Continues to Help Victims in the Gulf Coast dollars were raised for emergency relief and implementation projects. During the Islamic espite the current lack of media fall of last year. We have been blessed to aid who have no transportation. Th is eff ort is month of Ramadan alone in 2006, donors at attention the victims of Hurricane those in need with food, clothing, shelter, and conducted in conjunction with the Capital community fund-raising events contributed DKatrina receive, the needs for recovery medical supplies.” Area Agency in Baton Rouge. more than $2 million to Islamic Relief and relief still remain crucial. More than a projects worldwide! year after the worst natural disaster in U.S. At the Magnolia Farmers Market, Islamic Islamic Relief also hosted a 15 person history, Islamic Relief has remained on the Relief’s point of distribution in New Orleans, volunteer team from Dartmouth College Islamic Relief would like to recognize its ground on the Gulf Coast to provide much over 20,000 people have benefi tted from for two weeks in December. Th e volunteer donors and volunteers in the following needed aid as part of the recovery eff orts. aid provided between the few months of coordinators from Dartmouth chose to communities who have spend their hard- June and November, 2006. Primarily a food partner with Islamic Relief to contribute earned time and money to organize Th us far, Islamic Relief has provided over distribution point, the Farmers Market is open to the continuous rebuilding eff ort of New community fund-raising events in their area: $2 million in aid to hurricane victims in fi ve days a week to locals needing to restock Orleans and the surrounding parishes. Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. In Louisiana on the essentials. In addition to canned foods, During their stay, the student volunteers Anaheim, CA, Atlanta, GA, Bay Area, CA, alone, Islamic Relief has distributed over 1.5 bread, cereal, water, and hygiene supplies, worked on projects in coordination with Boston, MA, Brooklyn, NY, Canton, MI, million pounds of food to benefi ciaries in Islamic Relief also distributes bedroom, bath, Islamic Assistance of New Orleans, Masjid Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Dearborn, MI, Baton Rouge and New Orleans. and kitchen sets to residents recovering from Ar-Raheem of New Orleans, the Second Detroit, MI, Houston, TX, Garden Grove, the disaster. Harvest Food Bank of New Orleans, the CA, Long Beach, CA, Los Angeles, CA, With projects initiated in the aforementioned United Way, and the American Red Cross of Memphis, TN, Miami, FL, Milwaukee, WI, states since the recovery eff orts began, Islamic Islamic Relief’s annual ‘Humanitarian Day’ Plaquemines Parish. Minneapolis, MN, Pittsburgh, PA, Princeton, Relief’s current eff orts are focused on helping for the homeless and needy families also took NJ, San Diego, CA, Seattle, WA, Tampa, FL, hurricane victims in the aff ected areas of place in New Orleans and Baton Rouge for “Th e relationship with those that benefi t and Washington, DC. Louisiana. Islamic Relief has many ongoing the fi rst time this past Islamic holy month from this eff ort is truly beautiful because aid distribution and assistance programs of Ramadan to assist the needy in the two there is love involved,” added Vaughan. May God Almighty reward all of you with operating in the state as part of its relief eff orts. cities. Th e event served close to one thousand “Some evacuees, after receiving our services, the best. people on the weekend of October 14-15. volunteer in our events to give back to Islamic Relief’s project coordinator in Event attendees were served hot catered Cajun their communities and bond closer to this Louisiana, Ruben Vaughan, has been in the cuisine, groceries, hygiene kits, and household compassionate eff ort.” area since the fi rst few weeks after the storm supplies. In addition to the above, Islamic hit. Vaughan said “the role of Islamic Relief relief also delivers food on the fi rst Th ursday in Louisiana has been very diverse since the of every month to the elderly in poverty

18 Winter 2007 | Partnership Partnership | Winter 2007 19 COMMUNITY FUND-RAISING

EVENTS Domestic Projects

A Special Thanks to Our Generous Donors

hile the world suﬀ ered through calamity after calamity in W2004 and 2005, the world also witnessed an increased level benevolence and

18 Winter 2007 | Partnership Partnership | Winter 2007 19 Manager. “In 2006, a total of 102 partners scattered across the country assisted volunteer groups,” she said.

Domestic Projects “My fi rst experience of Humanitarian Day was something I will never forget; something I will probably carry for the rest of my life,” noted a fi rst-time volunteer. “Physically helping people less fortunate than I am was something diff erent from giving zakah (mandatory almsgiving for Muslims). My main goal wasn’t to hand out shirts or supplies, it was just to bring a smile to their faces and bring a little hope to their lives. Th e people were so polite, thankful and humorous that I couldn’t help but smile to myself.”

Th e event has traditionally taken place in the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims are encouraged to donate to the poor and needy.

Th e Boston Herald reported, “‘You don’t see much out there to try to help people who are in need,’ a homeless veteran said…It was a declaration of appreciation for the ‘Humanitarian Day for the Homeless’ event at the center, sponsored by Islamic Relief.”

Yousef Abdallah, Islamic Relief’s operations manager for the Northeast oﬃ ce noted, “We have reached out to countless homeless and have seen faces ﬁ lled with happiness; that is 14-15, 2006. In partnership with Los Angeles- the best thing about my job. We need to do based ILM Foundation, and community more domestic projects. It’s about what we organizations within each of the 14 cities, this face right in front of us: Love thy neighbor, year’s event came a far way since its inception and here we are.” in Downtown Los Angeles’ ‘skid row’ in 2002. Islamic Relief’s domestic projects have Participating cities for this year’s event increased tremendously over the years. In included: Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Boston, addition to responding to emergencies Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Las Vegas, such as Hurricane Katrina, Islamic Relief Los Angeles, Newark, New Orleans, New is continuously involved in assisting needy York, Portland, and Washington D.C. individuals and families within the U.S. and working with community organizations to Volunteers in the 14 cities converged in local improve people’s livelihoods. neighborhoods to provide essentials to the homeless such as a warm meal, a gift package With new cities already lined up for the

he fi fth annual ‘Humanitarian Day’ including hygiene and emergency kits, bath next Humanitarian Day, Menzies attributes for the homeless event this year helped towels, clothing, blankets, ponchos, and toys the growth of the project to word-of-mouth Tserve over 18,000 homeless and needy for children. In addition, free of charge HIV/ publicity and the approach to serving the people in 14 cities across the United States. AIDS screenings, fl u vaccinations, educational needy. “Th e word is spreading,” she said. Muslims throughout the participating cities materials and referral information was also “People who are involved have a huge benefi t helped serve food and other much-needed provided. and they tell others. Commitment to treating supplies as they observed their fast in the people with respect and kindness sets us apart month of Ramadan. “Government entities, community from other programs and we hope they will organizations and religious institutions are remember.” Islamic Relief was one of the lead coordinators among the partners for Humanitarian Day,” of the event, which took place on October said Clareen Menzies, Islamic Relief’s Projects

20 Winter 2007 | Partnership Partnership | Winter 2007 21 MOVING FORWARD News Islamic Relief USA Headquarters Moves to New Facility

fter a decade long residency in donor base and into a larger more professional in the winter whenever there is snowfall. It is a Burbank, California, Islamic Relief has environment. Islamic Relief is growing in sight worth seeing, picturesque and refreshing.” Arelocated its national headquarters to many ways and this is just one of them.” DEDICATED TO SERVE Buena Park, California. Th e move from Los In addition to its national headquarters in Angeles County to Orange County, eff ective After serving its donors and benefi ciaries Buena Park, California, Islamic Relief has Islamic Relief Awarded ‘Medal of Dedication’ by Pakistan government in July of 2006, was extremely well received by from the same location for over ten years, established offi ces in Totowa, New Jersey; staff and local community members. relocation was inevitable. Th e new offi ce Detroit, Michigan; and Dallas, Texas. News off ers local Southern California donors a more Th e move, as a sign of the times, signifi es the convenient, central location which is close to Daud added, “All praise is to God Almighty. exponential growth that has been progressively major freeways and Islamic centers. We have a large prayer room, where brothers mounting at Islamic Relief. In addition and sisters can pray very comfortably all to a larger offi ce - nearly 3 times the size Mohammed Daud, Accounting Manager, has together, in congregation. Th is is a unique of the previous offi ce - Islamic Relief has been working for Islamic Relief since 1998. facility and blessing from God Almighty. We also doubled its staff to better operate the During this time, he’s seen the company and are very grateful for all this and hope, as a expanded international and domestic projects. its staff members expand and mature into the result, we will do our job in much better way family it is today. to help the needy all over the world.” “As hard as it was to leave Islamic Relief’s home for so many years,” says Sabeen Shaiq, “Our offi ce building is surrounded by modern Islamic Relief Programs Coordinator, “it buildings,” says Daud. “We have a view from seems appropriate that we moved closer to our this offi ce to nearby mountains full of snow

akistani President General Pervez Islamic Relief is grateful for this honor and over $30 million in aid (cash and in-kind) Musharraf presented the Sitar-i-Isaar has been continuing its eff orts to assist victims thus far, and its projects have benefi ted over P(‘Star of Dedication’) Award to Islamic of last October’s earthquake. Islamic Relief’s 340,000 people. Relief and other aid groups for their relief Chairman of the Board, Dr. Mohamed eff orts after last year’s devastating earthquake. Attawia, was on hand to receive the award Islamic Relief has established shelters, mobile Th e award ceremony took place on September 21 from President Musharraf. health clinics, and water and sanitation at the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C. facilities throughout the earthquake-aff ected The earthquake that struck the South Asian areas. Approximately 1.7 million people have Th e award represents President Musharraf’s subcontinent last October has affected also benefi ted from Islamic Relief’s Road Re- acknowledgement of the tireless, hard work of over 3 million people. Islamic Relief Opening and Access Project, which cleared Islamic Relief in Pakistan. President Musharraf continues to operate long-term sustainable landslides to open roads for aid to be delivered has assured Islamic Relief that the government development projects to ensure that the to the aff ected areas. of Pakistan will always be a supportive partner millions who have been left homeless are of its eff orts. not forgotten. Islamic Relief has collected

22 Winter 2007 | Partnership Partnership | Winter 2007 23 MOVING FORWARD News Islamic Relief USA Headquarters Moves to New Facility

22 Winter 2007 | Partnership Partnership | Winter 2007 23 Every 30 seconds in Africa a child dies of malaria. alaria kills more than a million Mpeople per year; 90 percent of those who die are in Africa, and the $10 can save a life. victims are mostly children. Each year, malaria aﬄ icts approximately a half- billion people.

Islamic Relief is working towards ﬁ ghting this disease in an eﬀ ort to reach one of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals.

Islamic Relief operates the following projects to help ﬁ ght the disease:

SUDAN • Radio campaign to provide educational information on how to protect against malaria. • Provision of equipment and training to hospitals to help treat malaria patients. • Awareness campaigns to educate students about malaria in south Sudan and Darfur. • Distribution of bed nets with insecticide and provision of health awareness trainings in the Blue Nile State. • Treatment of malaria patients at Islamic Relief’s primary healthcare center. As little as $10 can provide a bed net and malaria treatment for one individual in Africa. Please help save lives and donate today. ETHIOPIA • Distribution of bed nets with insecticide to pregnant and Call (888) 479-4968 or email [email protected] lactating mothers.

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Islamic Relief GARDENA,CA A Worldwide Leader in Alleviating Poverty PERMIT#: 240

PO Box 5640, Buena Park, CA 90622 | www.irw.org | Tax ID# 95-4453134

For the third year in a row, Islamic Relief USA has been recog- nized as a 4-star charity by Charity Navigator, its highest rating. Charity navigator is America’s largest charity evaluator.

24 Winter 2007 | Partnership