By Erum Waheed
In the month of Ramadan, Muslims worldwide break fast at the time of sunset. On Thursday evening, July 24, a group of 250 supporters of Islamic Relief USA from many surrounding towns gathered at Shahnawaz banquet hall in Edison to break fast at 8:30 p.m., and raise funds for the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories.
Mohamed Zeyara, a 20 year old medical student, social activist/public speaker from Gaza, left medical school for two weeks to speak about the war nationwide. He spoke to the community about the tragedies taking place with his family in Gaza.
"I text my family every day asking if they are alive, waiting to hear from them,"Mr. Zeyara said. He described the situation in Palestine, saying "There is only two hours of electricity a day," and sharing that he has lost a family member to the war in Gaza, and is afraid of losing more.
Islamic Relief USA, which works with United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), is currently bringing aid to the besieged in Gaza. At the event in Edison, IRUSA had a goal to raise $50,000, and surpassed that by almost double the amount.
"This comes to show that in times of crisis and great suffering, everyone is willing to help, and it’s wonderful to see the community come together," stated Erum Waheed, one of the event organizers.
Waleed Abu Gabr represented Islamic Relief during the fundraiser, as he is the regional coordinator for New Jersey. His positive energy gave hope to those who came to show support, as he highlighted casualties taking place in Gaza. There have been over 800 deaths, over 5,300 injured, and 80 percent of these casualties are civilians, according to statistics released by the United Nations. Thousands have been displaced, and the community prays for justice, and for peace in Palestine.
Submitted by Erum Waheed.

