#Volunteer Voices
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Celebrating Islamic Relief Volunteers
The Power of Our Blueshirts By Nabeeha Shah Our vision at Islamic Relief USA is a world free of poverty. We work to provide relief and development to help empower communities in need. And our volunteers help make it possible. Our Blueshirts are the lifeblood of our organization. They come from all walks of life, dedicating their time and energy to help their brothers and sisters both around the world and here at home. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Be merciful to those on the earth, so the One above the heavens will be merciful to you.” Across the US, our team has helped contribute to Afghan refugee resettlement, meal packs,…
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My Search Led Me to IRUSA
Why I Volunteer Series By Volunteer Virginia S. A few years ago, I met a Syrian Refugee. He had escaped the conflict and arrived a few months prior to our encounter. It was at a Starbucks of all places. He was a doctor and had to take all 3 medical board exams here before the U.S. would allow him to practice. We became good friends. He was struggling to learn our systems here and study for his exams, yet he made time to take calls from former patients in Syria. He made time for a pregnant woman still in Syria whose husband had disappeared; the husband was also a doctor.…
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The Lone Apple – One of Many
A Reflection on the past tragedies in the Middle-east By Volunteer Z. Shaikh History tells us the tale of the rise and fall of people. These stories we often label as tragedies become a part of our distant reality. How can we relate to something so far away from us in time and space? How can we feel the moral and highly metaphysical obligation we have to the tragedies faced by individuals? After all, tragedies occur in our own lives. This call to action is not to say, your own personal matters are not worthy of attention and care but rather the tragedies that seem so distant to us are…
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A Water Crisis
Water Remains a precious resource that millions struggle to have Volunteer Voice of Hiba C. My mornings Everyday we wake up and drink a cup of water with the people I live with, in a home where no water drips through the roof. We also have water to use for brushing our teeth. We use water for cooking and cleaning. We use water for showering. Water has many uses, and no one should ever have to go without it if they don’t want to. According to the United Nations 2 out of 5 people worldwide do not have a basic hand-washing facility with soap and water at home. Living in…