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Responding to California Wildfires When It Matters Most
What the West Coast is facing In California, it’s been known for years that all it takes is a brief moment of wind to start a catastrophic wildfire. People who live in the state enjoy the welcoming weather and sweet aroma of the air, along with some of the most scenic landscapes in the country. But due to the fact that wildfires are a reality that looms over California, many remained prepared for the worst. For those who haven’t been fortunate enough to make arrangements in the case of a fire, their need for support is incalculable. When Beth and Albert found themselves among the hardest hit by wildfires in…
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Sudanese-Muslim Councilman Lends Support to Islamic Relief USA
Councilman Mohamed Seifeldein visited the Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) headquarters on Tuesday, April 30, thanking the organization for the work it does in saving “countless lives,” as well as requesting its assistance in making the city of Alexandria, where IRUSA is headquartered, even better. Seifeldein, who was elected last November, is the first Muslim to serve on the local governing body. He is a refugee from Sudan, an African nation that recently experienced major political shockwaves when its longtime president, Omar al-Bashir, was removed from power. The councilman, who is a lawyer, said he decided to run for local government after noticing it lacked sufficient representation from the city’s west…
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Dignity on the Streets of Philadelphia
Lina Hashem is a Writer at Islamic Relief USA. She recently attended Day of Dignity in Philadelphia and wrote about her experience. Lamarr could be anything. He’s smart as a whip. He loves to read, and he researched Islamic Relief USA before spreading the word about Day of Dignity. He loves his bike like richer men love their sports cars, and he prides himself on his clean, neat clothes. He also sleeps on a bench in a Philadelphia park and knows where to turn up for food and clothes. On Oct. 8, at Day of Dignity in Philadelphia, he had ticket number 199. I don’t know why Lamarr is homeless.…
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Open Arms at The Muslim Center in Detroit
Salman Aznan is a Marketing Specialist at IRUSA. He recently attended the Detroit Day of Dignity and wrote a reflection about the experience. “The buses won’t move” said Mika’il Saadiq. “That’s not good.” I thought to myself. “The buses with the beneficiaries?” Maab replied. “Yes.” answered Mika’il. “That is definitely not good!” I screamed in my head. It was a cold, bitter Detroit morning and we arrived at the Muslim center with banners and notebooks in hand ready to document the event. We entered the masjid and walked into the auditorium and the place was bustling with energy. Men and women were unpacking boxes, categorizing coats, socks, and other articles…
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Ibtihaj Muhammad: We’re Rooting for You!
Christy Bectel reflects on Ibtihaj Muhammad’s visit to Islamic Relief USA. Christy was a Public Affairs Intern this summer at Islamic Relief USA. She is originally from Michigan and is a senior at Grand Valley State University majoring in International Relations and minoring in Middle East Studies and German. The morning of July 21 was a bit more exciting than usual at IRUSA as news got around that Ibtihaj Muhammad would be stopping by for a quick visit. Most of the staff was already familiar with the 30-year-old athlete who will be the first U.S. woman to wear a hijab when she competes at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro this…
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The Double Legacy of the Young Muslims of Chapel Hill
Lina Hashem is Communications Specialist at Islamic Relief USA. The last time IRUSA board member Dr. Hamdy Radwan saw all three of the young Muslims killed Feb. 10 in Chapel Hill, N.C., they were helping others. Deah Barakat was selling toothbrushes at the masjid to raise funds for dental products for Syrian refugees. He wasn’t yet quite comfortable in the role of fundraiser. “You don’t have to pay for it,” Radwan heard him say. “Just make dua for the people.” And the last time he saw sisters Yusor and Razan Abu-Salha, they were at an Islamic Relief USA fundraising dinner, pausing for a photo with their proud father. Artistic Razan…
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Turning the Water Back on in Detroit
Fareeha Amir is a Media Specialist at Islamic Relief USA. I had my preconceptions about Detroit, as many others do: Detroit was a once great thriving city that’s rundown now and yearning for life again. But I found out quickly that the people who live in Detroit don’t feel that way about their city—it’s a place with a lot of potential and high spirits, citizens just need help from the rest of the United States to get where they want to be. I was fortunate enough to be part of one such effort with Islamic Relief USA to present two checks to the Wayne Metro Community Council and the United…
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Infographic: Domestic Violence Cycle
Do you think you’ve been a victim of domestic violence, or know someone who has? This IRUSA infographic shows some of the signs and stats related to domestic violence. For more information and resources, visit irusa.org/saynotodv
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One TechGirl inspires with a special message to leaders everywhere
Islamic Relief USA’s Nada Shawish writes on a special letter she received from one very special TechGirl who is working hard to become a leader in a male-dominated field. I’ve read so many pieces of writing here at Islamic Relief USA. Some are from the field, some are from donors, some are from staff members, and some are from community leaders. But the ones that mean the most are the ones we receive from the people we support with your donations and volunteered time. One particular piece we received from a high school girl makes me so hopeful for the future of our world. Kenza, from the group TechGirls, believes…
