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News :: Miscellaneous |
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Anwar Kahn of Islamic Relief Speaks Out About the Plight of Starving Afghanis |
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by Meridith Kruse
Email: bmmk (nospam) soltec.net (unverified!) |
08 Nov 2001
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At the UIUC Muslim Student Assosication event entitled "The Plight of Afghani People" Anwar Kahn of Islamic Relief spoke out about the impending starvation of millions of Afghanistan refugees and what we can do to help. |
On November 8th the UIUC Muslim Student’s Association presented “The Plight of the Afghan People”, a talk given by Anwar Khan of Islamic Relief. Prior to Anwar’s arrival, students spontaneously began debating the intentions behind U.S. intervention in Afghanistan and possible outcomes of the current war. However, once Anwar arrived, he immediately elevated the starvation of millions of Afghanistan civilians above any political discussion. Using a moving slide presentation and extensive video footage, Anwar forced the audience to confront the harsh life of Afghani people. Anwar also explained the work of Islamic Relief staff, who often risked their lives to meet the basic needs of Afghani people. Prior to September 11th, Islamic Relief, along with other humanitarian groups, provided 70,000 daily food rations to Afghani people and was leading a drought relief project to help farmers build wells and irrigate sustainable crops. Since bombing began, all development and food assistance programs have ceased. Anwar stressed the futileness of the U.S. food drops, which occur in land mine ridden territories and only provide aid for 1% of the Afghani population. Along with Oxfam, Christian Aid, and UN Commissioner Mary Robinson, Islamic Relief has called for a cessation of the bombing so food can be distributed to civilians who will otherwise starve or freeze to death as winter approaches. At the end of his presentation Anwar reminded us of a teaching in the Koran which says one can make change with their heart, with their tongue, or with their hands. While changing the way you feel within your heart, or speaking out against injustice with your words are both powerful – the highest level of change is made with one’s hands. To this extent, Anwar urged all of us to actively work to prevent the impending starvation of millions of innocent Afghani civilians by writing letters, making public statements, and specifically by supporting the work of Islamic Relief.
Donations can be made at Islamic Relief’s website:
http://www.islamic-relief.com/usa/index.htm.
Portraits of Afghani people and additional information about their struggle can be located at: http://www.ithacahours.com/icn.afghanis.html. |
