By Fatima Kermali
Marking one month since the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that destroyed parts of Turkey (also known as Türkiye) and Syria, the MFP team moved to action in honor of the more than 50,000 killed and 70,000 injured by calling attention to the ongoing crisis.
Muslims4peace quickly organized a donation drive and collected clothing and personal items. They also collected large bags of clothing that have been sent on cargo planes to Turkey and Syria. Others have collected blankets, baby formula, sleeping bags and hand warmers, brand new blankets, winter coats, raincoats, gloves, scarfs, tents, sleeping bags, thermos bottles, flashlights, power banks, first aid kits, baby formula, baby diapers, sanitary pads.
Meraj Abdi, A MFP board member, who worked closely with Dr. Obuz Vedat MD, a philanthropist originally from Turkey living in south Jersey, had sent him messages regarding the outreach work. Dr. Vedat was heartened by the community efforts underway.
“We are a scholarly community enriched by the presence of and from around 
the world, and when such a tragedy occurs, we all share in their pain and anguish.”
That pain has spread far and wide to the very people living in the destruction zone – in southern Turkey and northern Syria where thousands of buildings and homes were destroyed –who are struggling everyday living with the psychological impact of the devastating earthquake, But the assistance sent to them is a small support that can be offered in such bleak times; hopefully creating a small smile on their faces. This support stretches to encouraging levels where people in the office are reaching out to make a difference. For one, Mayor Dalina of Monroe Township, New Jersey supported this effort along with Muslims4peace for the earthquake victims. Undoubtedly, the Muslims4peace board appreciates his support for this cause enormously.
