Young Muslim Sisters Organize Iftar Fundraiser for Quake Victims
By Tahir Ali

Westboro: The Young Muslim Sisters ( YM) organized an "Iftar fundraiser" for Turkey/Syria earthquake victims at the Yusra Hall in Westborough, MA on March 26. Turkish Consul General in Boston,  Murat Ugurluoglu, was the guest of honor at the event.  

Murat, born in Izmir in 1982, holds an MSc in BA from the University of London. He started his career at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2004, and just recently assumed office as Consul General in Boston. He was also accompanied by  Engin Aksu of Eskisehir, the Vice Consular at the Turkish Consulate General in Boston.

The event was well organized and equally well executed. Kudos to YM. The event started on time with Qur’an recitation by Jan Banat and with YM's Nida Sheikh and Ayah giving the community 'welcome/closing remarks', respectively. Opening remarks included an expression of gratitude and an eloquent introduction of the chief guest: Murat Ugurluoglu.  

Honorable Murat started by thanking the 'Young Sisters' for organizing the event - in the month of Ramadan - and HHRD [Helping Hand For Relief and Development] and everyone who helped during the Earthquakes. Sadly, reminiscing on the day 6 of February when southeast Turkey near the Syrian border was shaken with a 7.8 magnitude, "that effected 11 Provinces in Turkey." He gave a grim account of the vast destruction in the affected areas. However, he was grateful to everyone who has helped. "Everyone rushed to help." He added that help came not only from Muslim countries but from non-Muslims around the Globe, as well. He concluded his address with the remark, "I wanted to be here with you today. Thank you very much."

Murat Ugurluogly was awarded an appreciation plaque for his:  'enthusiastic participation as GUEST OF HONOR at the iftar Fundraising for Turkey and Syria Earthquakes Relief.'

The event went on smoothly, followed by a Nasheed by Abdullah Kazi. Then Hafsa Waqar introduced the mission of YM, Zaafira Kazi shared the HHRD 'Turkiye/Syria' report - informing the death toll from the earthquakes as of March 20,2023 had exceeded 50,000 in Turkey and over 7,000 in Syria. Munther Baara gave the motivational speech and the attendees donated generously and hence helped Munther raise enough funds to meet the 'set' goal.

Humayun Kabeer (Regional Coordinator, HHRD) remarked that "It is refreshing to see the Young Sisters taking lead in these efforts. It shows young folks are sensitive and aware of such events and are ready to help - This is very encouraging."  The core members of YM are:  Zainab, Amina, Nida Sheikh, Hafsa Waqar, Zaafira Kazi, Ayah, Aleesha Awan, Alaa, Maryam Badmos, Sieda Mohamud and Maroua Rahaoul.