London: Aghosh UK, in collaboration with local partners, has successfully organized a series of impactful fundraising dinners in Birmingham, Manchester, and Luton, raising vital funds to support the people of Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis. As one of the leading organizations in Gaza’s relief efforts, Aghosh UK continues to work tirelessly to provide much-needed aid to those affected by the devastating conflict.
Dr. Adeel Riaz, Chairman of Aghosh UK, expressed his deep gratitude to the British Muslim community and local organizations for their generous contributions. He specifically highlighted the significant role of mosques, with Luton Central Mosque playing a central part in the success of the Luton dinner.
The funds raised during the dinners will be used to provide shelter and hot meals for those in Gaza. Despite severe weather conditions across the UK, including closed rail networks and event cancellations, the unwavering commitment of the community ensured the success of the fundraising efforts.
Doctors from Gaza shared firsthand accounts of the ongoing crisis, providing a sobering look at the collapse of Gaza’s health infrastructure and the internally displacement of 90% of the population. Their powerful testimonies painted a stark picture of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for continued support.
Mohammad Yusuf Adrian Bashforth and Junaid Rahim, two white Muslims, shared their experiences from a visit to Pakistan, where they met medical students who had relocated due to the Gaza conflict. They also spoke about the impressive work being done by Aghosh UK and the Alkhidmat Foundation in healthcare, orphan support, education, disaster management, and clean water projects. Their stories of solidarity underscored the far-reaching impact of the Gaza crisis and the importance of global support.
Fahim Kayani, Co-Founder of Aghosh UK, Abid Mehmood Khawajah, CEO of Aghosh UK, and Abid Hussain, Executive Director, all expressed their heartfelt thanks to the communities in Manchester, Luton, and Birmingham for their outstanding support. “The success of these dinners is a direct result of the unwavering generosity and unity of the local communities,” they remarked, acknowledging the crucial role each city played in this campaign.
Cllr. Fiaz Ahmed, former Mayor of Banbury, also voiced his support, stating, “The Islamic Welfare Trust will continue to support Aghosh UK’s fundraising campaign for Gaza. We are confident in the successful delivery of aid to Gaza.”
Ch. Shafiat Pothi, Chairman of Luton Central Mosque, thanked the Luton community for their overwhelming support, saying, “I am deeply grateful to the Luton community for showing such immense solidarity with Gaza.” His words echoed the spirit of unity that was evident throughout the event.
Dr Aisha Sharif , City Chair of Health Workers for Palestine Birmingham , also praised Aghosh UK for its ongoing dedication to Gaza, commending the charity’s commitment to delivering life-saving aid to the region.
Dr. Riaz Ahmed, Co-Founder of Aghosh UK, shared his reflection on the charity’s growth, saying, “We planted a seed a few years ago, and now Aghosh UK has grown into a strong tree. The trust placed in us by different communities is a testament to our dedication and hard work, ensuring the effective delivery of funds. It is truly commendable how Aghosh UK delivers hot meals to Gaza, and within a week, donors receive feedback with photos and videos, proving the impact of their contributions.”
The success of these fundraising dinners is a powerful testament to the strength, determination, and generosity of the UK’s Muslim community and their allies. Their collective efforts continue to play a vital role in providing essential support to the people of Gaza during these extraordinarily difficult times.
