In an extraordinary evening of unity Human Appeal Australia hosted a landmark fundraising dinner in Sydney on Saturday 23 September, amassing an incredible $490,000 in donations and pledges for the victims of recent earthquake in Morocco and floods in Libya.
HAA collaborated with 39 different partners, including Masajid, schools, University Muslim Student Associations (MSAs), and community-based organisations with the collective aim to raise funds and extend a lifeline to victims of the recent devastating disasters in two Muslim countries in North Africa.
A severe earthquake with a moment magnitude of 6.8–6.9 struck Morocco’s Marrakesh–Safi region near the town of Ighil and the Oukaïmeden ski resort in the Atlas Mountains on Friday 8 September resulting in more than 3000 deaths with widespread damage including obliteration of historic landmarks in Marrakesh.
Soon after as a result of torrential rains, two dams in the Libyan city of Derna burst resulting in widespread massive flooding causing more than 3,500 deaths and between 10,000 to 100,000 still missing with vast populated areas under water.
The dinner began on a poignant note with a beautiful Quranic recitation by Sheikh Khaled Zrayka, setting the tone for an evening of spiritual reflection, awareness, compassion followed by action.
Br Bashar Al-Jamal, the director of Human Appeal Australia, warmly welcomed attendees and shed light on the dire circumstances in the two affected countries.
He elaborated on Human Appeal’s ongoing relief efforts and how the funds raised at the event will make an immediate impact on the ground for relief efforts.
Sr Hajar Mouloudi spoke on behalf of the Moroccan Association, detailing the gravity of the crisis. Her powerful words were followed by Brother Ihmeed Alshareef, President of the Libyan Association of NSW, who painted a vivid picture of the current humanitarian needs in Libya.
Sheikh Wissam Charkawi, founder of the Abu Hanifah Institute, uplifted spirits with his eloquent words on the importance of charity in Islam.
“Charity is not just an option; it is a duty upon us to aid our brothers and sisters during their time of need,” he emphasised.
Videos of devastation and relief efforts were played, revealing the heartwarming impact Human Appeal was already making in Morocco and Libya. The images visibly moved the audience, spurring an outpouring of generous contributions during the subsequent fundraising session.
The evening reached a spiritual climax with the Ishaa congregational prayer followed by sumptuous dinner.
Fundraising for the relief efforts started with high-energy auction that contributed significantly and speedily to the fundraising total for the night.
By the end of the night, Human Appeal Australia announced that a staggering $490,000 had been raised—all of which will go towards relief and reconstruction efforts in both Morocco and Libya.
“While we are overwhelmed by this massive show of generosity, much work still lies ahead,” concluded Br Bashar Al-Jamal.
Donations are still being accepted for the ongoing campaigns for Morocco and Libya relief efforts via the Human Appeal website.
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