20 January 2009

Over 1,400 young Muslims joined together for a special prayer for Gaza on Saturday January 17th 2009 at The East London Mosque. The event ‘Qiyam and Qunut for Gaza’, organised by Islamic Forum of Europe (IFE) and Young Muslim Organisation UK (YMO) in conjunction with Muslim Aid and the East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre (ELM-LMC), raised over £100,000 pounds to help some of the 1.5 million people affected by the current conflict in Gaza.

Muslims from all over London and beyond, mostly youth, attended the prayers from 11pm until 2am, at the East London Mosque in Whitechapel. Aside from prayers, there were talks and video presentations on Gaza.

IFE Organising Secretary, Abdur-Rahman explained, “The prayers were a time of reflection and a sign of solidarity for those who have fled their homes and lost loved ones in Gaza.”

Expressing his appreciation, Muslim Aid Fundraising Manager Abdul-Jolil Miah announced that “More than £100,000 was raised in less than 20 minutes by the congregation to provide ambulances and medical equipment to the people of Gaza.”

Dilowar Hussain Khan, Director of the East London Mosque said “the coming together of so many young people so late on a Saturday night for prayer and reflection was testimony to just how much the community cares about the people of Gaza.”

The event was supported by Islam Channel.

[Ends]

Notes to editors

Organisers:
* Islamic Forum of Europe - www.islamicforumeurope.com
Young Muslim Organisation UK - www.ymouk.org
The East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre - www.eastlondonmosque.org.uk
Muslim Aid - www.muslimaid.org

* Muslim Aid has launched an emergency £2 million appeal to shelter
and support those affected in Gaza. The organization has been
delivering food packs to families and medical supplies to hospitals
and clinics since the conflict began three weeks ago. Muslim Aid is
also working with its partners to ensure that children and families
receive social and psychological care for those traumatised by the
recent events. For more information about Muslim Aid visit
www.muslimaid.org

* Pictures of the event, visit www.islamicforumeurope.com

* For more information on what is happening on the ground in Gaza go to the Aid Workers’ diary here.