Against a background of continuing conflict in Iraq, Islamic Relief held a series of events across the UK in remembrance of the people of Iraq. Talks and videos highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis that the Iraqi people have endured for over a decade.
Events were held in Manchester, Sheffield, Bradford and Birmingham from the 25th of March to the 5th of April. Over 350 people attended the Birmingham event, and heard reports from staff who had travelled to Iraq and witnessed the situation first-hand.
An attentive audience filled the hall
Dr Adel Sabir, Islamic Relief’s Support Division manager, who is himself Iraqi spoke movingly about the plight of people with limited access to even the most basic medicines. He also described the concern of people with families in Iraq.
“As Iraqis living in this country, we are very worried about our families, and we have no means of communication because all the communications are down,” he explained.
Local nasheed group, ‘Shaam’ provided entertainment throughout the evening. The final speaker was Dr Hany El Banna, President of Islamic Relief, who gave a rousing reminder of mankind’s duty to help each other.
“Every day we see thousands and thousands being killed….and we get used to it, because we are not looking at them as we look at ourselves,” he said.