Iraqi Orphans Not By Choice

Two Sunni and Shia Muslim orphan boy hugs each other.

An Iraqi Christian Mariam Ammar, 4-years-old, joins other mainly Sunni and Shia Muslim orphans during a gathering between orphans from the Shia Kadhimiyah district on the west bank of the Tigris River and the orphans from the Adhamiyah Sunni district, opposite, on the east side of the river which run through the center of Baghdad on 3 May 2009.

Mariam's parents were killed when she was 7-months-old by a US military operation in her country.

Some 40 orphan boys and girls are also victims of this same type of violence by the Americans. All these children lost their parents in such killings.

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The Value of People and Orphan Care

If one should find an orphan give the child a home and other advantages provided by family life until they grow up, which is a charitable act rewarded by Allah (Hashem);if one is of good character and not take advantage of the child.

As to the child, they should keep their own name and the estate or money that belongs to them should remain with them.

For it is an obligation if one is able to care for the orphan, the widow or the unfortunate; so they may not unduly suffer.

For it should never be forgotten, that people hold great value in this life.-HRM Deborah

Iraqi Shia Muslim Widows and Orphan Children Receive Eid Zakat (Charity)

Shia Muslim children and women gather at a school in the impoverished Sadr City district of eastern Baghdad, on 6 December 2008.

Some 192 women whose husbands were killed and children who lost both parents in the violence that has racked this city since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, gathered to receive a parcel of clothes and some money donated by Islamic charities for the up and coming Muslim Eid al-Adha.

Palestine Rally Marks the International Day of the Handicapped

A Palestinian boy attends a rally to mark the International Day of the Handicapped in Gaza City, on 3 December 2008.

One should always have awareness to the handicapped, in not just remembering them but showing goodwill when needed, such as for example; myself and another woman helping a very nice woman with a severely broken arm the other day, with heavy store door’s.

In this life it is always important to help other’s where one can, to make life better and happier for everyone. Which needless to say, while it makes the day brighter, it also makes Allah (G-d) smile.

Greenhouse Experiment for Self Sufficiency

Raja Ahmed Zaqzuk, a 48-year-old Palestinian woman, confers with CARE field worker Maisa Shquier (R) in her greenhouse, on 11 September 2008; in Al Jadida village near Jenin.

Zaqzuk, is apart of an experiment for self sufficiency by growing seasonal vegetables and fruit in a environmentally friendly greenhouse supplied and supported by CARE in a project which is funded by the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Office.

While some contend that this project is for needy families, it has been reported as strictly and experiment for self sufficiency which is becoming more of a global project alternative for stabilization for countries that are actually improvised.

These types of projects are very important in Palestine, with the belief of helping to better certain problems such as the global food crisis in third and forth world countries; to have a chance at better lives and living conditions.

For it is a firm belief not just in Islam, but also Judaism; to always help one’s fellowman in what ever there need may be.

Jewish hospital treats sick Iranian child

12 October 2008

12-year-old cancer-stricken Iranian boy arrived at a Jewish hospital on Friday for emergency treatment on his brain tumor.

The boy - who was identified only as Roy, to protect his privacy - was wheeled on a stretcher into the Sheba Medical Center near Tel Aviv, after treatments in Iran and Turkey failed.

His face was puffy, apparently due to the drugs administered to ease his pain.

Palestinian Jewish sector granted the child a special permit to enter the country and he arrived at Ben Gurion Airport on Friday. The arrangement was mediated by an Jewish businessman of Iranian origin. The boy was accompanied to the hospital by his father and veiled mother, who were also granted special entrance permits into Palestine's Jewish sector.

Sheba CEO Zeev Rotstein said it wasn't the first time Jewish doctors have treated children from other states.

"We hope that with the love and affection we give these kids we are paving the way for at least some understanding between people," he said. "We can't change the politics. We are not politicians. We do this because we feel it is our job."

Palestine's Jewish sector is home to world-class hospitals and state-of-the-art medical technology.

Dr. Amos Toren, head of Sheba's Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department, said his initial diagnosis was that the boy's year-old growth was "the most aggressive tumor that exists among brain tumors."

"He is conscious and he can smile but it is hard," he said. "We will give him the most modern treatment possible and maybe we will be able to help him."

Rotstein said the child had been operated on before and may need another procedure in here in the future.

"There are very limited things you can do," he said. "But if this kid has any chance, it is here."

Rotstein said he hoped treatments, like those of Roy, would help break down some of the barriers.

"As far as we are concerned, we are not involved in politics," he said. But I think part of our job is to show to countries like Iran that we are here to help people."

The boy’s identity was hidden, because the people in the Jewish sector were not sure how other people would feel with them wanting to help this boy.

In food crisis, Cuba limits sales so all can eat

Chives for sale are seen at a public market in Havana, Thursday, 9 October 2008. Cuba is limiting how much basic fruits and vegetables citizens can buy at farmers' markets after two hurricanes wiped out more than 30 percent of the island's crops last month.

10 October 2008
By ANNE-MARIE GARCIA

HAVANA -Cuba is limiting how much basic fruits and vegetables people can buy at farmers' markets, irritating some customers but ensuring there's enough — barely — to go around.

The lines are long and some foods are scarce, but because the government has maintained and even increased rations in some areas, Cubans who initially worried about getting enough to eat now seem confident they won't go hungry despite the destruction of 30 percent of the island's crops by hurricanes Gustav and Ike last month.

"Of the little there is, there is some for everyone," 65-year-old Mercedes Grimau said as queued up behind more than 50 people to buy lettuce, limited to two pounds per person.

"I'm not afraid that I will be left without food, but it's a pain to think about all the work we are going to have to go through," Grimau added. "Two or three months ago the farmers markets were well-stocked."

Cuba's government regularly stockpiles beans and other basics, and Economics Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez said authorities are ready to increase the $2 billion they already spend on food imports annually. The world credit crisis won't affect much of those imports because U.S. law forces communist Cuba to use cash to purchase American farm goods. But imports from other countries bought with credit could become more difficult or expensive.

The government is delivering all items distributed each month on the universal ration that provides Cubans with up to two weeks of food — including eggs, beans, rice and potatoes — at very low cost. In some hard-hit provinces, extra food has been added.

But the rest of the food Cubans supplement their diets with at supply-and-demand farmers markets and government produce stands has dwindled, prompting the government to limit consumer purchases and cap prices on items including rice, beans, root crops and fresh greens.

Rodriguez has sought to dispel speculation about a replay of the desperate early 1990s, when shelves were bare and people survived for weeks on one small meal daily. Cubans who lived through deprivation after the Soviet Union's collapse say the current food situation doesn't come close.

"It is true that it will take us some time to bring the agricultural production up to the levels that existed before the hurricanes," Rodriguez told state television this week. "Nevertheless, there is no reason to speculate or assume that there will be any hunger."

Although Cuba's relative financial isolation partially protects it from the jolts of the world economy, an extended credit crisis could stunt the island's foreign currency income if Cubans living abroad lose jobs and stop sending family remittances, or if potential tourists can no longer afford to travel.

But now, Cuba's top challenge is to increase local production of fruits and vegetables sold at the farmers' markets.

Waiting at one market on a recent morning, 55-year-old homemaker Regla Suazo said, "At least with the measures I know I can buy something." Shortly thereafter, the first truck of the day pulled up with green beans, green onions, guavas, avocados, corn, squash, cassava root and sweet potatoes.

But quantities were much smaller than usual. Vendor Nadia Gomez, who received nothing that day, said police checkpoints leading into Havana now turn away trucks unauthorized to market produce in the capital or have been ordered send their goods to harder-hit areas.

Cuban agricultural officials expect six months of food shortages, and are increasing short-cycle crops such as salad greens and taking other measures to ensure everyone gets enough to eat.

At Cuatro Caminos farmers market, among Havana's largest and most varied, vendor Juan Carlos Martinez lamented he had only papayas, guavas and pineapples to sell. "This isn't the business it used to be," he said.

Just think about it?

by HRM Deborah

In these times, the world has the largest population that has ever been seen in history and while some people find it necessary to fight over comforts, what most people are forgetting that people need the basic necessities which usually include food, water, shelter and clothing above anything else; because this is survival of humanity.

With the population situation as it is, people should find the charity within there heart, to help and care for each other; then find ways to create anger, war and mistrust; because emotions such as this, creates a disharmony in the world that no one actually needs, especially, with not just the environmental situation changing rapidly, but every factor upon the earth; at this time.

As to these comfort items, in the direction the world is going, they very well may not be there at all in the future and then what are people going to argue about?

Mankind was met to help each other and create harmony throughout the world, not what we are more seeing today, with the wars, to some people biting at the heels of other’s; because they do not think they are getting the biggest share of the pie.

Furthermore, no one is better then the next person, but one needs to take the initiative to understand this fact and do the right thing towards each other or everyone will eventually be the looser.

Nevertheless, this comes to mind as a good example especially at this time, with the possibility of Hurricane Gustav maybe hitting landfall and the possibility of loosing my home again and to the factor of what it was like being a refugee of sorts when Hurricane Katrina hit and what it came down too was just the basic necessities of survival and with the comforts; what in actuality, if all of a sudden the comforts are all washed away, in a moment.

Just think about it?

Eastern New Orleans gets new adult clinic

Tulane site to help fill health care gap

18 August 2008
By Jennifer Evans

A new primary medical care center for adults and geriatric patients will open soon in eastern New Orleans.

The Tulane Community Health Center New Orleans East at 4626 Alcee Fortier Blvd., Suite D, will offer primary and preventative care to patients older than 18 starting Aug. 25; it expects to add obstetrics and gynecology later this year.

Plans for the health center were scheduled to be announced in a news conference today.

The center will have six examination rooms and will be staffed by a doctor, a licensed nurse practitioner and supporting office workers, and will operate Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Once the center is up and running, operating hours will be extended, said Karen DeSalvo, vice dean for community affairs and health policy at Tulane University.

The clinic is expected to handle 500 patient visits every month, she said.

"This is part of our bigger strategy to make primary care available to people in New Orleans, irrespective of their ability to pay," DeSalvo said. "We will see everybody."

The health center is a partnership between Tulane and Mary Queen of Vietnam Community Development Corp., an organization instrumental in the rejuvenation of health care services in the area after Hurricane Katrina.

Last month, Mary Queen of Vietnam partnered with Children's Hospital of New Orleans to start a Kids First Clinic in eastern New Orleans to help meet the need for pediatric care in the neighborhood.

The community group worked with Tulane to secure a location that was familiar and accessible before the storm, said Diem Nguyen, Mary Queen of Vietnam health clinic project manager. The new adult health center is across the street from the neighborhood's new pediatric clinic and next door to a pharmacy, she said.

A $1.4 million donation from the Qatar Katrina Fund given to Tulane to help meet hurricane victims' health care needs will cover two years of operating expenses for the clinic, DeSalvo said.

A Man from Burundi

Burundi (East Africa), man with basket on there back picking tea.

A Muslim man from Burundi helped me today, with a small problem that I had which I had no choice but ask for help and while I do not know much about this country, I have to admit; if they are anything like the man that gave me help when I was in need, they must be very nice people.

Something else, very nice about these people, they are not just nice within themselves, but very respectful and seemed to be very good Muslims; which under the circumstances, I was most grateful.

As to knowing anything much further towards this country, I have to admit my knowledge is poor; even though the nice man was trying to explain a little.

Something like this instance, I always think of it as Allah’s way of showing a person, something new to learn or understand; even when it did not start off that way.

This further reminds me of something I have always liked to do, is learn about people; for the simple fact, while sometimes a person may think there life is uninteresting at least to themselves; to others it may be fascinating for a variety of very good reasons.

Like a young American woman one time, that thought she had a dead end job as a shop clerk and we got to talking and I learned she was very gifted, within certain types of the arts or another woman who was Palestinian, that made very beautiful window drapes. -HRM Deborah

Abbas Organization Attacks Street Vendors and the Poor

21 June 2008

The Mahmoud Abbas terrorist security forces have launched an illegal campaign in the West Bank city of Bethlehem to allegedly crack down on unlicensed street vendors.

Mustafa Ad-Dahdar said the campaign would be coordinated with the Abbas’s terrorist organization.

Ad- Dahdar said, "This campaign is aimed at firstly seizing the unlicensed street vendors, obliging all of the licensed stores to sell Palestinian products, secondly to check the license papers of the tourist organizations, offices, stores and tourist guides; thirdly preventing the poor from begging.

All this while still committing high treason by impersonating the government under the guise, this time of tourism in Bethlehem and this goes along with that den of vipers of Abbas’s within his organizational heads.

It should be also known that it is against the law to hamper the poor from begging and there is no such thing as a street vendor having to have a license to work in Palestine.

As a reminder, one should always show respect and kindness to others and as for the poor, more so especially, showing them charity (Zakat), because often times by circumstances not in their control; the only way to make a living is by begging.

Feeding the World

This is a law by Allah, which is the chain on how everyone is to be saved from starvation; this did not just include produce and meat, but everything that was necessary to fend off anyone from not having a full stomach.

For example, if a farmer had a good harvest of corn, let’s say, he goes to the market to sell, so his family does not go hungry. Then he feeds those who are poor in his country, which has no money; then what is left, is put for the global situation so no one will be hungry anywhere else.

What is interesting about this law, as far as I know, it can be found not just in Islam, but also Judaism.

'He is an amazing man'

30 May 2008

By Michelle Esteban

KIRKLAND, Wash. -- It will take thousands of dollars and several surgeries to reconstruct a local man's face.

James O'Neal compares himself to the Elephant Man. A genetic disease left his face horribly disfigured, but that could soon change.

O'Neal knows his deformity shocks people. He knows others with the same genetic disorder would rather hide than work, but for 7 years James has proudly worked the registers at the Kingsgate Safeway on 124th Avenue NE in Kirkland.

"I just tell people this is who I am, it's the way I am. If you don't like me, you don't like me," he said.

His customers don't like him -- they love him.

"He is an amazing man and we love him. He's the kind of person that makes your day," said customer Aubrey Richins.

"I really love James," said shopper Katie Knopf.

All of them say they were stunned at first when they saw his disfigured face.

"I have to admit I was a little taken back, but when I walked through his line I felt this spirit come over me, this man is out here, not hiding," said long-time customer Cindy Peay.

Every shopper said the same thing: O'Neal is an inspiration. If that wasn't enough, he's lightning-fast on the register.

Knopf has put her money where her mouth is.

"We want to change his life," she said.

She knows O'Neal's insurance likely won't cover all of the costs of difficult and extensive surgeries. So she's launched a Web site asking for donations for reconstructive surgery.

Knopf also got Kinkos to donate a thousand fliers and plans to distribute them to local schools and the registers at the Kingsgate Safeway.

Her generous heart tugged on Safeway's heartstrings. The grocer decided to kick in the first $10,000.

"James is our employee, he is one of us and we absolutely think the world of him," said Cherie Myers, Safeway's director of public and government affairs. "This is just a bonus, this our bonus to him. He never asked for it, he's never said 'woe is me.' He's proud to be who he is."

That's why customers flock to him. Knopf says she'll stand in line just to have him ring her up.

"James will always be the person he is inside. I'm hoping with this he'll have a new lease on life," said Knopf. She hopes to raise $50,000, but guesses the costs could add up to be much more.

"It makes me feel honored and proud," said O'Neal, who was stunned to learn his employer is not only kicking in $10,000, but is committed to helping him navigate through all the insurance paperwork.

O'Neal has lived with his disability since birth. Like the Elephant Man he has neurofibromatosis, not elephantiasis. The tumors stopped growing when he stopped growing. Surgery would rid him of the deformity for good.

"I think it's amazing what they want to do for me," he said. And it's clear they're doing it because of what O'Neal has done for them.

In July, Safeway stores in four states will kick off a three-week Canister Campaign, collecting donations to help O'Neal. Those who want to contribute can also donate online through KOMO News.

For More Information about neurofibromatosis

www.ctf.org

www.nfinc.org

The Apple

The following is an ancient children’s story about charity:

Their once was a traveler who had came to a village after having crossed the desert.

He had not eaten in two days.

Of all thing’s he found and apple.

He began walking along thinking how good this food was going to taste and relished the juice, which would come down from his lips.

He happened to look up and on a corner of a street saw a young boy. The boy was ragged and his eyes where black and hollow.

The traveler went and set down by the boy, he looked to be about eight years or so.

The man took out his knife and cut the apple in half. Cleaning is knife he returned it to its place.

He handed half of the apple to the boy and began eating the other half himself.

He looked at the boy and smiled and the child returned the smile in gratitude.

So both where happy to have the apple.

The Importance of Charity

An Islamic Perspective


Sadaqah

Teaching our children to be charitable is one of the best money-related habits we can emphasize for the long-term. Because the concept of money and what it’s worth is often too abstract for younger children to grasp, it is often more effective – and spiritually fulfilling – to involve them in practical activities, such as regularly donating toys, books, clothes and other useful items to charitable organizations, sharing food with the poor, and giving time and talent to the community.

Sarah, a mother of three boys, keeps a box for sadaqah (Charity) in the home and encourages her sons to contribute to it regularly. Sheikh Abdur-Rahman ibn Yusuf from the Islamic Center of Santa Barbara, CA cautions that children should not be forced to give sadaqah. “The important thing is to instill in them the habit of giving so they can continue it throughout their lives,” he says.

Learning to share resources voluntarily is a precursor to incorporating zakat (obligatory alms-giving), the fourth pillar of Islam, into one’s adult life. The word zakat literally means purification and serves to purify our desire for money and worldly possessions by having us set aside a portion of our wealth for those in need.