9 February 2009 - Prayers for bushfire victims
PRAYERS FOR BUSHFIRE VICTIMS
On behalf of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils and all Australian Muslims I would like to offer sincere condolences to all fellow Australians affected by the horrific bushfires in Victoria this weekend, said the President, Mr Ikebal Adam Patel. To those who have lost their homes, possessions, and most devastatingly, their loved ones, we wish for you to know that our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of great distress. To those who
have been injured, and are currently fighting for their lives, we once again offer our prayers for your quick recovery.
Mr Patel added that we would also like to offer our thanks and admiration to all the fire fighters and emergency services personnel
who bravely battled with the flames, risking their own lives, as always, for those of others. You have once again demonstrated the strength of the Australian spirit, with selflessness and bravery.
In times such as these, when faced with an inescapable disaster from a near indestructible force, all we can rely upon is each other. Mr Patel reiterated the Prime Minister, Mr Kevin Rudd’s message that we all have strong faith in the resilient nature of Australian communities, and wishes to state that all efforts will be made on the part of the Australian Muslims to assist wherever we can.
On behalf of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils Mr Patel pledged an initial donation of $9,000 towards the Fire Victims
Relief Fund. The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils also encourages all Muslims to donate food, clothing and money to the relief effort. The Federation will be doing a fund raising effort through its Councils, societies and mosques towards the alleviation
of the hardship caused by this disaster.
For further information contact:
Mr Ikebal Adam Patel ???0419 418237