Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 19-12-2016

As mass evacuations continue throughout Aleppo in Syria with dozens of buses carrying thousands of people to safety, a group of South Africans have formed #OperationSA to urgently raise money for humanitarian efforts in war ravaged Syria.

The initiative formed by social activists’ Yusuf Abramjee, Yaseen Theba and Catherine Constantinides say they cannot sit back while Innocent men, women and children are being slaughtered and thousands are crying for help.

Abramjee says the idea of #OperationSA is to bring everyone together, to put aside differences and to work together to help the Syrian people. 

“We all need to do much more. There is an urgent need for food, medical supplies, blankets, mattresses and shelter. We have at least seven beneficiaries who are very active on the ground including the Jamiatul Ulama South Africa, the Al Imdaad Foundation, the Africa Muslims Agency and other and the funds will be distributed to them.”

Abramjee says while more then R500,000 has so far been raised on the first day of online pledges another telethon will be held to get more support for the Syrian people.

“The pledge line on Tuesday evening will be on iTV channel 347 from 7:30pm until 11:30pm. The broadcast will be live on a number of radio stations including Radio Islam International”

Abramjee says #OperationSA is delighted that so many NGO’s and media organizations have joined hands in the spirit of Ubuntu and for a common purpose – to help those in need.