BROOKLYN’S INTERFAITH COMMUNITY UNITES TO SUPPORT HAITI

 

 

By: The New York Community Channel

Hundreds of people from diverse religions and ethnic backgrounds gathered at the Bridge Multicultural Project to pray, reflect and garner support for the victims of the August 14, 2021 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Dr. Monalisa Ferrari, host, welcomed all the participating diverse organizations in New York working together to assist the people of Haiti during this crisis.
 
Mark Meyer Appel, founder of the Bridge Multicultural Project and Chair of the event in an emotional address brought special words of greetings and comfort. During his address, he addressed his utmost gratitude to the sponsors and collaborating organizations who have been mobilizing towards the relief efforts to ensure that the people of Haiti receive the help that they need.
 
This event is historic as it brings back religious and community leaders like it did for the devastating 2010 earthquake that took place in the western part and hurricane Matthew from 2016. Greetings were extended by our elected officials ranking from Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, Council Member Matthieu Eugene, Council Member Farah Louis, and Council Member Elect Rita Joseph.
 
The Presence of community-based and regional organizations like JCRC led by Rabbi Bob Kaplan, UJA Federation, Beraca Baptist Church led by Pastor Mullery Jean-Pierre, 67TH Police Council led by Pastor Gil Monrose, Tour For Tolerance led by Bill Tingling HANA of Greater New York led by Dr. Kellyne Oristel, President, Foundation for the Emancipation of Women and Girls led by Dr. Monalisa Ferrari Founder as well as Chairperson for Disaster Relied Emergency Preparedness Committee under Little Haiti BK, PAWSO led by Atia Shahnaz, Yemini Womans Association led by Yasmeen Atef, Uniting all faiths Muslims Jewish and Christians shows the unity our community has in dealing with emergency situations and who have been doing work on the ground and continue to have an impact during this time in dealing with emergency situations and who have been strongly instrumental in this emergency campaign. said Mark Meyer Appel Founder of The BRIDGE and Chair of this event.
 
Stepping up to lend comfort and assistance to those impacted by the recent earthquake in Haiti is simply the right thing to do. The Jewish community sadly knows all too well what it is to stand alone. We, therefore, are obligated to be there for any community in need said Rabbi Bob Kaplan Director of The Jewish Community Relations Council and co-sponsor of the event.
 
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke in a very emotional speech strongly applauded this interfaith unity drive for Haiti. Working together as a unified community we can change the world and make it a better place
Strong support and prayers for this drive was delivered by Councilman Mathieu Eugene, Councilwoman Farah Louis, and Councilwoman elect Rita Joseph.
 
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke and Councilwoman Farah Louis presented citations to THE MED-GIVE FOUNDATION and THE EYES FOR OPTICS GROUP for their contribution of urgent medical supplies to this historic relief project. Awards were accepted on behalf of these companies by Bill Tingling and Rabbi Waldman.
 
In attendance was Simon Seebag representing Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, District Leader Edu Hermelyn, Ari Weiss advocate with the Staten Island Jewish Community, Yitzy Weinberg with the Flatbush Foundation, Ambassador Sima Karentnay, Carol Elias.