ALEXANDRIA, VA – Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) has released the following statement:
Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA) is proud to announce that it has been awarded the 2024 Award for Peace and Fellowship by the Interreligious Forum of the Americas (FIDELA). This award highlights IRUSA’s efforts in advancing human rights, promoting democracy, and fostering peace and security through it’s work with displaced populations in Ecuador, Greece, and Chad.
The award was jointly presented to IRUSA and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS), for their interfaith partnership that supports displaced populations.
The organizations were recognized on Tuesday, June 25, at FIDELA’s inter-religious forum, bringing together different faith groups to devise creative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing and seemingly intractable issues. The award was presented in Paraguay, following the Organization of American States’ 54th regular session of its General Assembly. In addition to Ministries from the region, the US State Department was in attendance at the FIDELA Forum.
“It was an honor to be recognized in front of the first recipient of this award, Nestor Mendez, the current Assistant Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) and with Ministry representatives from sponsoring countries, such as Paraguay and Chile,” said Christina Tobias-Nahi, Director of Public Affairs Research and Advocacy at IRUSA. “I talked about in my acceptance remarks that we need to continue to have religious literacy about one another, and when there is cooperation like this that is beyond dialogue – but actual action – it is important it is amplified to show what is possible.”
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition alongside our longstanding partners at Islamic Relief” said Jael Goldschmidt, a representative for HIAS who received the award on behalf of the organization. “Together, we support and welcome displaced people across multiple contexts and continents, guided by the teachings of our respective religious traditions. This award is a testament to the power of interfaith cooperation in creating meaningful, lasting change for those who need it most. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to this journey and to those who continue to support our mission.”
FIDELA officials praised the organization for its commitment to improving the human condition around the world through valued partnerships.
“Islamic Relief is a beautiful example of the good work that faith-based organizations can do,” said FIDLEA executive directors Cynthia Lange and Dennis Lange. “It serves those most in need, not because of the religious beliefs of those served, but inspired instead by faith of those providing service at Islamic Relief. We were proud to honor Islamic Relief and HIAS for the example they set in helping establish a path toward peace through interreligious cooperation.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Syed M. Hassan
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Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States.
Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.