South African women to help Syrian refugees

South African women gathered basic living supplies to distribute to Syrian refugees.

Members of the South African Muslim Judicial Council's (MJC) women's branch are traveling to the Turkey-Syrian border in order to distribute two containers of aid materials collected from the country's philanthropists.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, the MJC Women's branch Chief Muallima Allie said they wanted to extend a helping hand to ease the suffering of Syrian people.

She said South Africans felt the suffering and pain of Syrians in their hearts.

"We know that what we read in and hear from the news is just a small part of what is happening there. We want to do our part, even if it is small, to help them get through this great battle," she said adding that they had collected the aid materials in a matter of three weeks.

"Our aid collection campaign will continue at full speed, as long as the war continues; we will continue to stand by the Syrian people."

Allie noted that Turkey's Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) had given them a list of basic necessities as they were working together during the collection campaign.

"The South African community did not ignore our call to help the Syrian people. When we reach Turkey, we will be accompanied by the IHH officials from the Reyhanli town in the Hatay province of Turkey, bordering Syria," she said.

Allie appreciated Turkey's humanitarian role, stressing that the people from the lower classes of the society never decided to have wars, yet they endured the biggest pain and suffering.

"It is our responsibility from God to help these people. Turkey is fulfilling this responsibility at a great level. Some countries in the world are making every effort not to take or help refugees, yet Turkey has opened its doors to the people of Syria despite the terrorist threats and security risks. We will pray for the government and people of Turkey for doing this."