Inaayah: Supporting Migrant, Refugee, and Displaced Communities

People move.  It is a natural part of life.  Whether it is to find opportunity or escape crisis, people move to new neighborhoods, cities, and countries everyday.  

The past several years have presented acute challenges for people who have moved.  Migrants, refugees, and displaced communities have faced tremendous obstacles due to hostility against immigrants and a pandemic that has caused unprecedented economic turmoil.  These communities need our support now more than ever.

Support for migrant communities is a central part of the history of Islam.  The Prophet (PBUH) sent some of his early companions from Mecca to Abyssinia, where they were met with support by the Abyssinian king, who granted them refuge and refused to return them to their persecutors.  And of course, the people of Medina welcomed the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions after they fled Mecca, a journey that marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Inspired by this history of compassion and the spirit of community embodied by the month of Ramadan, a group of friends came together in 2016 to organize “Iftar for IRAP,” a fundraiser benefiting the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP). Since then, we formed Inaayah, a not-for-profit organization that curates unique, art-forward events benefitting migrant, refugee, and displaced communities. Our events have successfully sold over 100 pieces of artwork and raised over $80,000 for organizations serving these communities, including IRAP, Alight, and The Migrant Kitchen.

Join us at www.inaayah.org at 6:30pm EDT on Saturday, April 24 to celebrate our 6th Annual Iftar - no tickets required!  As in previous years, our virtual iftar programming will feature an online art auction (and much more)! 

All proceeds will benefit Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI) and The Migrant Kitchen - two organizations that do incredible work for migrant, refugee, and displaced communities.  Donations are welcome! This year's event will also provide an opportunity to donate a meal to New York City families in need.

We look forward to connecting with you soon - wishing you all a blessed Ramadan!

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Inaayah  ( عناية • Care, Concern) is a New York‑based not-for-profit organization dedicated to curating unique, art-forward events benefitting migrant, refugee, and displaced communities.