US to U.S. is a student led organization in Indianapolis made up of students from Saudi Arabia studying in America. They approached Migros Aid to partner together to help distribute free meals and water to the refugee community in Indianapolis for the Muslim month of Ramadan.
On June 9, a team of thirteen people made up of both Muslim students from Saudi and Christians from Common Ground Church West distributed 300 free meals to the refugee and immigrant community on the west side of Indianapolis. The Muslim refugees who were fasting during Ramadan were very happy to get a meal to eat after sunset. The meals were given to non-Muslims, too.
The organization’s vice-president, Basim Fuhidah, comments on the project,
“It is an honor to have the chance again to be there for those who are in need. I was able to see the shock from my group members’ faces when they realized that there are some people might be missing a meal that day. Some who were drying their clothes on their balcony, and having a small apartment to shelter them. As Ali bin Abi Talib said, “No matter the nationality, no matter the religion, no matter the ethnicity, people who support orphans and the impoverished people will be honored by God.”
This is second joint effort of distributing meals to the refugee community.
Carter MccLure is a Hoosier native and resides in Zionsville and is an upcoming 7th grader. Carter is active in the youth group at Common Ground West church.
MccLure said, “My experience during this time was amazing. You look to your left and you see someone from South Africa. You look up ahead and you see somebody from Nicaragua. You look to your right and you see someone from Nepal. It was amazing to see the community among these people from around the world and all the joy that they have. I am really thankful that I was able to walk around and meet all of these people.”
Migros Aid Director, Joel Vestal, reflects further,
“An important aspect of Migros Aid is interfaith cooperation and working together for the refugee and immigrant community. When we lead with our hands and do something positive for those in need, no matter the faith tradition, bridges can be built and the heart follows and then relationships are formed. This is a beautiful thing.”
