ComNews_Vigil - South Asian Earthquake

Vigil for South Asian Earthquake
Federal Building, Westwood, CA
November 8, 2005

How far a burning candle can go? You could have got
the answer if you were at Westwood Federal Building,
California on November 8, 2005, on a chilly and
Special Statewide Election night. A vigil was observed
in 29 cities around the world for the South Asian
Earthquake one-month anniversary announced by
Saquake.org. More that 500 vigilantes crowded the
Cross Street of Wilshire Blvd and Veteran Ave by the
Federal Building, Westwood.

Despite all the possible humanitarian help that has
arrived in Pakistan in the last 30 days from all over
the world, earthquake victims and survivors are still
in a lamentable condition lacking without the
essential necessities of live. Its not that aid is not
there, it is the difficult geographical venue and
weather conditions of the ground zero that have
resulted in a slow response and the much needed aid
reaching the survivors. This is besides the fact that
a great deal of help is still needed during the
second phase of the relief operation for the
reconstruction and rehabilitation of the quake
affected areas and individuals. The overwhelming
response from the vigilantes proves the sense of
commitment and continued support of the community for the relief efforts.

The candlelight vigil began with grief stricken but
vigorous vigilantes carrying banners with slogans
reaching out to the hearts of the passing traffic. “A
disaster of unimaginable proportions”, “How many
children have to die before we do more?” “Donor
fatigue is no excuse. 80,000 dead. And counting,” were
the echoing messages that appeared convincing enough to get honked by the passing traffic throughout the night.

Ms. Erum Hasan read out a message from Congresswomen Linda Sanchez to the effect that she fully supported the cause. Mrs. Mariam Rashid of DIL.org thanked all the attendees and volunteers for making the vigil possible and successful at a short notice. “I appreciate COPAA, PSA, Dr. Mansoor Shah, and Consul General Noor Muhammed Jadmani for making this event possible and also the vigilantes who showed up in spite of the chilling weather and voting night,” she commented.

Consul General Noor Muhammad Jadmani provided the
audience with facts as to why we need more help now
after a month that confirmed that 78,000 people had
died, 70,000 had been injured and more than three
million were rendered homeless. “Weather conditions
will be the fear factor in reestablishing the lives of
survivors and we need more weather- proof tents,
doctors and medical supplies at ground zero in days to
come,” he stated. It’s the spirit of cooperation at
this critical juncture that that makes us one nation.
“Do keep these candles alight until the end of the
task,” he added.

The candle lights burnt brightly showing sympathetic
and compassionate hearts in 29 world cities
demonstrating support for the quake affected victims.
God bless them all. God bless the quake survivors. God
bless Pakistan.

Click Here For Event Picture Album

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