Greek Muslims and Christians Unite in Earthquake Relief Effort

An interesting initiative has been launched in Komotini to help the earthquake victims on the island of Cephalonia. 

Cephalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands in western Greece and is home to more than 35,000 people. The island is in the heart of an earthquake zone, and dozens of minor or unrecorded tremors occur each year. In 1953, a massive earthquake almost destroyed all settlement on the island, leaving only Fiscardo in the north untouched. 

Recently, the island had been stricken by a spate of heavy earthquakes since late February with the last afthershock - at 4.7 on the Richter scale - occurring on 5 March. 

The Holy Bishopric of Maroneia and Komotini and the Muslim muftiate of Komotini, along with the Muslim Asset Management Committee, held a joint fundraiser to show their solidarity with the victims of the recent earthquake in Cephalonia, Greece. 

In a city where people are making daily efforts to stay united, regardless of their religious beliefs, this move of solidarity was considered highly significant and welcomed by many. 

According to a joint statement issued by the muftiate and the Muslim Asset Management Committee of Komotini, “The funds raised from people’s meager savings, in cooperation with the Holy Metropolis of Maroneia and Komotini, has been deposited in a bank account opened by the Holy Metropolis of Cephalonia, for the victims of the earthquake.” 

Especially important is the reference in the same announcement by the head of the Muslim community, who noted that “We wish that our compatriots and brothers of Cephalonia, who suffered from the strong earthquake that struck the beautiful island, will overcome the blow they have suffered and that time will soon heal their wounds.” 

Sources: en.islamtoday (Mar. 13, 2014)