The organization that I decided to base my service hours for this semester is one that I have been involved with for well over a decade. It is an organization that I grew up in and have seen it at its weakest and strongest times. This organization is called the Islamic Society of Central Florida (ISCF).

Founded in 1973 by a few Muslim families, the ISCF strived for a goal of providing a peaceful place for Muslim families to practice their religion in the heart of Central Florida. What started with only a few families has become an organization consisting of thousands of longstanding members who serve weekly including myself. Many of you must be wondering, what could be the problem to reflect on in an organization as widespread and influential as this one.

The truth is, as a member whose family is highly involved in the lowest level of the organization, I have seen families starting to leave the organization because of a belief of corruption that is caused by simple miscommunication. This is partly due to to the regularity of unforeseen costs in construction and humanitarian projects, leading many to believe their contributions are not being used for the purposes they initially intended. It seems as though members of the organization now want all of the benefits that come with it and none of the responsibility as model citizens, in particular, philanthropy. It is a shame to see how an organization that advertised itself as being the most peaceful, selfless, and charitable is now slowly deteriorating because of constant concerns fuedled by the price of an item being a dollar more than what it used to be giving many people a way of taking advantage of the benefits that others dedicate their lives to providing.

As a Muslim, I am deeply concerned about the hardships faced by Palestinians in the ongoing conflict with Gaza. The impact of this conflict on our organization cannot be overlooked, as it affects our ability to carry out our mission of serving humanity and promoting peace.

Firstly, the conflict has created a sense of urgency and increased demand for humanitarian aid. The escalating violence and displacement of Palestinians have resulted in a dire need for food, shelter, and medical assistance. As a result, ISCF volunteers have been working tirelessly to provide support to affected communities, both locally and internationally. However, the scale of the crisis often overwhelms our resources, making it challenging to meet the growing needs.

Moreover, the emotional toll on our volunteers cannot be underestimated. Many of us have personal connections to Palestine, with family and friends directly affected by the conflict. Witnessing the suffering and loss experienced by Palestinians takes a toll on our mental well-being, making it difficult to maintain our motivation and resilience.

To alleviate the impact of the ongoing conflict, ISCF has been actively collaborating with other organizations and community leaders. By pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to maximize our impact and reach more affected individuals. Additionally, we have been engaging in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the Palestinian cause and urge governments to take action toward a peaceful resolution.

It is crucial to recognize that the impact of the Palestinian conflict extends beyond our local community. This issue resonates with people worldwide, regardless of their geographic location or cultural background. By sharing our experiences and perspectives, we can foster a global dialogue that promotes understanding and empathy.

In conclusion, it appears that the organization needed a call to action as tragic as the ongoing Palestinian conflict to reunite its community. Through collaboration, advocacy, and raising awareness, we strive to alleviate the hardships faced by Palestinians and contribute to a brighter future for all.