"The Orlando community has always managed to pull together when any person/persons is in need, so when the news of families in Miami urgently needed to secure homes and employment, we pulled together to help."

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-Mary Assaf and Dr. Wasim Assaf, co-founders of Floridians Responding to Refugees Committee

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"As a Palestinian American, I understand what “refugee” has meant to many of my Palestinian peers and what it meant for their future. I co-founded the Floridians Responding to Refugees with passionate community leaders. Although the Syrian crisis has been ongoing for well over five years, and while there was conscious effort amongst many activists, the united efforts of the community was induced by the picture of three-year old Alan Kurdi. They say people can usually only grieve with people to whom they can relate to. Most people have come across a baby in their life, whether it is their own, a niece or nephew, a relative, or friend.  Alan Kurdi, with his soaked tiny blue shorts and red shirt, penetrated the hearts of all.

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In September 2015, I made a promise to baby Alan (Allah 7r7amo) that those shores will never be the same: His tears will never be diluted in those waters, more so nor in our hearts; his last breaths will never be forgotten, his cries will never be muted."

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-Rasha Mubarak, co-founder of Floridians Responding to Refugees Committee

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"A French poet, Jackes Prevert said, 'To live is to love. To love is to understand. To understand is to share'. Loving, understanding and sharing is the best way to live and touch other lives. It is the most beautiful gift anyone can give or receive.  I'm so blessed and thankful to serve with FRRC and be in a community of loving, understanding and sharing people and to be able to assist all the new families."

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-Fatima Ait Rami, The Islamic Center of Orlando Outreach Director 

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