Hailing from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Ms Aleeyah Noorali, is an extraordinarily brave 21 year old individual, who was studying in Ukraine when the war began last month.
KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam reached out via Africa Federation to The World Federation for collaborative assistance. Aleeya’s initial plan was to try and exit Ukraine via the Polish border. Subsequently, The World Federation and its External Tableegh department were able to put her in touch with a local contact who could help get her across the border into Poland. However, as is generally the case in areas of conflict, the situation on the ground changed suddenly and the train route from Ukraine to Poland was closed. At this juncture, Aleeyah and her travel companion took a quick and brave decision to exit via the Romanian route. However, she had no contact who would receive her, nor was it certain she would gain entry to Romania.
The WF team, together with great leaders and volunteers from KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam, were in regular contact with Aleeyah, trying to establish her whereabouts to support her, and help in every way possible to ensure a safe and quick exit from Ukraine. On learning that she was trying to now exit via Romania, the WF team buckled down to find a contact on the ground to help her out.
“God works in mysterious ways and he blesses us through challenges in life”, says Dr Gulammehdi Sumar, the Head of WF-Aid. Just a couple of weeks earlier, Dr Sumar had made contact with a Khoja community member living in Bucharest; the Capital of Romania, Br. Abbas Merchant. Alhamdulillah, Br Abbas was able to help Aaliyah and support her upon her eventual arrival in Bucharest.
Through a period of less than a week, with multiple community organisations & individuals, comprising of KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam, Africa Federation and The World Federation, parents and indeed, the brave student herself – Ms Aleeyah Noorali landed safely, back home, at Julius Nyerere Airport, Dar es Salaam.
On being reunited with her family & friends in Dar es Salaam, Aleeyah has shared the following appreciation message to The World Federation and all who helped, to bring her safely home. “I want to sincerely thank all of you for supporting and guiding me throughout my journey back home. You all have played a huge role in this trip all the way from Ukraine to Dar es Salaam… no words can describe how grateful I am to all of you, and I pray that Allah (swt) grants all your hajaat and blesses you infinitely. Thank you so much once again”.
Her mother’s dua’s echoed the girl’s sentiments, “I have no words – just duas for all of you from a mother’s heart, I really appreciate the efforts. May Allah (swt) fulfill all your hajaat and keep you all safe and successful in this world and hereafter insha’Allah… Ameen”.
Mr Mohamedraza Bhai Dewji, President of KSI Jamaat of Dar es Salaam, said, “The Dar es Salaam Jamaat began its mission to help Aleeyah out of the dire situation in Ukraine from the 26th of February. Our team collaborated tirelessly over long nights to be on top of the situation and guide her and her Ghanaian friend to the safest route out of Ukraine.
After overcoming several other challenges along the way, Aleeyah landed safely in Dar es Salaam on the 4th of March to the joy of her awaiting family and loved ones. We are grateful to Allah (swt) for this successful mission and truly appreciate the support from Abbas Bhai Merchant in Romania, Jaffer Bhai Hirji in Dar es Salaam and The World Federation via the Africa Federation.
Aleeyah is pursuing International Management at the Western Ukrainian University and we pray the situation in Ukraine returns back to normal as soon as possible so she can successfully complete her studies.”
What is the situation right now?
Since the Russian invasion last week, the situation in Ukraine is chaotic and indeed scary at times with explosions being heard frequently.
Africa Federation, through the appointed liaison heads, Mr Shabbir Somji and Mrs Fatim Somji is taking the lead. Under this collaborative structure, The World Federation, through its relief department WF-Aid, is working hand-in-hand and is in constant touch with the students on the ground in Ukraine.
There are currently 150 Tanzanian National students studying at universities in Ukraine that are trying to escape the war. They are studying in a city called Sumy, which is in Eastern Ukraine, near the Russian border. The community, through a joint effort, is doing its best to assist other students, including the very articulate, Muhadisa Murji who appeared in the local Zanzibari news on Friday 4th March 2022.
“We at The World Federation, through all our contacts, and especially our Regional Federation Member, Africa Federation, local community leaders in Tanzania, and indeed the students on the ground, are assessing the situation. A team of volunteers have come together and are working with Mr and Mrs Shabbir Somji – the appointed liaisons of Africa Federation. The situation is politically sensitive and hence due care and guidance is taken at each step. We pray for a fruitful and speedy solution, and hope to help all our community members in Ukraine exit safely”, said Arifali Hirji, Secretary General of The World Federation.