Mitzvah day falls this year on 22nd November. It was first started here by Laura Marks in 2008 to spread friendship and brotherhood among neighbours, bring people of all faiths together, helped by army of volunteers, has now become an international event celebrated in 30 countries throughout Western world.
It’s aim is to help people, especially old, disable and sick, as well as new arrivals who may be struggling to settle down and as such this year’s theme is to help refugees escaping wars and torture in Syria. Last year it attracted 37,000 volunteers from every culture and religion that included odd job men to doctors. It is expected to reach 40,000 this year, visiting venerable people in their own home, mending, decorating, cooking, gardening and doing odd jobs for those needy people who are unable to look after themselves.
Many local charities participate; contribute volunteers for the event that is gaining pop star status, attracting celebrities from all walks of life. This is a day when differences and animosities are laid to rest, friendships facilitated and new relationships cemented that encourage communities to live in peace without fiduciary animosity.
I hope our own charitable institutions like SEWA, ISCKON, SHM and community based organizations will participate in great numbers to celebrate this truly multicultural event to bring peace and prosperity to our beloved nation.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
