WEDNESDAY, MAY 5, 1999

Students raise funds for Kosovo

By Ana Tintocalis

On-Line Forty-Niner

Shouting the slogan, "Help the people in Kosovo, spend your change here," five Cal State Long Beach students held a fundraiser Tuesday to help thousands of Kosovar refugees receive aid in the wake of NATO bombings.

Sponsored by the Muslim Student Association, organizers attracted dozens of students not simply because they were selling a slice of pizza for $1, but because of the fundraiser's cause.

"I think it's a tragedy what's happening in Kosovo," said Robert Eisenman, religious studies professor, who donated money but did not want a slice of pizza. "I didn't want any food in return, I'm just happy to help."

In fact, dozens of students, faculty and staff opted to spare any extra change they had instead of buying pizza.

"I didn't think many people would simply donate," said Bader Alsanea, MSA vice president. "Long Beach students and faculty don't want food, but are dropping off $20 and $10 bills."

Organizers hung pictures of slain Kosovar infants, children, women and men on the booth to attract the attention of those who passed by.

"When I see all of this stuff I feel helpless," high school student Diane Mendoza said. "It's like the Holocaust. Why is this happening?"

In an effort to spark greater awareness, MSA officers also wore T-shirts with an image of a Kosovar child peering through strands of barbed wire with the logo "Save Kosovo Now."

"This picture tells you everything," said Fahad Alshatti, an MSA organizer who did not attend his Tuesday classes in order to man the booth. "They [refugees] don't have food and water, you feel something for them."

MSA officers said they raised more than $400 during the three-hour event.

The money will be given to the Kosovo Emergency fund established by the Islamic Relief Organization. The operation is currently responsible for providing food, clothing, bedding, medical supplies and meeting the accommodation needs of refugees in Shkodre, Albania's second largest city.

A CSULB student who donated money said the fundraiser was a good way to help the people of Kosovo even though they are a continent away.

"I think it's great," said Ruby Sangha, a criminal justice and psychology major. "They [MSA officers] are doing all they can, and hopefully it will also cause other students to take more action."

"I know students are involved in their classes and do not really know what goes on in the rest of the world," computer engineering major Syad Khan said. "But raising money and bringing awareness to Kosovo is a good cause."