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Islam, Women and Feminism ( 22 May 2024, NewAgeIslam.Com)

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Aya Shata’s Jeddah Student Club Brings Smiles with Charity and Community-Building

New Age Islam News Bureau

22 May 2024

·         Aya Shata’s Jeddah Student Club Brings Smiles with Charity and Community-Building

·         PM Anwar Gives Contribution to Actress Nur Azifah for Her Cancer Treatment

·         Female Entrepreneurs Highlight Success Stories at Amcham Saudi Arabia Event In Jeddah

·         Scripture Stories Offer Hope to Women Targeted by Iranian Government

·         War on Women and Girls: Iranian Dissidents Testify Before Canadian Parliament

·         Supreme Court of India to Examine If Muslim Women Can Claim Equality in Succession

Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau

URL:   https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/aya-student-jeddah-charity-club/d/132364

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Aya Shata’s Jeddah Student Club Brings Smiles with Charity and Community-Building

 

The club has organized various projects including delivering essential food items to more than 200 people across Jeddah, as well as Eid clothing drives. (Supplied)

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May 21, 2024

RIYADH: Aya Shata, 13, was on a mission to enhance mental well-being and school spirit when she started the Middle School Happiness Club at the American International School in Jeddah.

Engaging in charitable acts with her family, like distributing food packages or taking part in the Iftar Saem program during Ramadan, has been an important part of her life growing up.

By championing charitable and community growth initiatives within the learning institution, Happiness Club has quickly become an integral part of the school’s fabric to nurture social responsibility and personal development.

The club was established recently but has quickly grown to include 30 members from various middle school grades. It is open to any student who wants to make a difference in the community. “Our activities have already had a significant impact,” Shata told Arab News.

The club has organized various projects so far, including a Ramadan food drive, where students delivered essential food items to more than 200 people across Jeddah, as well as multiple Eid clothing drives.

Shata, who is an accomplished athlete and an ambassador for the Saudi Gymnastics Federation, said: “Middle school is a time when many teens struggle with the stress of academic classes, making friends and loneliness. The Happiness Club can help us connect through acts of kindness and shared activities.

“I thought this club would be a great way to bring us all together, do good things for our community, and help us to balance school life with personal growth and community service.”

In the first Eid drive, the club organized a clothing collection across the school in partnership with Kiswat Al-Sayida Aisha. The young philanthropists gathered used clothes for all ages, which were then sorted and organized at Kiswat Al-Sayida Aisha’s facility. They also installed a donation bin in partnership with the organization at their school to collect clothes year-round.

The club has collaborated with AlOula, one of the Kingdom’s leading nonprofits, to distribute Eid clothing and iftar meals to orphans and other children in need. This is Shata’s third year working with AlOula and the club’s first. In the third drive, they visited families in Bahra to deliver toys, Eidiyat (or Eid money), and candy to children in need.

Egyptian student Amina Mohamed, 14, said that the club “is engaging in activities that promote positivity … we can put smiles on people’s faces, whether it’s seeing orphans, volunteering to donate clothes, or simply spreading kindness in our daily routine, I saw the Happiness Club as a platform to help make a difference in people’s lives and that’s why I joined it.”

The program has taught students of all ages and backgrounds about the power of community. “If we do this when we’re younger it grants us a better tomorrow and also because you get a good feeling when you’re giving to charity,” said 11-year-old Lebanese Moroccan student Rahaf Ibrahim.

At school, the club organized a Mother’s Day event in March in celebration of the dedicated caretakers of their community, as well as a middle school iftar during Ramadan.

The events brought together students, staff and families of various backgrounds, celebrating diversity as they all gathered around one table to share a meal and their collective experiences.

“It was a perfect example of how our club aims to bring happiness and unity to our community, fostering stronger connections and understanding among all participants,” Shata said.

Mahdiya Elegbede, a 13-year-old American student, said her biggest takeaways from joining the Happiness Club are learning the importance of kindness and creating significant impact on others’ lives.

“I hope to spread more charity and good in this school because I think it is a useful and nice thing to do. In the end, doing something good makes us feel good, as well as others, and that itself is wonderful. I am so grateful to join the MS Happiness Club this year, and I hope others will be inspired and will be more giving and kinder, too,” Elegbede told Arab News.

Saudi student Hamza Al-Tayyar, 11, joined the club to give back to “my beautiful city of Jeddah,” while Aseel Al-Horaibi, 13, wanted to show how little things can impact others and spread positivity. “It taught me to be grateful for everything I have and never take anything for granted,” she said.

“I learned so much from all the activities we did, such as event planning and time management. One of the most important things is teamwork, and resolving conflicts as they arise,” 11-year-old Zuhair Al-Marzouki said. But ultimately, the true prize is what they can bring to others: “What is there better to give than happiness?

“I love to be in this group to share my ideas and time, and all resources possible to add one extra smile into this world,” Meral Noor, 12, said.

With immense support from the school administration, the club has many more plans underway to continue making a positive difference both inside and outside the school in Jeddah.

Source: arabnews.com

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2514591/saudi-arabia

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PM Anwar Gives Contribution To Actress Nur Azifah For Her Cancer Treatment

 

Actress Nur Azifah

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22-05- 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim presented a personal donation to actress Nur Azifah Zainon Abidin to help ease the financial burden of her cancer treatment.

Anwar shared on Facebook that the donation was conveyed by his political secretary Ahmad Farhan Fauzi when the latter visited Nur Azifah under Ziarah MADANI at the actress’ residence in Hulu Kelang.

“Nur Azifah has been suffering from breast cancer since last year. The actress who acted in Istidraj and Tujuh Warna Pelangi needs to undergo periodic treatment to treat the cancer, but the cost of the treatment is very burdensome.

“I pray that Nur Azifah will be blessed by Allah SWT and that she will be given the strength to face this test,” he said.

The media previously reported that the actress who has five children, aged three to 35, needed financial assistance of RM35,000 for her treatment.

Nur Azifah acted in several dramas including Tujuh Warna Pelangi, Istidraj, Kalimah Jiwa, Dia Bidadari Syurga, Inikah Dikatakan Cinta, Syurga Noah, Ratu Lori and Suri Cinta.

Source: thesun.my

https://thesun.my/local_news/pm-anwar-gives-contribution-to-actress-nur-azifah-CA12478468

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Female Entrepreneurs Highlight Success Stories At Amcham Saudi Arabia Event In Jeddah

May 21, 2024

JEDDAH: The Women in Business Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia recently organized an event in Jeddah dedicated to honoring the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs in the Kingdom.

Maha Al-Juffali, founder, director, and supervising board member of the Help Center, highlighted her journey as an entrepreneur and the establishment of her NGO supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in Saudi Arabia during a time when their needs were largely overlooked.

She said: “It demanded resourcefulness, innovation, and hands-on engagement at every turn. We overcame challenges, and with the support of my family and friends, we achieved significant progress in reshaping societal perceptions and providing essential support to individuals with disabilities.”

Al-Juffali highlighted the essential ingredients that empower women entrepreneurs to thrive, stating: “It’s about fostering a supportive ecosystem that nurtures their ambitions, providing access to mentorship, networks, and tailored financial instruments. Additionally, it involves changing the narrative and challenging outdated stereotypes by celebrating female role models and showcasing their achievements to inspire others.”

She also emphasized the significance of leveraging the digital revolution, stating: “It is crucial to embrace the opportunities presented by the digital revolution, which have opened unprecedented avenues for women entrepreneurs. Technology has become a great equalizer, enabling individuals with vision and determination to launch and scale businesses.”

The event featured an enlightening panel discussion on women’s empowerment and economic inclusion, moderated by Nora Al-Jindi, director of Dar Al-Hekma University’s marketing program.

Joining the panel were esteemed guests such as Marriam Mossalli, founder of Niche Arabia; Dania Shinkar, founder and creative director of Dania Shinkar Ltd; Jehan Alallah, IT manager at Amazon; and Mohammed Khan, associate professor in the marketing, entrepreneurship, and strategy department at Effat University.

The session delved into a range of topics, including effective scaling strategies, leveraging networks, and attracting investors, offering valuable insights from experienced business leaders. Moreover, the event served as a platform to showcase the exceptional talent, innovation, and resilience of female entrepreneurs who are playing a pivotal role in shaping the business landscape of Saudi Arabia.

Mossalli emphasized the importance of networking and relationships in the Saudi entrepreneurial landscape, saying: “Events like these facilitate networking and relationship-building. Despite the digital advancements and various platforms, it still boils down to who you know. I eagerly anticipate the next one.”

She highlighted the challenges of scaling a business, noting the psychological shift required to delegate responsibilities. “Scaling is the most challenging part, especially when your business is your baby. Delegating and letting go is a psychological change you have to get used to. It’s not about stepping down but about trusting others. Taking risks, like expanding Niche into large events, was scary but necessary. It's about pushing through fear and embracing competition.”

She also commended the government’s efforts in breaking down taboos around working women, calling it “a positive change from the top down.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Mossalli advised: “Immerse yourself in the industry you aim to enter. Work in various roles and gain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the business before embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.”

Shinkar said: “My involvement in the event centered around fashion female entrepreneurs. The event has been fantastic for networking and raising awareness about female entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia. The recent reforms under Vision 2030 have provided significant opportunities and support for female entrepreneurs through initiatives, programs, and incubators. These have been invaluable in offering mentorship, funding, and access to trade shows and fashion exhibitions, helping us gain brand exposure regionally and internationally.”

Zeina Alnouri, AmCham Saudi Arabia Jeddah chapter coordinator, emphasized the importance of women supporting each other in business to pave the way for current and future success.

She said: “To excel as women in business, it’s important to work with one another to pave the path for those who are currently working towards their success and those who will come after them. We are proud to have brought together so many influential females from various fields this evening. It is inspiring to witness the accomplishments and experiences of each of our guests, and we eagerly anticipate hosting similar events of this caliber in the future.”

Attendees had the opportunity to engage in networking and knowledge-sharing activities, gaining valuable perspectives on the successes and challenges faced by women in business.

Source: arabnews.com

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2514496/saudi-arabia

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Scripture stories offer hope to women targeted by Iranian government

May 22, 2024

By Anna Deckert

Increasing Restrictions for Women

In April Iran launched a new “Nour” campaign that encourages rigorous enforcement of the already mandatory hijab laws. Videos uploaded online show police as well as plain clothes officers apprehend women violently. Many say this sort of conduct has become more aggressive and common since the campaign began.

In addition to the Nour campaign repressions, women are facing increased exclusion from public places. They have been banned from soccer stadiums in northern Mazandaran after a man insulted and threatened women attendees.

These increased attacks on women may become even more commonplace after codification of the in process “hijab and chastity” bill.

However, even as the government tightens its grip, International Media Ministries offers hope through stories from church history and Scripture.

Standing for Hope and Truth

Denise Godwin with International Media Ministries (IMM) says, “It’s a pretty intense time to make sure we tell the stories of truth and hope into parts of the world that don’t encourage that. We don’t see that encouraged in Iran; the government there is cracking down on women again. [They are] cracking down on hijab wearing again, continuing to say things about hypocrisy and lies in other parts of the world while they continue to persecute their own people and young people continue to die from trying to stand up for truth. Yet, the Iranian government can just shout louder and say, it’s the West’s fault.

“It’s such an amazing time in world history to be able to bring truth – to phone screens, to computer screens, to television screens – and what a challenge we all have as believers to live truth.”

IMM’s most recent project is Esther: Queen of Hope. This story not only features a woman but is reminiscent of the current conflict between Iran and Israel. IMM hopes this story will encourage believers and provide opportunities for them to share truth with others.

“The believers in Iran are excited to share their faith, and they are reaching out at great risk to themselves personally,” Godwin shares. “It’s an amazing time to be praying with them and standing with them and remembering that there’s believers inside Iran, despite the terrible regime that’s in control of the government. We have brothers and sisters there that are under persecution and that are evangelizing at the same time.”

Get Involved

Please pray for the many believers in Iran to stand strong in the Lord despite fierce persecution.

Godwin urges, “In addition to praying for our Iranian brothers and sisters, please pray for creativity and funding and protection for our team, as we make stories that call into question the powers of darkness. It is a terrible situation for women in Iran and they need to know they’re not alone.”

Join IMM financially to help get this story into the hands of Iranian believers as soon as possible here.

Source: mnnonline.org

https://www.mnnonline.org/news/scripture-stories-offer-hope-to-women-targeted-by-iranian-government/

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War on Women and Girls: Iranian Dissidents Testify Before Canadian Parliament

Negar Mojtahedi

Members of Canadian parliament heard testimony Tuesday from Iranian human rights advocates, dissidents, victims and an exiled artist on the brutality of the Islamic Republic, and called on Ottawa to take more action.

Human rights advocate and founder of Stop Child Execution Nazanin Afshin-Jam told the House of Commons Subcommittee on Human Rights that Iran is "waging a war on women and girls."

"Girls are beaten, dragged, screaming into police vans and raped for not wearing a hijab," said Afshin-Jam via remote video.

"There's a surge in executions of peaceful protesters. And there's a crisis in Turkey where bona fide Iranian refugees like Shilan Mirzaee are sent notices of deportation back to Iran despite lethal outcomes," said Afshin-Jam.

Shilan Mirzaee, a human rights and political activist

Mirzaee is an Iranian activist based in Turkey who was forced to flee for being an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime. She's supported other Iranians seeking asylum in Turkey since 2016, but now she's in danger of imminent deportation to Iran where she could face the death penalty.

Authorities in Turkey have yet to explain why this activist was arrested and transferred to a Turkish detention center.

Afshin-Jam made reference to the results of the UN fact-finding mission on Iran's response to the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, which was presented on March 18 to the UN Human Rights Council during its regular session in Geneva.

The council established that the fact-finding mission in Iran to document the deteriorating situation of human rights two months after the in-custody death of Mahsa Jina Amini sparked nation-wide anti-regime protests.

The UN fact-finding mission said it uncovered murders, torture, and rape amounting to "crime against humanity" during Iran's brutal crackdown on protestors following Amini's death.

Afshin-Jam encouraged Canada to exercise its universal jurisdiction, where a state can investigate and prosecute crimes that happened in another country, committed by people of a different nationality against victims of a different nationality.

She said it gives "an international crime grounds for the International Criminal Court and grounds for UN member states with universal jurisdiction, like Canada, to try the perpetrators of these crimes in a tribunal. The report recommends this to open structural investigations for these crimes against humanity."

"It's a gender apartheid state that is waging a war on women and girls," said human rights activist and actress Nazanin Boniadi who echoed Afshin-Jam's calls to end gender apartheid.

Repress, Deflect and Divide

"These woman-life-freedom protests were yet another reminder that the Islamic Republic is incapable of reform. Instead, it stays in power using a three pronged survival strategy repress, deflect, and divide. Repression is at the core of the strategy," said Boniadi via remote video.

She said the Islamic Republic holds the "appalling record of having the highest per capita execution rate in the world, and ranks 177 of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index."

"Domestic repression includes censorship, blinding, rape, torture and arbitrary detention. Ethnic, religious and sexual minorities face systemic persecution and discrimination."

Iranian parliament, she said, has allocated $2.9 billion to a government institutions responsible for intensified hijab enforcements.

Iran has seen an intensive crackdown on policing women bodies, with the UN Fact finding mission confirming that the regime uses AI technology to track and monitor women.

Canada: A Safe Haven for Regime Affiliates

Iranian human rights activist Atena Daemi testified in person in parliament.

She spent six years in prison for her activism, where she said she was tortured both physically and mentally. In 2022, after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) she escaped illegally to seek medical care abroad, taking her from Tehran to St John's, Canada.

Daemi described to members of parliament, though a translator, her perilous journey to escape Iran through Kurdistan and how she found smugglers to take her to Iraq.

She's grateful to be in Canada but said "agents of the regime view Canada as their sanctuary."

Boniadi and Afshin-Jam agree.

Canada, they said, has become a safe haven for the Iranian regime.

"Global News did an investigative piece revealing 700 such regime affiliates in Canada, nine of which have been called to be deported. But instead of deportation, they could be on trial. Setting the precedents for accountability," said Afshin-Jam.

A recent year-long Global News investigation uncovered upwards of 700 regime-linked associates operating on Canadian soil and threatening the lives of some Iranian dissidents.

In February, Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) ordered the deportation of Majid Iranmanesh, who was director general of Iran's Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology.

A month later, the (IRB) ordered the deportation of Salman Samani, Iran's deputy minister of interior during Hassan Rouhani's administration.

"With each of these regime affiliates comes a trail of dirty, laundered money and evidence of foreign interference, including threats to Iranian Canadians and political interference," said Afshin-Jam.

Afshin Jam, who is the member of the Iranian Justice Collective (IJC) announced a disturbing revelation during Tuesday's session.

"My organization, Iranian Justice Collective, was here a couple of weeks ago on the Hill providing policy recommendations on foreign interference. The PS752 file upping the number of Iranian refugees, actions on listing the IRGC on the terrorist list, and expansion of sanctions. We called to much sanctions. Shortly after the trip to Ottawa, my colleague received a call by a regime official in her family's home in Iran, threatening how she would end up like the woman she was trying to defend if she continues with her activism."

Repression of Iranian artists

The repression of Iranian artists, in particular Toomaj Salehi, who faces death for his rapping critical of the regime, was a topic brought up by all speakers testifying.

A poster with Toomaj's photo in a protest in Toronto

Arash Sohrabi, an artist now living in exile in the West, said the targeting of Iranian artists has been part of a "cultural purge" in Iran since the 1979 revolution.

"Between 1988 and 1999, aged over 80, writers, translators, poets, political activists and ordinary citizens were killed in what became known as the 'Chain Murders'," said Sohrabi.

Since nationwide protests erupted in 2022 sparked by Amini's death, Sohrabi said more than "100 Iranian filmmakers, actors, and musicians have been detained, banned from working or face travel bans for supporting the 2022 protest."

Boniadi referenced Mohammad Rasoulof, a dissident filmmaker who was sentenced to eight years in prison by the Islamic Revolution Court, and escaped the country earlier this month.

She said he "issued a defiant message to the regime if geographic Iran suffers under the boot of your tyranny, cultural Iran is alive in the collective mind of millions of Iranians who are forced to leave Iran because of your oppression and barbarity."

Boniadi said that repression extends beyond Iran's borders.

"Human rights abuses are among the regime's primary exports, including assassination plots, abductions and hostage taking of dual and foreign nationals," she said.

In January, two Canadian men with ties to Hells Angles were charged in what US authorities called "a murder for hire" plot allegedly coordinated by Iran.

Recommendations Made to Canada

What can Canada do?

Everyone who gave their testimony urged Canada to follow the lead of the US and proscribe the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist entity.

"To echo my fellow witnesses, Canada should immediately implement the motion to brand the IRGC, a terrorist organization, and expel Islamic Republic agents," said Boniadi.

Earlier this month, the Canadian House of Commons unanimously adopted a Report to designate Iran’s IRGC as a terrorist entity, but the motion is not binding.

Afshin-Jam also stated the Government of Canada can exercise universal jurisdiction to prosecute perpetrators of the regime on Candian soil.

Both Afshin-Jam and Boniadi called on Canada to recognize Iran as a gender apartheid state.

"We hope you support our campaign to end gender apartheid in Iran and Afghanistan, as Canada did, to end racial apartheid in South Africa," said Afshin-Jam.

Another recommendation made by Boniadi is to support Iranian civil society by "establishing a dedicated immigration stream to annually provide refuge to at least 200 Iranians fleeing the regime's persecution."

Boniadi concluded with a message to the people of Iran to stand united.

In the words of Toomaj, she said, "if you and I become us, we are limitless."

Source: iranintl.com

https://www.iranintl.com/en/202405214155

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Supreme Court of India to Examine If Muslim Women Can Claim Equality in Succession

21 May 2024

The Supreme Court has decided to consider whether Muslim women have right to claim equality in succession in view of the mandate of Constitution of India under Articles 14 (fundamental right to equality) and 15 (non-discrimination on the grounds of sex and others) thereof in the light of Article 44 (State's endeavour to secure uniform civil code for citizens).

A bench of Justices C T Ravikumar and Rajesh Bindal said the matter required deeper consideration, including the question whether a testator, who is governed by Mohammedan Law, is entitled to execute a Will of his entire estate left, according to his wish.

The court also framed another question whether a testator, who is governed by Mohammedan Law, can execute a Will to the extent of 1/3rd of the estate left by him in favour of any or more of his legal heirs without the consent of other legal heirs.

The bench appointed senior advocate V Giri as amicus curiae and asked Attorney General R Venkatramani to assist the court in this matter "as the issues have large ramifications and there is no direct judgment on the issue by this Court".

In its order from May 16, the bench clarified that the issues noticed may be reframed after hearing the Amicus Curiae and the Attorney General for India.

Court was hearing an appeal filed by Tarsem concerning the issue pertaining to execution of the Will by late Hazi. The parties are governed by Mohammedan Law, which is not codified, it noted.

The suit was filed by respondent no 1 and 2 (Dharma and others) claiming that late Hazi had executed a Will in favour of three of his sons namely Dharma, Gulzar and Karam Chand leaving the fourth son namely Tarsem. Trial Court had decreed the suit. The First Appellant Court modified the judgment and decree of the Trial Court and directed that late Hazi could execute Will only to the extent of 1/3 rd of his estate and the same was upheld to that extent.

For the remaining 2/3rd estate all the legal heirs were to share the estate equally.

In further appeal to the High Court, the genuineness of the Will was upheld. The judgment and decree of the First Appellate Court was set aside and that of the Trial Court was restored.

The court noted during the course of argument various judgments of different High Courts were cited in terms of which a Mohammedan is not entitled to discriminate in bequeathing his estate amongst his legal heirs unless they consent for the same. Meaning thereby all legal heirs are to share the estate equally.

On the other side, the testator is entitled to bequeath 1/3rd of his estate in favour of third party and the balance 2/3rd will go to the legal heirs in equal shares. This bar of 1/3rd will not be applicable in case the legal heirs consent for the same.

The bench also found in one of the judgments of the Karnataka High Court in Narunnisa Vs Shek Abdul Hamid (1987) reference has been made to an earlier judgment holding that if a Mohammedan is survived by a son and a daughter and the daughter does not consent to the deposition by the testator of giving 3/4th of the property to the son and 1/4th to the daughter, she will be entitled to claim 1/3rd of the property as her share of inheritance and not 50%.

"While going to the root of the issue, we came across “The Hedaya – Commentary on the Islamic Laws” translated by Charles Hamilton, “Mohammedan Law by Syed Ameer Ali” containing the law relating to ‘Gifts, Wakfs, Wills, Pre-emption and Bailment’, “Principles of Mohammedan Law by Mulla” and others. The times have changed ever since those views were expressed by the High Courts specially in view of the judgments of this Court in Prakash and others Vs Phulavati and others (2016) and Shayara Bano Vs Union of India and others (Invalidating Triple Talaq) (2017)," the bench said.

The court scheduled the matter for consideration on July 25, 2024.

Source: lawbeat.in

https://lawbeat.in/top-stories/supreme-court-examine-muslim-women-claim-equality-succession

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URL:   https://www.newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/aya-student-jeddah-charity-club/d/132364


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