DEARBORN — The Islamic Center of America (ICA) held its semi-annual Fall fundraising dinner on Sunday, Nov. 3; an event that coincided with the 19th annual commemoration of the passing of the Center’s founder Imam Mohamad Jawad Chirri.

Robert Brutell, the Chairman of Interfaith Leadership Council; Osama Siblani, the publisher of The Arab American News; and Neemat Haidus Turfe, a community volunteer, were given the Imam Chirri Award at the event.

The dinner was attended by about 1,000 people, including elected officials community and faith leaders. 

The Center announced during the dinner that it raised $250,000 at the event to support the mosque’s activities.

Brutell, a professor of religious studies at the University of Detroit Mercy, was praised for his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue. His organization, the Interfaith Leadership Council aims to “bring together, encourage and nurture interfaith groups and networks; support coalitions between and among religious groups, as well as the community at large, through active conflict resolution; and promote interfaith education, so that the metropolitan Detroit community can benefit from the synergies and creative benefits that knowledge and understanding can provide.”

Turfe, who connects with religious centers and medics to provide services to the sick and the needy, took the opportunity of receiving the award to thank the doctors, nurses and social workers who assist her in helping people.

“I needed to recognize those people, who make it possible for me to do what I do. I should honor them,” she told TAAN. “I appreciate the Center a lot.”

She said community doctors are dedicated to helping patients, who need them, and they make themselves available, even when they’re on vacation. 

She added that she uses her contacts to help patients who suffer depression or do not have access to specialists. She also assists with car rides and translation, for those who are not fluent in English.

Turfe said empathy is what drives her to help others.

“I put myself in their shoes. When I see a person in need of help, I picture him as my brother,” she explained.

Turfe links up with several organizations, but she provides help in her personal capacity. 

“She’s her own self-starter, very dedicated and does everything confidentially,” said professor Tallal Turfe, Neemat’s husband. “I don’t even know about some of the people she helps. She doesn’t do anything for recognition.”

Turfe said she started her volunteer work, soon after she immigrated to America in 1964 and saw her husband’s commitment to help recent immigrants with living arrangements, residence and employment. 

“Tallal was behind me all the way,” she said.

Turfe added that young women from the community have contacted her to emulate her work.

“I will pick two women and introduce them to my contacts, so they can carry on with the confidential help,” she said.

Moussa Hamka, the assistant principal at North Farmington High School and a life long member of ICA, emceed the event, where Turfe was honored. 

Hamka paid tribute to the late Imam Chirri, praising his contributions to the community. Hamka said Chirri had a long-lasting influence on him. 

The late imam moved to the United States in 1949, after being invited by the growing Muslim community, seeking religious guidance in the Detroit Area. Chirri established the Islamic Center, in 1965, on Greenfield Road in Detroit (now located on Ford Road in Dearborn). The late imam was an outspoken advocate of interfaith dialogue and is known for his efforts to promote greater understanding of Muslims across the U.S. and the world.