In an effort to raise money for Pakistani relief from flooding, Creighton’s Muslim Student Association hosted a Middle Eastern food fundraiser Tuesday afternoon in the Hixson-Lied study lounge. July’s heavy monsoons displaced more than 20 million Pakistinis and left one-fifth of the country under water. The MSA worked with Creighton’s Center for Service and Justice, Juhan, Campus Ministry and the Jesuit University Humanitarian Action Network to help spread news of the event around the Creighton campus and gather donations.

“We are all humans,” said Arts & Sciences junior Jamal Jamil. “After Haiti, there was a sense of unity. We all wanted to raise money, goods, and help the people. We want to do the same for Pakistan.”

The food was homemade by MSA members and included tabouleh salad, hummus, grape leaves, Afgahn palau, Pakistani lo mein, samosa and baklava. Teachers, students and staff gathered to try the authentic Middle Eastern dishes. The food fundraiser was scheduled from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; however, due to the high demand, the main dishes had already run out by noon.

Event proceeds will be sent to the Catholic Relief Services to help the people of Pakistan.

“Even though it is halfway around the world, we wanted to help here,” said Jamil.

In addition to the Pakistan flood relief fundraiser, the MSA has additional events on its calendar.

“We have planned “Reel Bad Arabs” on the 30th and are working on planning more for the semester,” said second-year Pharmacy student Adel Al Nakhli.

Dr. Jack Shaheen will speak at Reel Bad Arabs at 7 p.m. on Sept. 30 in the Harper Center Auditorium. The event will focus on Hollywood’s portrayal of the Arab world. More information about the event can be found on posters throughout campus.