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PLAINFIELD, IN (January 13, 2010) -- The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) joins all Muslims in offering condolences for the terrible loss of life and property in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Hundreds of thousands of people may have been killed and injured after a deadly earthquake struck Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday, centered about 10 miles (15 kilometers) southwest of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. It could be felt strongly in eastern Cuba, more than 200 miles away.

Haiti, one of the poorest countries of the world, was devastated by the earthquake with the most heavily populated areas being hardest hit.

ISNA has established a special Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund (HERF) to aid the victims of the earthquake. “We established the fund because we realize the magnitude of the devastation and feel we are morally compelled to contribute to alleviate the suffering in Haiti,” said secretary general Safaa Zarzour.

ISNA appeals to all Muslim Americans to donate generously to HERF or any of the other relief organizations which are aiding the victims of the Haiti earthquake. ISNA will work with the Muslim and interfaith communities to ensure that donations are directed toward providing humanitarian relief to affected Haitians.

“I call on all members of the Muslim Community to provide whatever help they can in the form of volunteers and donations as well as to pray for the victims of this horrible disaster,” said Dr. Ingrid Mattson, President of ISNA.

Donations may be made to “Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund” and sent to ISNA headquarters (P. O. Box 808, Plainfield, Indiana 46168) or donate online.