In 2017, a Muslim child enjoyed an unforgettable experience alongside Jewish and Christian volunteers preparing and serving a hot meal to unhoused neighbors. Today, Musa* still remembers almost every minute of that amazing day when his mosque, West Valley Muslim Association, collaborated with Saratoga Federated Church and Congregation Beth David to feed the hungry in San Jose, Calif. 

This event made a lasting impact on Musa’s understanding of how humanity can work together to alleviate poverty. It was no naive dream. He witnessed it firsthand and had a marvelous time. It gave him hope that despite a growing climate of anti-Muslim hostilities, many were happy to work with him and his community. So after his family moved to New Jersey, he contacted AAi in search of a remote volunteer opportunity. Now a high school freshman, Musa began curating AAi event photos with excellence.