Oakland County teens to play piano to help Syrian kids
By Aftab Borka
The Oakland Press
A group of Oakland County teenagers have found a unique way to raise money to help children in the war-torn country of Syrian.
The high schoolers have decided to make a difference through music and plan a “Piano Keys for Syrian Kids Fundraiser.”
The event will be held on Sunday, Feb. 28, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Steinway Piano Gallery, located at 2700 E. West Maple Road in Commerce Township.
Among the group are Beverly Hills twins Omar and Ziad Fehmi who came up with the idea.
“I have been playing piano for about eight years now and I enjoy playing,” said Omar, 14, of Beverly Hills. “Before the conflict, Syrian children were just like us in terms of opportunities and a steady future. When violence broke out these kids had their opportunities taken away from them and their future put on hold.”
Their effort is being helped by the Center for Arab American Philanthropy, which is hosting the concert.
All the proceeds will support UNICEF’s relief efforts for Syrian children.
“We chose to support Syrian refugee children because no child ever should have to go through the atrocities that these children, many of whom are not even 10 years old, are going through everyday,” said Ziad.
Maha Freij, founder of the Center for Arab American Philanthropy and Deputy Executive Director and CFO of ACCESS, said the group is not only raising awareness about the plight of refugee children, but also building leadership among young members of the Arab American community.
“The piano concert to support the Fund was dreamt up and organized by local teens Omar and Ziad Fehmi, and we are extremely proud of their ability to prioritize the needs of others and provide a living example of the power of creating change together,” said Freij.
Source: www.theoaklandpress.com