Oct 14, 2001

Day 34 - Tzu Chi USA News Update
Reported on 10/14/01 3:00 p.m. PST

New York / New Jersey

1. Yesterday (October 13) morning, after the prayer assembly at Peace Park in New Jersey, which was held simultaneously with SNG in Taiwan, the participants entered the Science Hall to carry on another successful prayer meeting indoor. During the meeting, Dr. James Laws of Calvary Bridge and Ambassador Li-Yen Hsia of the Economic and Cultural Office in New York gave speeches. The two elaborated for the participants their knowledge about Tzu Chi and reported on the efforts and accomplishments of Tzu Chi in areas of philanthropy. Their words deeply moved the family of the tragedy victims and the government officials in attendance, and these audiences went away with profound impressions of Tzu Chi. Following the prayer assemblies, the families of the tragedy victims expressed deep gratitude toward Tzu Chi and the Venerable Master for setting up the assistance stations in New York and in New Jersey in the wake of September 11th that gave out support and aid.

2. Yesterday, the City Hall of New York telephoned to get in touch with Director Si-Sien and express appreciations for Tzu Chi's diligent efforts following the September 11th tragedy. They may discuss with Director Si-Sien later on future collaborations.

3. Following the prayer assembly, Director Si-Sien, Sister Tzu Guon, and all the brothers and sisters from out of state went to the Long Island Branch Office to participate in the Tzu Chi Youth and Children Seminar. Director Si-Sien played a video of ABC's news report on Tzu Chi's efforts in El Salvador and Tzu Chi South Africa's assistance of schools, which included the African students singing the Three No's of Tzu Chi. The children and their parents were very inspired, as they gained a better understanding of Tzu Chi's international disaster relief and the organization's essence.

4. At 1PM today, Director Si-Sien represented Tzu Chi and the Knightbridge International in conducting a successful press conference at the JFK Sheraton Hotel in New York. Also, Dr. Edwards and three other founding members of Knightbridge Internatioal explained to media reporters the details of how Tzu Chi and Knightbridge International plan to assist the Afghan refugees, and they officially will depart for Afghanistan on this mission.

5. Following the news conference, Director Si Sien went to the Long Island Branch Office for a information session, where he promoted the "A good deed a day keeps disasters away" endeavor. Tomorrow, information session will be held at the Taiwan Conference Hall in New York, again to promote the "A good deed a day keeps disasters away".

6. Because of the activities yesterday and today, we could not tally up the help cases of the past two days on time. The report will be made tomorrow.

Southern California:

The Southern California Branch Office organized a very heart warming prayer meeting yesterday morning. At its conclusion, everyone cast out a handful of soil and made a wish, as all the participants exercised their loving mind in planting a Bodhi tree. After the prayer meeting, the free clinic of Southern California Branch Office conducted a flu shot activity, during which the "A good deed a day keeps disasters away" effort was promoted.

Source: Tzu Chi USA Main Office