Muhammad Ali Statement on Tsunami Disaster

The tsunami disaster in the Indian Ocean region has left in its wake a world mourning and praying for its victims and their families and friends. I am especially heartbroken that so many children were killed, injured, orphaned and displaced.

The news and images coming from Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India and other countries show that this is among the worst catastrophes of our lifetime. For the many lives it claimed and the massive destruction it wrought, it is not more comforting to realize that the devastation was caused by a natural phenomenon. We cannot explain why these terrible things happen; we only know that God is in control, and are consoled by our faith.

The goodness that comes from the hearts of our brothers and sisters around the world is needed to help the survivors rebuild their communities: their schools and hospitals, their homes and businesses. If you are able, please join me in making a donation to help the emergency relief efforts underway right now by going to the UNICEF website www.unicef.org.

--Muhammad Ali