21 Indonesians Die Awaiting Charity Handouts As Part of Islamic Tradition

On September 16, 2008, the New York Times reports that 21 people died as nearly 10,000 people  awaited handouts that amounted to about $4.  the handouts are a part of an Islamic tradition during the holy month of Ramadan.  Hospital officials in the small Indonesian town reported that, in addition to the 21 dead, there were dozens of people treated for injuries – all of them women.  For the entire story, see “21 Indonesians Die in Stampede for Aid” in the September 16, 2008, issue of the New York Times.

DAB