Dear DOST Kirim supporters,

We sadly announce the passing of DOST Founder Remziye Molbayli, President of the DOST Crimean Women's Humanitarian League of America. Remziye worked with DOST and its affiliates in Crimea for the past eleven years, working tirelessly to improve the lives of impoverished children and the elderly with the help of local Crimean Community. She also raised funds, organized clothing drives, and set up the "Sponsor a Child in Crimea" Program to educate promising but poor children. Remziye Molbayli's contributions to improving the health and well-being of women, children, and the elderly in Crimea has not gone unnoticed and continues to be a great inspiration to us all. She was a rare woman among us. If we can continue her efforts with at least half the dignity, respect, and spirit embodied by Remziye Abla, then we will have achieved a great deal.

Sincerely, the Dost Kirim Members

Message from Remziye Molbayli:

As President of DOST and a Crimean Tatar, I have seen and heard many powerful and sad stories affecting families from our land. I wish to share with you my own story, so that you may learn how it inspired me to help with the Crimean cause.

In 1944 my parents fled to Germany, and from there they went to Turkiye in 1950, after which we came to America in 1963. I was born in Munich, Germany, and I have been in America for 42 years.

While resting on his bed some time ago, my father, Osman Molbayli, opened his loving eyes halfway and displayed a warm smile and said, "Don't drift apart from your people. If Allah (God) gives you an opportunity to help them, do not run away from it. This is what I ask of you." I affectionately replied, "Father, please get better so we can both help our people." I, the very youngest of his daughters, would listen to his problems with great concern and shared his thoughts of how we could and should help. My dear father passed away in 1986, but his last request remains alive.

Both my parents fled Crimea in 1944, established a life in Turkiye (Turkey), and then permanently settled in America. I, continued my education in America, held a prestigious career, and had a wonderful social life. As a result, the problems of my people were burdened upon my parents. However, as my father was no longer here, I accepted the role and responsibility of helping my nation.

In New York, I knew that a small group of Tatars had successfully established a Crimean Organization. I made my first attempt in helping the Tatars by becoming an earnest participant in this organization. By 1989, I was a very active member. During these years, I sincerely started to feel the struggle and pain of my people. After Perestroika, I had the pleasure and honor of meeting the leader of the Tatar Nation Movement, Mr. Mustafa Dzhemilov. I also have had the privilege of meeting with the Crimean Tatar Women's League's president, Mrs. Safinar Dzhemileva, who was invited as a guest by the League of Women's voters. As I became acquainted with many extraordinary representatives and participated in numerous discussions concerning the situation of my country, I gained valuable knowledge and was inspired with many ideas. Due to the offer and guidance of the League of Women's Voters, I was able to help unfortunate children in Crimea. A very warm friend, Ms. Green, who founded DOST Bosnia, also lent her support in the creation of DOST Kirim. DOST Kirim was formally established in New York 1996.

As President of DOST Kirim, I made a trip to Crimea in June 1999. This marked my third visit to my homeland, but my first as President of DOST. Meeting with many good-hearted friends, as well as visiting many underprivileged areas, has had a huge emotional impact on me and the work that I do. I visited Gok Goz and Kezlev, where I have conversed with numerous elderly women and men. After listening to their problems with much concern, I assured them that our help would continue.

I also toured schools in Eski Kirim, as well as learning center in Bakhchisaray and Alma Tarhan. (Click here for a map.) It was in these areas that my heart began to literally melt. Even in the midst of such hardship, the Tartar population has done as much possible to create educational facilities, that one would stand in awe. Ms. Ayse Cobanova, the first woman founder and now principal of the Crimean Tatar National School in Eski Kirim, who is very active in children education in Crimea, has informed me about what measures had been taken to establish these learning centers, and what more they are anticipating.

I have also met with the members of the Crimean Tartar Women's League, who have notified me about what kind of help they need. These remarkable strong women and the other beloved people I have met have left me with tears. As I departed from Crimea, I felt the greatest pride in my nation. My people have returned to their homeland and newly reestablished their homes, as well as democratic organizations.

We are the Tatars in America who have endlessly prayed for their rightful freedom for many years. And I have been lucky to have witnessed my beloved nation heading on a road to become a democratic and hopefully prosperous country.

Sincerely,

Remziye Molbayli

DOST is governed by all volunteer officers and Board of Directors.

Chairwoman/CEO: Husniye Molbayli
Executive Committee: Husniye Kiziltug, Maviye Celebi, Hatice Guido, Lale Kiziltug

Special Need Children in Crimea Committee: Nuran Celebi, Leyla Ramazan, Aliye Abibula

Website designer and editor: Yasmin Tabi