American Muslims Respond to Urgent Call to Aid Gaza During Ramadan Amid Growing Hunger Crisis

This year, Nadia Duwaik, a 24-year-old Palestinian American, feels that Ramadan is more challenging than before. Normally, she looks forward to this month for the opportunity to celebrate and reflect with her family, especially during their nightly iftar gatherings.

As the daughter of Palestinian immigrants, Duwaik's feelings about the holy month have become complicated this year due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, over 30,000 people have lost their lives and around 70,000 others have been injured as a result of Israel's siege on Gaza since the Hamas attack on October 7th.

As desperation grows in Gaza due to Israel's severe restrictions on aid, humanitarian groups are raising concerns about the diminishing supplies. The United Nations warns that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are on the brink of famine.

To address the worsening conditions, the European Union has announced the opening of an emergency maritime aid corridor from Cyprus to Gaza, with support from allies including the US. President Joe Biden also revealed that the US Military is planning to construct a temporary port along the Gaza coast to facilitate the delivery of essential humanitarian relief.

After over 100 people were killed this month, international aid is being called for. Eyewitnesses and Palestinian officials reported that Israeli soldiers shot at people as they gathered around food aid trucks. This led to chaos, with many being run over, injured, or trampled.

Israel acknowledged that its forces fired on people, claiming that the crowds posed a threat to their troops. However, they disputed the version of events provided by eyewitnesses and Palestinian officials.

Palestinians in Gaza City's al-Rashid Street, who face challenges in meeting their basic needs due to Israeli army restrictions on humanitarian aid, receive a bag of flour from an aid truck.

Gaza, home to around 2.2 million people, is currently experiencing severe levels of food insecurity, as reported by the World Food Programme. Child malnutrition in Gaza is noted to be the highest globally.

As the crescent moon appears on Monday to signal the beginning of Ramadan, American Muslims, such as Duwaik, express a strong desire to fulfill a key aspect of their Islamic faith by giving to charity, known as zakat, to support Gaza relief.

Jad Shaheen, another Palestinian American, shared that the escalating humanitarian situation and concerns for his family in the West Bank are constantly on his mind.

"People need more help now than ever before because the situation is getting worse - people in Gaza are being deprived of food and water. It is crucial to make sure that these basic necessities reach those who need them."

Duwaik mentioned that she has been supporting organizations such as the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund and the United Nations Agency for Palestine refugees since the start of the war. This year, as her birthday coincides with Ramadan, she plans to request her friends to donate to a charity that aids in relief efforts, instead of buying her gifts.

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In 2023, Islamic Relief, a nonprofit organization, received over $30 million in online donations during Ramadan, as reported by a spokesperson for the organization.

Awrad Saleh, who is the assistant director for international programs and partnerships at the nonprofit, mentioned that they have observed a greater willingness from people to donate during Ramadan compared to other times of the year.

Islamic Relief's aim this year is to ensure that food donations and aid are accessible throughout the entirety of Ramadan in all the countries they offer assistance.

"We are providing support to Gaza by offering hot meals during Ramadan," Saleh explained.

They aim to reach 250,000 people and are collaborating with partners in the region to distribute meals to areas like Khan Yunis and Rafah.

Along with the hot meals, they are also giving out vegetables for suhoor, which is the meal people usually have before fasting at dawn.

"It's open to everyone in the community who wants a hot meal, especially during Ramadan. The goal is to make sure that those who are fasting have the food they need," she explained.

The organization follows a Quranic passage that emphasizes the importance of prayer and giving to those in need. The passage highlights the belief that all good deeds are seen and rewarded by Allah.

Nasma Shehadeh, a Christian originally from Bethlehem but now living in New York, shared that although she does not practice Islam, she has contributed to organizations like Islamic Relief to support Muslims in need. She expressed her worry for her friends in the region who are struggling during Ramadan with limited resources.

"They don't have enough food, yet they have such unwavering faith that they continue to fast," Shehadeh explained. "The thought of them fasting without proper food is simply heartbreaking to me."

Palestinians flock to receive flour distributed by The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza.

Palestinians flock to receive flour distributed by The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Gaza.

Shehadeh is currently dedicated to supporting her friend in Gaza. Her friend's home was destroyed, and now she is living in a shelter. She is relying on donations to fund her and her family's escape to Egypt.

Human Appeal, a charity organization, has been offering humanitarian assistance in Gaza since 1991, as stated by Samina Taj, the associate director of communications for the organization.

Taj mentioned that ever since the war began in Gaza, their teams have been working tirelessly to respond to the urgent need for aid.

Taj mentioned that the charity is currently focused on setting up a mobile kitchen in Gaza to provide meals for fasting families during Ramadan, ensuring that people are well-fed during this important time.

In a report from February 2024, it was stated that donations received by Human Appeal since October 7 have allowed the charity to deliver around $1.9 million worth of medical supplies, medicine, and winter clothing to Gaza through the Rafah border crossing.

Since then, the charity has experienced a rise in donations, with Taj mentioning that they anticipate even more contributions during Ramadan.

Noor Traina, a 24-year-old consultant in Washington, DC, originally from Libya, emphasized that while Ramadan emphasizes giving, she acknowledges that donations alone will not be sufficient to bring an end to the ongoing war.

Traina always makes donations to mosques during Ramadan as a form of sadaqa, which is the voluntary act of giving charity in Islam, slightly different from the mandatory zakat.

She explained, "I find myself giving more during this spiritual month, it just feels right to give more with a sincere intention."

Traina is concerned about whether the aid she provides is reaching the people it is intended for.

She mentioned, "We make efforts to choose trustworthy channels, but is there a guarantee that it will ultimately benefit those in need?"

Negotiators aimed to finalize a ceasefire agreement before Ramadan, but negotiations broke down recently. Traina mentioned that she, along with other Muslims, will persist in urging lawmakers to act.

"This Ramadan, besides fasting and giving back, as we think of the hungry, injured families, and orphans in Gaza and Palestine, we will also be worshipping through peaceful protests and calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance for Palestinians," she added.

“That’s what Ramadan is about, but especially this Ramadan.”

Editor's P/S:

The article "Ramadan Amidst Conflict and Crisis: American Muslims Respond to Gaza's Plight" paints a somber picture of the challenges Palestinians face during the holy month of Ramadan, exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with thousands of lives lost and countless injured.

The article highlights the determination of American Muslims to support relief efforts in Gaza, despite the complexities of the situation. Organizations like the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund, the United Nations Agency for Palestine refugees, and Islamic Relief are receiving increased donations from individuals eager to help. However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of aid delivery and the need for a political solution to end the conflict. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza serves as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and the need for all parties to prioritize peace and human rights. concerns about whether aid is reaching those who need it most, and calls for international action to end the ongoing conflict and provide long-term humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.