“Answering the Call: American Muslims Rally to Send Aid to Gaza Amidst Looming Threat of Starvation this Ramadan”

For Nadia Duwaik, a 24-year-old American Palestinian, the start of Ramadan means more than it has in the past. She usually looks forward to the holy month with great anticipation, loving the chance to participate in family customs like the evening iftar parties. But the continuing war between Israel and Hamas, coupled with the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, have clouded her often joyful mood. After the October 7 Hamas attack, Israel has imposed a crippling embargo on Gaza, which has claimed over 30,000 lives and injured 70,000 more. Humanitarian organizations warn of an impending famine that threatens hundreds of thousands of Palestinians as circumstances worsen and relief supplies decrease as a result of Israeli restrictions. The international world has stepped its efforts to deliver Gaza help in response to this catastrophic scenario. The US-backed European Union has declared the opening of an emergency marine relief route between Gaza and Cyprus. In order to support humanitarian aid operations, President Joe Biden has also approved the construction of a temporary port along the Gaza shore. Nadia Duwaik and other American Muslims are under tremendous pressure to fulfill their religious obligation of zakat, or charity contributions, to support Gaza as the first night of Ramadan draws near. The Palestinian American Jad Shaheen emphasizes how urgent aid is needed as Gaza struggles with severe food and water shortages. Duwaik and others have made contributions to a number of relief organizations by diverting birthday presents to charitable organizations that aid in the relief of Gaza. For example, Islamic Relief seeks to feed 250,000 Palestinians in Gaza hot meals and basic supplies throughout Ramadan. Seeing the terrible conditions that Muslims in the area experience, even people like Nasma Shehadeh, a Christian from Bethlehem who now lives in New York, have banded together to help relief organizations like Islamic Relief. Since 1991, Human Appeal, a different nonprofit organization, has been delivering aid to Gaza. One of their initiatives is setting up a mobile kitchen to serve meals to families who are fasting during Ramadan. In light of the continuous fighting and logistical difficulties, doubts remain over the effectiveness of assistance distribution despite the outpouring of support. Washington, DC-based consultant Noor Traina highlights the necessity of keeping up the pressure on legislators to solve the Gaza problem. The situation in Gaza continues to be in the forefront of Muslims’ prayers and deeds throughout this Ramadan as they practice fasting and charity giving all over the world. It’s a time for spiritual introspection as well as lobbying and showing support for those in need.

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/03/11/us/ramadan-zakat-gaza-donations-reaj/index.html