Ramadan in Gaza

Community News - Community News

Written by Ibrahim Abusway, Muslim Link Contributing Writer

Thursday, 22 July 2010 08:52

Two years ago in Gaza during Ramadan, 9-year-old Sujood walked into a KinderUSA sponsored Iftar (dinner) to have a bite to eat. Someone in the dinner hall noticed that Sujood was a new face and decided to inquire about her. What we found out was heart-breaking.

“My name is Sujood. I am in fourth grade. My father recently died and left me, my mom, and my 9 siblings.”

Let us pause here for a moment.

Our brothers, sisters, and children in Gaza have been under siege and under a blockade for nearly 4 years. Very little is getting into Gaza, be it medicine, food, or clothes; forget about building materials and electrical equipment, most of that is banned. Nearly 75% of all factories are shut down in Gaza, and those that are functioning struggle to find spare parts or even electricity to operate. People are struggling to find bare necessities.

The dire situation in Gaza would devastate any adult, both psychologically and emotionally. Most of us here in America would not survive one week in Gaza. So what about 9-year-old Sujood? What about 9-year-old Sujood without a father? What about Sujood’s mother?
Sujood’s mother had no time to grieve, she had no time to cry, she had no time to complain. Upon the death of her husband, Sujood’s mom had to find work; she had to find work in a city with 75% unemployment! She found work, for $2 per day.

As for your daughter Sujood; well, she could not be a child anymore. She could not do what 9-year-olds do. No time to surf the Net. No time for television. No time to enjoy the beautiful weather. Sujood has to be an adult because now she has adult tasks: she has 9 brothers and sisters to help raise; she has no father to lean on, but at least her younger siblings will lean on her in their time of weakness.

KinderUSA continues to feed some of the poorest families in Gaza. This Ramadan, we will continue to provide iftar (dinner) in various communities in Gaza. We continue to support women’s co-ops and small farmers in Gaza, both of whom provide food for those most in need. Just like Gaza, KinderUSA is supporting farmers in the West Bank with a goal of feeding 1000 needy families during the month of Ramadan. All of KinderUSA’s projects are legal and transparent. We are a 501 c3 nonprofit charity in good standing with the US Treasury Department and registered in the European Union as an Association Internationale Sans But Lucratif (AISBL). All of our projects fall under the umbrella for zakat ul maal and of course zakat/sadaqah in general. We are also accepting zakat ul fitr. Muslim scholars (ulamaa’) say that Muslim in America who give any zakat or sadaqah can declare this as a tax deduction.

What is important is that you help.

Remind your children of their struggling brothers and sisters in Gaza, the West Bank, and elsewhere. Make duaa’ (prayers and supplications) for them and give from what Allah has given you. For $110, you can help feed a family of 7 during Ramadan, providing them with fresh produce, dairy, and poultry. Please consider giving a one-time or monthly donation of any amount to support KinderUSA’s relief efforts. And remember that whoever brings relief to a struggling person in this world, Allah will bring them relief in this world and the Hereafter. To learn more or to support, please visit www.kinderusa.org or call 1-888-451-8908.

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Ibrahim Amin Abusway is KinderUSA’s Development Coordinator and can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or
(703) 981-2856.