Eid al-Adha: A Time of Reflection and Remembrance for Gaza
Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar. Traditionally, it is a time of joy, celebration, and giving. Muslims around the world commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. However, this year, as we approach Eid al-Adha, our hearts are heavy with the sorrow and devastation that has befallen the people of Gaza.
The Humanitarian Catastrophe in Gaza
For the past nine months, Gaza has been subjected to relentless Israeli airstrikes that have left a trail of destruction and unimaginable human suffering. The sheer scale of the devastation is staggering: over 50,000 people have lost their lives, with 70% of the casualties being women and children. The once vibrant and bustling Gaza Strip now lies in ruins, with 90% of its infrastructure, hospitales, schools, university, mosques and churches being completely destroyed by heavy bombing.
Remembering the Lives Lost
As we gather with our families and communities to celebrate Eid al-Adha, it is imperative that we remember the innocent lives lost in Gaza. The stories of families torn apart, children robbed of their futures, and entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble must not be forgotten. These are not just statistics; they are human beings who had dreams, hopes, and aspirations.
One cannot help but think of the children who will never experience the joy of Eid again, the mothers who have lost their sons, and the fathers who have been left to mourn their families. The scale of the tragedy is beyond comprehension, and it is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the horrors of war.
The Destruction of Gaza
Gaza, once a place of rich culture and history, now stands as a testament to the destructive power of modern warfare. The relentless Israeli airstrikes have obliterated homes, schools, hospitals, and vital infrastructure. The people of Gaza are not just facing physical destruction but also psychological trauma that will take generations to heal.
A Daily Genocide
The ongoing Israeli airstrikes and military operations have amounted to what many describe as a daily genocide. The systematic destruction and loss of life have been widely covered on social media, bringing global attention to the atrocities. This relentless violence has led to widespread condemnation and calls for action from various quarters. Yet, despite the outrage and the powerful visuals shared online, the international response has failed to halt the devastation.
It is shocking and heartbreaking to see that, despite the collective strength and influence of 1.2 billion Muslims worldwide, Gaza remains under siege. The inability to effectively mobilize and save Gaza from this humanitarian crisis is a profound source of sorrow and frustration for many in the Muslim community.
Eid al-Adha: A Time for Solidarity and Hope
Eid al-Adha is traditionally a time for Muslims to come together in prayer, sacrifice, and charity. This year, as we celebrate, let us also take a moment to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Let us pray for their safety, their resilience, and their strength facing evil forces.
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Charity is a cornerstone of Eid al-Adha, and this year, we can honor the spirit of the festival by extending our support to those in need in Gaza. Donations to credible humanitarian organizations can help provide much-needed relief and bring a glimmer of hope to those who have lost so much. If you want to donate, please connect with a few families from Gaza who have been able to create profiles on GoFundMe. Read their heartbreaking stories; your donation, no matter how small, might be enough to save their lives and help them escape to Egypt.
Charities that still operate on the ground, see below. Please note international charities are not operating in Gaza now. The below are verified by families we know in Gaza itself.
Make a Difference: How to Assist Verified Charities and Families in Gaza
Charities actually operating in Gaza:
Families you can help directly:?