Ramadan 2023: UNRWA USA is doing things differently...
This piece is written by our Development Manager, Nahed Elrayes.
Happy Ramadan to all those who observe! For over one billion Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is a special time to count one's blessings and share them with those who need it most.
This Ramadan, we at UNRWA USA are doing things a bit differently. I’m here to share how and why:
#1: Do more with your money, using our 100% Zakat Fund.
Yes, you read that right.
This Ramadan, UNRWA USA is covering ALL overhead costs related to our Zakat Fund, meaning 100% of your donation will be strictly reserved for refugees (not many charities will offer this!). One of the five pillars of Islam, "zakat" is a required giving of a portion of one's wealth to those in need, on an annual basis. But zakat can't just go anywhere. UNRWA's food and cash assistance programs are certified by The National Zakat Foundation Worldwide, Al-Azhar, and the Jerusalem Islamic Council as zakat-eligible.
#2: We couldn't choose just one area: Lebanon, Gaza or Syria?
This year we are supporting Palestine refugees in three different locations.
From ruinous inflation in Lebanon to the illegal blockade on Gaza, to the tragic earthquake in Syria, Palestine refugees everywhere in 2023 are braving a world of disasters.
This year, your gift to refugees will be carefully allocated to three fields where UNRWA operates. UNRWA is the #1 critical link between food and Palestine refugee families. With your support, the Agency can be relied on to provide food and cash assistance to millions of refugees living in poverty who can't afford the basics.
This Ramadan, we also aim to provide 400 refugee orphans in the Gaza Strip with the monthly financial support, clothing, and school supplies needed to pursue their dreams. When you provide cash assistance to orphans through UNRWA USA, you ensure that orphans get UNRWA services necessary to help overcome the traumas of violence and blockade, the dignity of a proper education, and the gift of a brighter future.
3. We're aiming our goals higher than ever: $1.1 million for refugees.
With your support, we can aim high.
Last Ramadan, you surpassed our $1 million fundraising goal, raising a collective $1.1 million -- back then, enough to support 17,600 families with a month of food assistance. This year, our goal is to raise $1.1 million -- accounting for inflation, that can bring UNRWA food assistance to 15,000 more Palestine refugee families.
We're not resting this Ramadan.
No matter your faith, thank you for joining us in making the most of this meaningful time.