EMERGENCY
A Much-Needed Source of Protein for Families Facing Starvation in Gaza
Sep, 2024
With support from Islamic Relief USA, Anera delivered approximately 47,500 kilograms of meat to families across Gaza.
Ramzi's Family's Story
Ramzi, from Gaza City, has been displaced for nearly a year in Deir Al Balah, enduring what he describes as a "catastrophic situation." His family is struggling to survive without basic necessities like water, food, or a safe place to live. "Even our tent is unlivable," he says. "When it rains, it floods, and the children suffer."
Ramzi is caring for three families, including his son's, who is married with three daughters.
Tragically, one of his granddaughters was killed during the war, while another is receiving treatment in Turkey with her mother. His daughter, now a widow after her husband was killed in the war, has a young child to care for.
Ramzi himself suffers from diabetes, and without medication, his eyesight is deteriorating. "If I wanted to go to the nearest hospital for treatment, I would need $27 for transportation, but I don’t have that kind of money."
Before the war, Ramzi worked and was able to provide for his family.
"We were happy," he recalls. "But now we are living without dignity, in extreme humiliation. We were never like this. We were generous people who never waited for anyone to help us. Now, we wait for aid, and for the past three months, we’ve barely received anything."
With support from Islamic Relief USA, Anera was able to provide qurbani meat to Ramzi’s family. This much-needed relief has offered a small comfort to his family trying to survive amid skyrocketing prices and limited resources in Gaza.
Speaking out of despair, Ramzi describes how the cost of living in Gaza has skyrocketed. "Thirty dollars used to buy a lot in Gaza, but now it barely buys anything." He had heard that qurbani meat would arrive three months ago, but it only just arrived today due to restrictions and the situation on the ground.
"We shouldn't be tortured like this. We are humans, just like everyone else. The world should be thinking of us in Gaza. I don't understand why the world has turned its back on us."
Nabila's Family's Story
Nabila and her family were forced to flee their home in Gaza City at the onset of the war. "We went from Khan Younis to Rafah, and finally to Deir Al Balah. Only God knows how much we’ve suffered," she recalls.
Nabila received the qurbani meat and immediately began preparing a special meal for her family.
"I’m going to make molokhia with the meat," she says, referring to the traditional dish made from leafy greens, usually served with rice and meat.
"My children were so happy when they saw the meat," she adds, grateful for the chance to offer them a comforting, hearty meal.
Thanks to support from Islamic Relief USA, Anera delivered approximately 47,500 kilograms of meat to families across Gaza.
