BLOG

The Olive Press

Zakat al-Fitr — Giving During Ramadan

by Anera

Feb 1, 2025

Posted in:

One of Islam’s major pillars is zakat, or alms, through which Muslims show support for the Islamic community. At the end of Ramadan, a special type of zakat is due — Zakat al-Fitr. These obligatory alms allow Muslims to cleanse their wealth after the fasting month while giving directly to the poor and needy. As…

Read More

What Is Zakat?

by Anera

Feb 1, 2025

Posted in:

Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, is a donation that Muslims regard as a mandatory act within their faith. Followers of Islam who have at least a minimum amount of wealth are required to give 2.5% of their liquid assets away to charity each year. The aid should be given to the poor, travelers in…

Read More

Ramadan 2022

by Anera

Feb 1, 2025

Posted in:

Every year on the ninth month of the Islamic lunar cycle, there’s a subtle stirring of anticipation as millions of Muslims around the world prepare to fast, feast and celebrate their beliefs during the holiest month on the Muslim calendar. It’s observed in more than 50 Muslim-majority countries and numerous other nations across the globe….

Read More

World Water Day and Gaza

Mar 22, 2024

Posted in:

Bringing together this year’s theme “Water for Peace,” indigenous poetry and Gaza.

Read More

Hope During Ramadan: Supporting Communities During Crisis

by Anera

Feb 23, 2024

Posted in:

For refugees and vulnerable communities in the Middle East, daily life is fraught with immense challenges. Yet, amidst these difficulties, our unwavering hope for a better future remains a powerful tool. With your generous support, we can turn this hope into tangible action, providing vital assistance to those facing unimaginable hardships. In Gaza, where the…

Read More

Women in Gaza Lack Access to Menstrual Supplies

by Anera

Jan 12, 2024

Posted in: , ,

The crisis in Gaza has been catastrophic for all aspects of life, including women’s menstrual health.

Read More

A Primer on Gaza

by Anera

Jan 11, 2024

Posted in: ,

The Gaza Strip is a 25-mile long stretch of coastal land (141 square miles, 365 square kilometers) that is home to a growing population of more than two million people. For such a small place, Gaza has a name everyone recognizes around the globe, but few really understand its history, culture and overall situation. Early…

Read More

Za’atar 101 with Chef Fadi Kattan

by Anera

Sep 23, 2023

Posted in: , , ,

In celebration of Za’atar Day on Sept. 23, we asked our friend Chef Fadi Kattan to tell us about the many different ways za’atar can be enjoyed. A staple in Palestinian kitchens, Chef tells us some of the ways he incorporates za’atar in his dishes. Happy Za’atar Day! Curious to know how we celebrate Palestinian…

Read More

Anera Reads

by Anera

Sep 6, 2023

Posted in:

What we’re reading These books are Anera staff and supporter favorites. They give some context to life, history and culture in the countries where we work: Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan. We also feature some writings that describe the experiences of refugees and other communities related to those we serve in the Middle East that may…

Read More

Suffocating in the Heat

Aug 16, 2023

Posted in:

Climate Change’s Deadly Impact on Vulnerable Communities in the Middle East The Middle East, a region already burdened with conflict, displacement, and political turmoil, now faces an additional existential threat: climate change. The impacts of rising temperatures, droughts, and extreme weather events in the region are exacerbating the vulnerability of communities and compounding existing social…

Read More