Mar, 2025
Together with Islamic Relief USA, Anera is distributing fresh fruit and vegetables to families in Gaza for Ramadan.
An atmosphere of warmth radiates from inside the small tent where Maha and her family now live, tucked in the midst of the rubble that once was their home. Inside, Maha’s six children greet visitors with bright eyes and wide smiles, their laughter filling the air despite the challenges they face.
The youngest children gather around, eager to see the bag of vegetables the visitors have brought for them. They eagerly take the bundle, small fingers delicately unpacking the fresh produce with excitement.
Thanks to generous funding by Islamic Relief USA, Anera has distributed fresh fruit and vegetables to families in Gaza for Ramadan. Anera recently procured the produce in the West Bank, supporting Palestinian family farmers, and shipped it to Gaza.
Maha watches her children with a soft smile, her face marked both by the trials they had faced and the strength of a mother determined to keep her family intact.
“We may be living in a tent, on the rubble of our home, but at least we’re together. At least we’re in Gaza.”
“This year’s Ramadan is different,” she says, her voice steady but carrying the weight of their journey. “We may be living in a tent, on the rubble of our home, but at least we’re together. At least we’re in Gaza.”
Her words hang in the air for a moment, reflecting on the immense resilience of this family. Despite the destruction around them, the family found a way to cherish the little things, like the small gesture of the food parcel carrying so much meaning and happiness for the children.
“This Ramadan, we’re all together at the same table,” Maha continues, her voice tinged with both sorrow and gratitude.
"There’s no more sound of bombs, no more fear. We feel safe here. We may be living in a tent, but it’s home. We are back where we belong, among our people, our neighbors.”
"We may be living in a tent, but it's home."
She pauses, her eyes clouding with emotion. “But I still miss my friend. I can’t believe she’s gone,” she whispers, her voice breaking as she remembered the friend she had lost to the war. “I still hear her voice, still see her in my mind. I can’t imagine this Ramadan without her.”
The support funded by Islamic Relief USA has made an incredible difference for Maha and her family. “The children need food, and we can’t let them go hungry. Anera’s support always comes at the right time,” Maha says. “Anera stood by us during the war, when we were displaced, and even increased their efforts to help us when we returned to Gaza City. The work they do is amazing, and their support is unique and so needed.”
“I still hear her voice, still see her in my mind. I can’t imagine this Ramadan without her.”
The family’s journey has been one of displacement, loss, and adaptation. But through it all, Maha has remained hopeful. “Insha’Allah, our house will be rebuilt,” she says softly, holding onto the hope that someday, her and her family will be able to return to the life they once knew.
Maha expresses her gratitude to Anera’s community of donors. “You have been with us every step of the way, providing not just food, but hope when we needed it most. Thank you for standing by us, for being with us in our most difficult moments. We will never forget your kindness.”
Despite all the challenges they faced, the Maha and her family’s resilience is unshakable. Their strength, their love for one another, and the support of organizations like Anera will help them rebuild, one step at a time.
Gaza
Gaza City Governorate
In 1984, Anera’s Gaza City office opened with three staff members. It is still at the same location today, but with 17 staff members. From that location, the team manages water and sanitation, education, healthcare, economic development, and humanitarian relief projects throughout Gaza.
The views expressed herein are those of Anera and shall not, in any way whatsoever, be construed to reflect the official opinion of IRUSA, its Islamic Relief affiliates, or its donors.
