For children in Gaza who have lost their parents, childhood is often defined by fear, uncertainty, and survival rather than play, laughter, or school. Daily life is shaped by overcrowded living conditions, displacement, and the struggle to access basic necessities like food, clothing, and warmth. For many orphans, even small joys like sharing a meal or playing with friends are out of reach.
Amina is one of these children. After losing her parents, she now lives with relatives who are also struggling to survive. She has endured trauma that no child should ever experience — nights of restlessness, days filled with worry, and the constant challenge of coping with loss. In such a difficult environment, moments of care and attention can feel rare.
Through the support of Muslim Aid Australia (MAA), a special initiative was organised to deliver aid and moments of joy for orphaned children in Gaza. The project provided food parcels, fresh fruit and vegetables, hygiene kits, blankets, and warm clothing to help families meet urgent needs during a challenging winter. These items addressed critical gaps in nutrition, cleanliness, and warmth, giving children and their families essential support and relief.
However, the initiative was about more than material aid. Children took part in games, received small gifts, and shared a celebratory meal — opportunities to laugh, play, and experience normalcy in the midst of hardship. Volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure the day felt special and memorable, creating an environment filled with care, attention, and joy.
One volunteer said, “We are tired, but when we see the children smile, we forget our exhaustion. They deserve happiness, even for a moment.” These moments of laughter and connection are not just fun; they are critical for emotional healing and psychosocial wellbeing, helping children recover from trauma in a safe and supportive space.
For Amina, the day was transformative. It reminded her that she is seen, valued, and not forgotten. The opportunity to experience joy and receive gifts gave her hope for the future and comfort in knowing that people beyond Gaza care about her well-being.
Your zakat can do more than meet immediate needs — it can restore dignity, hope, and happiness to children like Amina. By supporting initiatives like this, donors help create moments of light and care for orphans living amid conflict, providing a sense of childhood that they would otherwise be denied.
Through continued support, Muslim Aid Australia, in partnership with the New Zealand Zakat Foundation, ensures that children in Gaza not only survive, but also experience the care, attention, and joy that every child deserves — one smile at a time.