As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, Palestinians evacuated from Gaza and granted refuge in the UAE find themselves reflecting on their homeland amidst a backdrop of conflict. More than 1,200 Gazans, sheltered at Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Humanitarian City, gathered for a poignant iftar, offering prayers for peace and longing for their loved ones back in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Traditionally a time of communal gathering and familial bonds, Ramadan holds a profound significance for these displaced individuals, evoking memories of cherished moments with family and friends amid the tumult of war. However, their reality stands in stark contrast, as Gaza reels from months of violence, resulting in the loss of over 31,900 lives, with women and children comprising a significant portion of the casualties.
For Riyad Alderbi, 65, and his wife, receiving medical treatment in the UAE, Ramadan serves as a poignant reminder of the unity they once shared with their children, scattered across the globe. Their lives were irrevocably altered by the outbreak of war, compelling them to seek solace in the UAE while longing for a reunion with their entire family.
Similarly, Hanadi Abed, 37, and her 12-year-old son Mahmoud recount the harrowing ordeal of surviving an Israeli attack, which left them displaced and yearning for the warmth of home. Separated from their children and husband, they find solace in the generosity of the UAE while enduring the anguish of being away from their homeland during Ramadan.
Khaled Abu Zayed, 30, echoes their sentiments, grappling with the memories of a once-vibrant Gaza now besieged by conflict. Despite receiving cancer treatment in the UAE, he finds himself haunted by the horrors of war, vowing never to return to the nightmare he once called home.
Emirates Humanitarian City stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity for these displaced Palestinians, offering sanctuary amidst the turmoil. Supported by various humanitarian organizations, it provides a semblance of normalcy during Ramadan, with daily iftars and a myriad of activities aimed at alleviating their suffering and fostering a sense of community.
As the UAE extends its unwavering support to these war survivors, volunteers and staff members stand in solidarity, spending Ramadan with their “second family” and reaffirming their commitment to humanitarian causes. Their selflessness and compassion serve as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, transcending borders and offering hope amidst adversity.
