SHARJAH 4 June 2017: As part of its efforts to alleviate the suffering of refugees and improve their quality of life, The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), has announced that it is welcoming all Zakat donations from individuals and corporations in the UAE.
The funds generated from the campaign will go towards supporting refugees and displaced populations, particularly women and children.
TBHF has enacted its Zakat campaign to provide funds to individuals in need of assistance as a result of humanitarian crises taking place in three countries, Syria, Iraq and Palestine, said Wam.
According to a press statement by TBHF, there are more than 23.8 million individuals in need of assistance in Syria, Iraq and Palestine.
Syria alone, is witnessing the biggest humanitarian and refugee crisis of recent history, with 13.5 million people inside the country desperately needing assistance and over five million Syrian refugees seeking protection and shelter outside the country. In Iraq, over three million of the country’s citizens have been forced to abandon their homes due to the ongoing conflict, with UN refugee agencies warning that the number of displaced Iraqis is likely to increase as the violence in Mosul continues.
With regards to the situation in Palestine, over two million Palestinians in Gaza and the West back are in need of assistance, a figure that represents roughly one in every two individuals. Refugee agencies estimate that nearly 80 percent of Gazans are reliant on aid.
“We will continue to provide refugees with the help and support they need to ensure their well-being. The compassion of Islam and the Arab and Emirati culture of humanity inspire us to help these desperately in need displaced people to live a dignified and safe life and to overcome the horrendous conditions they have faced and are still facing,” said Mariam Al Hammadi, Director of TBHF.
“Since we are in the Holy Month, a time where altruism is so important, and also in line with the #Year of Giving as decreed by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, we have started accepting Zakat donations to be distributed among those who have been forced out of their homes and who are experiencing hardships in relation to their situations in Syria, Iraq and Palestine. We will stand by their side and fulfil our humanitarian duty as dictated by our religion, our tradition, our country and our leadership,” Al Hammadi concluded.
By Sheena Amos