The Zakat Foundation of America

Aug 17, 2011

Salaam Alyikum and Ramadan Mubarak!

One hundred kilometers from Kenyan-Somali border, at the Daadab Refugee Camp, 378,000 refugees have come in search of food, water, shelter, and medical care.  That's nearly half a million people in this one crisis center alone. 

The people of Somalia face Somalia's worst drought in 60 years. Famine is engulfing the lives of millions. The lack of rain for two consecutive seasons and rising food prices has proved to be a deadly combination. The United Nations believes that it might lead to a "human tragedy of unimaginable proportions.”

The UN had appealed to the Muslim world and Muslim organizations to respond to this crisis. Zakat Foundation of America (ZF) was the first Muslim organization to visit the Daadab camp. In one day, we were able to serve 298 families with food. 

We also distributed desperately needed water and medical care. The Somalis took it as a blessing given its timing: we are in the holy month of Ramadan.

Yet, during our visit we witnessed refugees burying their family members who had died as a result of hunger. 

We have pledged $300,000 to the Somalia food crisis. With your support we can continue to reach these families from Somalia, as well as families in Kenya and Ethiopia, who are fighting against malnutrition and starvation at an alarming rate. Their need for food is urgent. Please, be with them this Ramadan. Give now.