It’s easy to be unsure where to give charity with all the crises going on in the world. People are grieving in Florida after a catastrophic building collapse. Palestinians are being forcefully expelled from their homes. Uyghurs in China are being ethnically cleansed. The list is long, and the crises are not in competition with one another.
One crisis, in particular, has been ongoing for more than 10 years, with each year devastating the people more than before. Infrastructure and food security have long been thrown out the window for millions of people in Yemen. The COVID-19 pandemic has added severe viral infection to the already tormenting cholera outbreaks and malnutrition rates.
Yemenis, especially the children, are constantly at risk of dying from having inadequate food sources. They need year-round emergency support in addition to long-term, sustainable futures. For now, though, that aid starts with Udhiyah (also spelled Udhiya and also known as Qurbani).
One share of udhiyah (qurbani) in Yemen runs $180 and provides fresh, never-frozen, never-preserved meat to those who need the nutrients. Zakat Foundation of America representatives and partners conduct the sacrificial slaughter on Eid morning, following the sunnah on the day that commemorates Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael in obedience to God. Though the slaughter is not until Eid day, covering one’s Udhiyah (Udhiya) share ahead of time allows Zakat Foundation of America and its regional offices and partners to coordinate more sacrifices on donors’ behalf. This means making sure more people are fed on time and able to more fully participate in Eid festivities.
Last year, the UN estimated 24.3 million people in Yemen — 80% of the population — faced a hunger crisis, 14.4 million of whom were in acute need of assistance. Currently, an estimated 20.5 million people are without safe water and sanitation, and 19.9 million without adequate health care, The World Bank reports.
Udhiyah, also known as Qurbani, is just one of the many short-term programs Zakat Foundation of America implements, in addition to long-term animal husbandry programs that allow Yemenis to grow and sell their own food. Food security and financial independence pave sustainable paths to improved health for Yemenis at risk of malnutrition.