There was a time when Eid al-Adha filled our home with joy. I would take my children with me to offer the sacrifice, bring back fresh meat, or slaughter at home and then set out to distribute portions to others. We would eat, drink, share, and feed those around us. Now, I sit alone, as though I have been forgotten, like any neglected soul the world has passed by.
The atmosphere of Eid used to bring happiness to everyone, young and old alike. It was a season of overwhelming joy in every meaning of the word. Before the war, our tradition began at dawn: we would organize everything carefully, who we would give to, how to distribute, what to set aside for our children, our relatives, the strangers, the orphans, and those in need. No one was forgotten.
We used to sacrifice and used to buy new clothes for the children. Their eyes would light up at the sight of meat and the small gifts of money pressed into their hands. But this Eid, we have nothing to give them, no money, clothes and meat. They have not eaten as they used to. There is no liver to fry in the morning, no meat on the table. We cannot even afford to buy a single kilo.
The joy of Eid is something beautiful and sacred, because it is one of God's festivals. In times as difficult as these, even one or two kilos of meat for a family would be enough to bring happiness back to a child's heart, enough to let them taste, even for a moment, the Eid days we once knew.
Children need things. They need a little money in their hands, need meat on their plates and also they need to feel the joy of Eid like every other child in the world.
We appeal to Al Mustafa Welfare Trust to stand with our families, to provide meat and clothing for our children, and to support our camps across the Gaza Strip. Our hope rests first in God, and then in you, to carry this kindness to our people. We ask you to help our children with clothing, with food, with a small share of money, so that they may feel the joy of Eid al-Adha once again. May God reward you with every goodness and bless you abundantly.
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