Now serving as the secretary-general of Cinta Gaza Malaysia (CGM), Umm Salamah described an unforgettable moment which took place as she was handing out candy and cash to a group of children.
A boy not older than six years old refused the handout.
“He said he didn’t need those things. So, I asked him what he wanted instead.
“I thought he wanted toys or something that kids would want, but he said: ‘I want your prayers. Please pray for me and the people of Palestine’,” she told FMT.
The mother of four said the encounter was “eye-opening”. She was stunned by the unwavering hope on display and their determination to treat guests with the utmost respect, even in the face of relentless and deadly conflicts.
“They treated me like I was their guest. They shared their bread with me, and they wouldn’t let me pay.
“I felt bad initially, but I took it to honour their kindness. They knew they didn’t have much, but still wanted to give back somehow,” she said.
Inspired by her visit to Gaza, Umm Salamah joined forces with Nadir Al-Nuri in 2014 to establish Cinta Gaza Malaysia (CGM), an organisation dedicated to delivering both emergency and sustained humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
Over the years, its services have extended to Syria and the West Bank, backed by over 1,000 volunteers from the Middle East and Malaysia.
CGM’s strategic executive Aida Munirah Nor Azli said she admired the deep reverence the people of Gaza have for the holy month, a time when “good deeds are multiplied many times over”.
“(Gaza is) very dusty, with poor hygienic conditions, but that doesn’t stop them from celebrating Ramadan with great joy and spirit.
“I feel deeply for them because they still want to celebrate and welcome Ramadan despite being in a state of extreme hardship, and even though they know they may not be here for Hari Raya.
“That’s what truly touches me,” she said, adding that many Malaysians often see the month simply as a time for fasting.
Umm Salamah said the people of Gaza were an example to the world of resilience in the face of constant hardship. She also urged Malaysians not to take the peace they enjoy for granted.
“We should appreciate the peace in our country but, at the same time, see how resilient and strong they are.
“We have to remind ourselves that not everybody has the opportunity to live in a peaceful country. Not everyone has the chance to gather with their families during Raya,” she said.
Amirul Syafik Radzuan, CGM’s project manager, hopes all Malaysians will spare a thought for the people of Gaza.
“Celebrate Raya to the fullest with your friends and family, but at the same time, please don’t forget our brothers and sisters in Gaza,” he said.
On March 24, Reuters reported that Israel had killed nearly 700 Palestinians since it resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18, ending weeks of relative calm after a ceasefire in January. That number includes at least 400 women and children.
‘I long to spend Eid with my family again’
Shadi Salem arrived in Malaysia shortly after the conflict erupted in September 2023. He said Hari Raya Aidilfitri has been an especially difficult time for him, with his wife and children still in Gaza.
“It’s the third Eid I’ll spend here, away from my family, but the pain and longing only grow stronger with time. I’m far from my wife and children,” he said.
The 32-year-old father of two said that while Hari Raya Aidilfitri carries the painful reminder of those he had lost, his heart has been warmed by the spirited atmosphere in the Klang Valley leading up to the festivities.
“People share their joy with one another, mosques are full, and everyone celebrates with their family and loved ones.
“I realise how beautiful Ramadan and Eid can be when there’s peace and stability,” he said.
Shadi said he longs to spend Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri with his family once again. Palestinians must not give up hope, he said, adding that justice will ultimately prevail.
“All I can do now is pray that Allah protects my family, brings me back to them soon, and allows us to celebrate once again together in peace and safety,” he said. - FMT
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