MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA – The Central Board of Muhammadiyah has once again distributed Ramadan aid to Palestinian communities through Muhammadiyah Aid and LazisMu. According to Yayah Khisbiyah, Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Aid, the assistance was delivered in cooperation with a local Palestinian NGO, Witness-Shahid Center for Citizen Rights and Social Development.
In total, 850 aid packages have been prepared. The assistance includes 350 staple food packages and 500 ready-to-eat iftar meal packages. These supplies will be distributed to Palestinian communities in several locations. It includes Al-Mawasi and refugee camps across the northern part of the West Bank, particularly in Jenin, Tulkarm, Nur Shams Refugee Camp, Balata Refugee Camp, and Al-Ain Refugee Camp.
Humanitarian Aid Amid Worsening Conditions
Yayah explained that Al-Mawasi, located in the southern Gaza Strip, has become one of the main destinations for displaced residents. Many people moved there following evacuation orders issued in mid-2024.
However, conditions in the area have deteriorated significantly. Infrastructure has been heavily damaged, while the number of displaced people continues to rise.
“Conditons there have worsened due to destroyed infrastructure and the increasing density of displaced residents,” Yayah said on Thursday (12/3).
Nevertheless, she expressed hope that the program would help ease food shortages for vulnerable individuals and families during Ramadan.
At the same time, she noted that the initiative could also support the local economy. By purchasing supplies from local retailers and food providers, the program helps sustain economic activity in struggling communities.
Expanding Cooperation for Peacebuilding
The Ramadan Relief Initiative is not the only collaboration between Muhammadiyah and the Witness-Shahid Center. In 2024–2025, the International Relations and Cooperation Division of Muhammadiyah successfully implemented a peacebuilding program in partnership with the organization.
The initiative, titled “Multicultural Dialogue and Capacity Building for Palestine: Peacebuilding Lab, Being a Change Agent,” focuses on strengthening the capacity of Palestinian youth.
Through dialogue and negotiation training, the program encourages young participants to promote peace through nonviolent approaches. As a result, it seeks to cultivate future community leaders capable of advancing reconciliation and constructive dialogue in Palestinian society.
Translator: Bintang Adrian
