On February 21, 2025, the Lembaga Amil Zakat, Infak, dan Shadaqah Nahdlatul Ulama (LAZISNU), partnered with Perkumpulan Organisasi Pengelola Zakat (POROZ), successfully dispatched humanitarian aid amounting to Rp4.5 billion to Palestinian citizens. This initiative is specially timed to address the needs of those preparing for the holy month of Ramadan, which promises not only the hope of nourishment but also dignity for families enduring hardship.
The launch event for this generous donation took place at the Ministry of Religious Affairs office, attended by prominent figures including Syarifuddin, the Director of LAZISNU PBNU, and Fahrurozi, who serves on the LAZISNU PBNU board. Together, they oversaw the coordination of resources aimed at providing relief directly to the Palestinian populace. Syarifuddin emphasized the importance of ensuring Palestinians have access to nutritious food and basic necessities during Ramadan, stating, "This aid will help them have healthy food and suitable winter clothing." The official release of the aid is slated to solidify Indonesia’s commitment as part of the global community supporting Palestinians.
A total contribution of Rp4.5 billion includes food supplies, medical aid, clothing, and various daily essentials directed primarily to assist those around the Al-Aqsa Mosque and to alleviate the burdens of families affected by the influx of winter hardships. Fahrurozi specified, "Bantuan itu totalnya Rp4.5 M dalam bentuk matras, sayuran, sembako, dan lain-lain,” indicating the comprehensive approach taken to encapsulate various needs.
The delegation from LAZISNU, featuring officials such as R. Wibowo from Jawa Tengah and Moch Rofi'i Boenawi from Jawa Timur, is scheduled to arrive on February 23, 2025, intending to remain until March 1 to oversee the distribution of aid directly. The visit entails not only the distribution process but also engagements with local communities, reinforcing humanitarian ties.
Fahrurozi also mentioned plans to visit local hospitals, explicitly one housing refugees injured and traumatized by recent conflicts. He articulated the significance of human connection, stating, "Kita akan mengunjungi salah satu rumah sakit pengungsi Palestina, menjenguk pasien-pasien korban yang kemarin terkena genosida Israel,” thereby shedding light on the emotional and physical scars the people endure.
Nur Hasan, the Executive Director of POROZ, reiterated the necessity of such humanitarian actions. He commented, "Bahwa POROZ selalu mengedepankan kemanusiaan khususnya LAZISNU semakin memberikan dampak positif untuk masyarakat," emphasizing the ripple effect such initiatives have on fortifying solidarity and mutual support across cultures and nations.
The initiative exemplifies how collective efforts across borders can contribute to alleviating suffering, especially during significant periods such as Ramadan. It not only addresses immediate survival needs but also engenders hope and unity among Indonesian citizens and the Palestinian people. The humanitarian aid provides relief but also sends the message of solidarity and support, highlighting Indonesia’s enduring empathy toward Palestine.
This well-organized mission from LAZISNU and POROZ conveys the importance of unity and direct assistance amid global crises, marking it as not just aid delivery, but as forging stronger, compassionate community ties. The impact of this initiative will surely be felt deeply as both the givers and receivers engage with real human stories and experiences behind the numbers.