This Ramadan may represent a new dawn for Syria, a country that has recently undergone seismic changes, but its people continue to suffer amid one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Many people remain displaced and nearly 15 million people are in need of humanitarian support to survive.

Um Mohammed, 46, has been dependent on humanitarian assistance ever her husband passed away. She now lives in Tel Iskander camp, Idlib north-west Syria, with her 4 children.

“We are in a miserable state of poverty as we cannot afford medicine or even buy basic foodstuffs. We do not have a regular income that we can rely on.”

A different Ramadan

Life in Tel Iskander camp is tough. The camp regularly suffers with food shortages and a lack of job opportunities for its residents.

Um Mohammed’s 2 daughters have fortunately been able to secure work in a factory, so the family can afford to buy bread, but it is not enough to feed the family of 5.

Ramadan in the camp is different, Um Mohammed frequently misses how things used to be.

“I used to prepare a variety of foods for the iftar meal, and when my husband came home, he would bring along different drinks and sweets. We would all gather around one table with the family, and the atmosphere was filled with joy and happiness.

“But now, after my husband’s death, I live with my children in a tent.

“We used to gather daily with family and relatives, and I would prepare Eid sweets. Now, it’s just me and my children alone in the camp, and Ramadan lacks its usual spirit without visits and communal meals.”

A big help

In 2024, Islamic Relief delivered nearly 6,000 food packs in Syria, helping to make sure more than 33,500 families had enough food to eat during the holy month.

Um Mohammed and her family were grateful to receive a food package.

“It was a moment of great joy when we received the food assistance. The contents of the food basket are sufficient for the entire month of Ramadan, as it includes pulses, oils, ghee, sugar, and flour.”

Every year, Islamic Relief’s Ramadan food distribution supports vulnerable people like Um and her family around the world, helping them to feed their families during the holy month.

Donate today and help us to reach more people like Um Mohammed this Ramadan. Trust Allah. Give zakat.