'It feels different': Gaza war weighs heavily as Muslims mark Ramadan
Holy month of fasting harrowing reminder of hunger in Gaza for Palestinian Canadians
For Janan Arafa, Ramadan is usually a joyous time for people to come together and reflect on their faith.
"Typically the night before, it's a feeling of excitement," she shared.
But this year, the Palestinian Canadian living in Ottawa says she only feels despair as the war in Gaza rages on and families starve.
Last week, 15 children died from hunger and malnutrition at a hospital in northern Gaza according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which says the region is slowly running out of food for its 2.3 million people.
"It's difficult to feel any kind of happiness at this time," Arafa said. "It feels different."
Trying to 'renew faith and conviction'
She isn't alone in her grief.
"I don't think anyone will be celebrating in any form for Ramadan," said Monalisa Ghadban, also of Ottawa.
"I think people are just trying to renew their faith and conviction in the surreal world we're currently living in," she said.
For Ghadban, who is also Palestinian Canadian, participating in the 30-day fast is a harrowing reminder of the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, growing worse due to weeks of aid being limited in the region. Aid groups say Israel's near-total blockade of Gaza and the fighting have made it nearly impossible to deliver aid.
"There's that mental anguish where you can empathize with not having food in your stomach, as well as understanding that … you will eventually break your fast and eat," she said.
Imam Farhan Iqbal, who leads the Baitun Naseer Mosque, said Ramdan is a time for giving and charity. He said this year especially, it has a new meaning.
Some of the members of his congregation are Palestinian or have family and friends in Gaza.
"They're caught up in a war. They're caught up in a situation where they're suffering," he told CBC Radio's Ottawa Morning.
"We start the fast with a big breakfast and then end the fast with a good meal and some people in some parts of the world, and not just in Gaza, there are other parts of the world who don't have that luxury.
A time to give
Ottawa therapist Berak Hussain has been hearing similar things from others in the Muslim community.
She encourages people who are struggling to seek help and reach out to family and friends for support, but she adds many have also found comfort in engaging in charitable efforts, a key tenet of Islam.
"It's embedded in our faith to help and share the wealth, and be there for others," she explained.
"Our energy [is] different this year and I really hope others are aware of that and really have a deeper opportunity to reflect on what the following month means."
Arafa sits on the board of directors for the Association of Palestinian Arab Canadians (APAC). The Ottawa-based organization is hosting a fundraising dinner on Friday in partnership with Islamic Relief Canada, with proceeds going to relief efforts in Gaza.
It's one of many events Islamic Relief Canada is hosting with partner organizations across the country in order to boost donations for essentials like food, water and hygiene products.
While Arafa is hopeful the event will have a positive impact on both the community and fundraising efforts, she says it's important to keep the reality of those living in Gaza top of mind.
"While we're sitting and eating, hundreds of thousands probably won't that night," she said. "So yes, raise your money but also remember we're talking about real human beings."
For her part, Ghadban is also giving back to the community, as a co-founder of Films4Falasteen.
The grass-roots collective holds film screenings in Ottawa, focusing on movies that showcase Palestinian history to raise awareness about the current conflict.
"Charity doesn't always have to be financial," she said, adding it can also look like "connection within the community [and] fostering ... empathy and compassion."
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