A humanitarian initiative in the heart of Al-Baqa'a camp
In a humanitarian gesture embodying the values of solidarity and generosity during the holy month of Ramadan, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia organized a communal Iftar meal for 500 orphaned Palestinian refugee children in the Baqa'a camp in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. This initiative is part of the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Program for Iftar for Fasting People," which the Ministry implements annually in numerous countries around the world, aiming to extend a helping hand to Muslims in need during this blessed month.
Historical background and human context
The Baqa'a camp, located northwest of the Jordanian capital Amman, is the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan. Established in 1968 to house Palestinians displaced by the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, the camp is home to over 100,000 refugees registered with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Its residents face significant economic and social challenges, including high rates of poverty and unemployment, and reliance on humanitarian aid. In this context, initiatives such as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Iftar (fast-breaking meal) are of particular importance. They not only provide a meal but also represent a message of support and solidarity with refugee communities, contributing to alleviating their suffering and bringing smiles to the faces of orphaned children.
The importance of the initiative and its expected impact
This Ramadan Iftar table represents an extension of the role played by the wise leadership of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in serving Islam and Muslims across the globe. Locally, within the camp, this initiative contributes to strengthening the spirit of brotherhood and compassion, and brings joy to the hearts of those most in need of care and attention. Regionally, it reinforces the strong fraternal relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and underscores the unwavering Saudi position in supporting the Palestinian cause and providing humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. Internationally, the program reflects the Kingdom's bright image as a leading nation in global humanitarian work. The Ministry's official spokesperson, Abdullah bin Yatim Al-Anzi, explained that the program is being implemented this year in 70 countries worldwide, targeting millions of fasting individuals. He added that the allocation for Jordan includes 15 tons of premium dates, in addition to providing communal Iftar meals for 5,000 fasting individuals throughout the month of Ramadan.
