Sharjah: A Sharjah-based charity has announced it is welcoming Zakat donations — a form of tax paid by Muslims — from both individuals and firms to help Syrian refugees.
The funds generation from the latest campaign aim to ‘drastically improve conditions of refugees in Syria, Iraq and Palestine,’ the Big Heart Foundation said in a statement.
Displaced women and children will be a special focus, the Foundation added.
There are more than 23.8 million individuals in need of assistance in Syria, Iraq and Palestine.
Syria alone is witnessing the biggest humanitarian and refugee crisis of recent history, with 13.5 million people inside the country in dire need of assistance.
More than five million Syrian refugees seeking protection and shelter outside the country.
In Iraq, over three million of the country’s citizens have been forced to abandon their homes due to the ongoing conflict, with UN refugee agencies warning that the number of displaced Iraqis is likely to increase as the violence in Mosul continues.
In Palestine, over two million Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank are in need of assistance, a figure that represents roughly half of all individuals.
Refugee agencies estimate that nearly 80 per cent of Gazans are reliant on aid.
“We will continue to provide refugees with the help and support they need to ensure their well-being,” said Mariam Al Hammadi, the foundation’s director.
“The compassion of Islam and the Arab and Emirati culture of humanity inspire us to help these desperately in need displaced people to live a dignified and safe life and to overcome the horrendous conditions they have faced and are still facing.”
How can I donate?
Those who wish to contribute to Zakat campaign can make direct fund transfers to the foundation’s bank account number:
Sharjah Islamic Bank account No: 0011430430020, IBAN: AE040410000011430430020.
For more information, call 06-5941283 or send an email to info@tbhf.ae
