…as over $110M raised for Palestinians following appeal during Ramadan 2024

A cheque to the tune of $110 Million was on Tuesday handed over by the Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG), to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, to aid the people of Palestine as they feel the brunt of the Israeli war to eradicate Hamas.
The $110 Million in humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people was raised during the recently concluded holy month of Ramadan. At the handing over ceremony was done at the Office of the President, President Ali praised the generosity of Guyanese.

“It gives me, once again, a deep sense of honor to be the President of a country that is so giving. To be the leader of a people that are characterised by care, love and a giving nature. This simple but important occasion, verifies our credential globally,” President Ali said.
“That is, Guyana believes in global prosperity and the global family, the strength of humanity, strength of unity and importantly, these resources were raised across all segments of the Guyanese population, across all religious and ethnic segments. And that tells you, Guyana is always united in the process of advancing development and peace.”
According to President Ali, the people of Palestine deserve to live in peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity. He noted that Guyana will continue to work with its global partners towards this goal.
“They deserve to live in a land in which women and children are not killed and bombed on a daily basis. They ask for nothing more. And they deserve nothing less. So, we will continue to support every global effort to bring peace to the Palestinian people. To support every effort in allowing Israel to understand that what they’re doing is not in keeping with the UN Charter and the stability of the region.”

“This is, as we’ve said, a brutal attack on humanity. And we also, as a country, support every effort to build safe societies where any act of terror, any act designed to destabilise and weaken the fabric of society, we condemn,” the Head of State added.
The sum raised will be delivered to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to assist those affected by the ongoing war. UN Resident Coordinator, Yeşim Oruç, was on hand to deliver remarks during which she lauded the initiative taken by Guyana and the President.
“Your contribution represents, from the people of Guyana, adding up to upwards of $110 Million. That’s over half a million US dollars. Combined with the generous contributions of the government of Guyana, also towards the same UN platform, UNRWA is the backbone of humanitarian assistance in Gaza and the rest of the territories of the Palestinian people.”
“For that, I again express huge thanks on behalf of the UN Secretary General and on behalf of the entire UN and the international community, to the people of Guyana for the generosity for this,” she further said.
Handing over
In addition to the CIOG, the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana, (MYO) and The Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT) also took part in the initiative and handing over of the cheque. President of the CIOG Sheikh Moen ul-Hack meanwhile highlighted the fact that the donation period had to be extended, such was the overwhelming support.
“Guyanese from various strata of society once again demonstrated their characteristic generosity through their donations during and after the 27th Night of Ramadan and through transfers to a special GBTI account. The overwhelming support forced an extension of the period for donations to be made.”
“Our profound gratitude to all those who took time, either in person or through online transfer, for their overwhelming support to this worthy cause. May Allah bless and reward each and every one of you. We believe that what continues to unfold in Gaza is nothing short of genocide. While it weighs heavily on our hearts, it has been particularly difficult for all members of the Muslim community,” ul-Hack further said.
It was reported earlier this month that Ramadan Village – a month-long exhibition being hosted at the Muslim Youth Organisation Ground in Georgetown, was able to help raise some $72.5 million in donations to provide immediate humanitarian relief for the people in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
In addition to calling for a ceasefire, the Guyana Government back in February had pledged US$150,000 towards the UNRWA, in support of Palestinians displaced and affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
UNRWA was established by a UN General Assembly Resolution and it is the backbone of the humanitarian operation in Gaza. Professional humanitarian workers at UNRWA provide food, water, medicine and shelter to Palestinian people. (G3)