Over $2.4 million raised for humanitarian aid in Gaza
(From left) Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF) CEO Adnan Abdul Hamid, RLAF chairman Abdul Razak Maricar, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim and Unicef partnerships specialist Kenneth Wong at the cheque presentation ceremony. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN
SINGAPORE – More than $2.4 million was raised from Feb 24 to April 6 for Aid for Gaza 2025 in an SG60 community fund-raising initiative together with M³@Towns.
The contributions will go towards providing food, clean water, medical supplies, healthcare and education for affected families in Gaza.
The fund-raiser was organised by Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF), in collaboration with the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef), the Egyptian Red Crescent and local humanitarian partner Humanity Matter s.
M³@Towns are community-based platforms in Singapore that bring together volunteers and professionals from the Malay/Muslim community to serve the needs of residents, particularly in areas like social and educational support.
A mock cheque for $1 million was presented to Unicef in a ceremony at the Singapore Islamic Hub on June 27, but the UN agency will receive the full sum raised.
Speaking at the event, Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim said: 'Today's cheque handover represents more than just financial aid. It reflects our common humanity and deep desire to alleviate the suffering of those in Gaza.'
RLAF said it was heartened to share that the funds raised through the campaign reflected 'the continued outpouring of generosity from Singaporeans'.
Donors included a hospital; food and beverage, home renovation and travel and tour businesses; temples and individual donors.
The foundation, with the support from the community and partners, has raised more than $15 million for Gaza across four campaigns since November 2023.
Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have been at war since October 2023. Despite agreeing to a six-week ceasefire in January 2025, the violence and death toll have escalated.
On June 25, the Associated Press reported that Israeli forces opened fire on hundreds of Palestinians waiting for aid in separate incidents in southern and central Gaza early on June 24 , killing at least 4 4 .
Gaza health authorities said the number of Palestinians killed in the war has risen above 56,000.
Associate Professor Faishal said: 'We are hopeful of any indications or signal that shows a movement towards peace in the Middle East.
'So what we hope is that all the different parties will look at opportunities to bring people together... to see how they can help to promote and at the same time, achieve peace among themselves.'
Zaihan Mohamed Yusof is senior crime correspondent at The Straits Times.
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