Close to $1m raised for Gaza during Ramadan: Masagos
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Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli thanked the Malay/Muslim community for contributing generously towards the campaign.
PHOTO: MDDI
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SINGAPORE – Close to $1 million has been collected in an ongoing fund-raising campaign for humanitarian relief in Gaza, as contributions flowed in from the Malay/Muslim community and other Singaporeans throughout the month of Ramadan, said Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli.
In his Hari Raya Aidilfitri message on March 30, he thanked the contributors for their generosity towards the campaign conducted by local charity Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF).
The donations will help provide food, medical supplies and essential goods to the people of Gaza.
RLAF’s campaign, Aid For Gaza, started on Feb 24, and will run till April 6.
Israel launched its invasion of Gaza in response to the Oct 7, 2023, attack
Mr Masagos’ Hari Raya message was delivered in Malay on TV channel Suria’s 8pm news on March 30.
In it, he also highlighted the Malay/Muslim community’s strong unity in supporting those in need through various charitable initiatives organised by mosques and community networks. Ramadan is the month for the community to reflect, worship and increase their good deeds, he said.
“I am glad to see the strong spirit of unity within our community. We come together in acts of worship, strengthen ties and help those in need,” said Mr Masagos.
“Throughout Ramadan, our mosques warmly welcome congregants for porridge distributions, breaking of fast, tarawih prayers and religious lessons, amongst many other activities.”
One such effort by a mosque is an initiative called Our Community Pantry at Masjid Al-Iman in Bukit Panjang.
The mosque works with community partners to provide food supplies to underprivileged families regardless of race or religion, underscoring the community’s core values of collaboration and helping one another, said Mr Masagos.
In 2025, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, also known as Hari Raya Puasa, falls on March 31. It marks the first day of Syawal – the 10th month of the Islamic calendar.
“This Syawal, let us preserve and build upon the noble values of compassion, concern and generosity that we embraced during Ramadan,” Mr Masagos said.
“Together, we can make positive change and leave a legacy that future generations can be proud of – one that embodies our vision of ‘Masyarakat Gemilang, Masa Depan Cemerlang’, or ‘Community of Success, Thriving Future’.”
