Mavi Marmara Özgürlük ve Dayanışma Derneği, as part of its Ramadan 2026 efforts, turned its focus toward vulnerable regions, building a vast bridge of solidarity stretching from Gaza to Afghanistan, from Africa to Türkiye. Reaching tens of thousands of people in need across 15 regions, our teams delivered the joy of Eid to heavy hearts through charity kitchens, large-scale food convoys, and entrusted zakat distributions.
Setting out with the message “Let Ramadan Be a Feast,” we personally delivered the trusts of our donors to those enduring the harshest conditions. As Mavi Marmara Freedom and Solidarity Association, we brought blessings to the tables of those struggling to survive under war, blockade, and famine—and smiles to the faces of children.
Uninterrupted Service in Gaza: A Charity Kitchen Serving 10,000 People
In Gaza—the heart of our Ramadan operations—our 10,000-capacity charity kitchen, established in response to the deepening humanitarian crisis, operated continuously every day. As one of our largest logistical hubs in the region, it provided hot meals that brought relief and nourishment to families living under blockade, enriching their suhoor and iftar tables.
In Egypt, our efforts this year focused on both local support and Gaza logistics:
• Gaza Convoy: Thousands of food parcels prepared for our brothers and sisters in Gaza were loaded onto trucks in Egypt and set on their way. This large-scale shipment is planned to enter Gaza the Rafah Border Crossing and reach those in need.
• Support for Refugees: An iftar table for 1,200 people was established for Palestinian families who have taken refuge in Egypt, while zakat contributions were personally delivered to 700 families.
Syria – Yarmouk Camp
In the camp housing our Palestinian refugee brothers and sisters, we reached out to heavy hearts:
• A grand iftar was set up for 3,500 people.
• A celebration was organized for 700 children, with toys distributed.
• Winter clothing support (sweaters, scarves, gloves, and hats) was provided to 360 children.
• 260 food parcels and cash zakat were delivered to 90 individuals.
Afghanistan & Asia
In regions affected by three years of severe drought, we have built bridges of brotherhood:
• Afghanistan: Iftar for 1,360 people, 200 food packages, and cash zakat for 200 families.
• Bangladesh: Iftar for 1,850 people, 300 food packages, 300 zakat distributions, and Eid clothing for 300 children.
Africa & Development Projects
• Burundi: Iftar for 500 people, 400 food packages, and 400 zakat distributions. In addition, circumcision ceremonies, Eid clothing, and toy distributions were organized for 200 children.
• Kenya: Iftar for 2,500 people, 150 food packages, 200 Eid outfits, and the sacrifice of 10 small livestock animals.
• Somalia, Sudan, Mali & OAC: In these regions, iftar meals were provided to over 5,000 people, along with hundreds of food packages.
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Turkey
We have not forgotten those in need in our own land:
• Thousands of families received Ramadan food packages.
• Zakat and fitra donations were personally delivered to needy households.
• Orphans and children in need were gifted Eid clothing.
More Than Just a Relief Effort
As the Mavi Marmara Freedom and Solidarity Association, we continue to leave lasting impacts in oppressed regions through water wells, orphanages, and development projects. For us, these efforts are not merely aid activities—they are a matter of brotherhood and human dignity.
"Brotherhood is the joining of hands beyond borders."