Refugee Community Bakery for Health and Pride!

Dear supporters of Karama, dear lovers of Palestinian food :) 

We from Karama send you warm wishes and hope you and your loved ones are well during these days of Ramadan, during these days of late spring, during these days of social/physical distancing and isolation. 

Muslim communities from all around the world are counting down to the Eid l Fitr, watching the waning moon until we are left with nothing but a slimmer of moonlight. During these last days of Ramadan, people continue to remain steadfast in their fasting, praying and reading of Quran. But also many miss the evenings spent at the local mosque or community center, which normally is an important part of these last days of the holy month. 

While many in the Western world associate Eid l Fitr with sugary sweets and extravagant eating - this is not necessarily the case for many people in Palestine. But one thing that is a common tradition is the making of different types of (date-filled) biscuits with semolina flour. While previous years the women from Karama used to prepare kilo upon kilo of this festive biscuit, it is still unsure if we will be able to do so this year. It is unclear if festivities are allowed to continue this year, and it is also more difficult to gather all the supplies needed for the bakery. 

At time of writing, the bakery has been closed for several months, first for renovations and then due to the Coronavirus restrictions. Karama Organization remains committed however to open as soon as the situation allows and re-start this economic activity for the women to earn an income in a dignified manner. With the renovated kitchen area, the foundation is there for an even better and tastier production process - and the women are eager to get back to work. 

In the mean time, Karama has been very active in society to distribute emergency packages including food and health supplies to the most vulnerable households. With the support of many friends and donors, over 800 food packages have been delivered and 600-kilo chicken, as well as 600 bags of sanitizing products. If you want to support these emergency activities we encourage you to have a look at our new project page here: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/solidarity-with-palestinians-fight-against-covid19/

Thanks for reading! 

Links:

• Karama's COVID19 relief project on Global Giving