Haleh Banani – Voices from Gaza with Dr. Ibrahim Dremali and Rania Lawendy
AI: Summary ©
The speakers discuss the devastating impact of the pandemic on society, including the lack of water, electricity, and power, and the need for people to act with comfort. They also touch on the crisis of peace and the importance of protecting speech and privacy, particularly in regards to the use of language. The speakers emphasize the need for educating oneself on the negative impacts of the pandemic and the importance of not overestimating the value of one's donations. They also share a letter about a woman in Assa who wants to kill herself and her children.
AI: Summary ©
Salam aleikum wa rahmatullah wa barakaatuh. Thank you for joining us today. We all have been devastated by the news by everything that is happening in the Gaza. We're heartbroken and it's quite overwhelming and I wanted to bring on two very dear and special and respected friends of ours who have first hand account from what is going on. In Assa. We have today share,
as share Ibrahim tamale that has mashallah over 20 years experience in giving Dawa within, within the US as an imam as a director for Islamic schools and as a professor, he is a frequent speaker for Islamic centers, universities that will conferences, radio shows and interfaith programs. And he has a BS Master's and PhD in geology as well as a Master's and PhD in Shetty, I'm a sha Allah, and he has been affected very deeply. He is from cancer. His family has been there, his last many, many, many family members and he's going to share with you some of the personal stories. And we have also my and he has been a very dear friend to us for many years, over 30 years. And we have my dear
friend, Rania, the windy from Canada, she's a Canadian Muslim, and mashallah, she is the founder and CEO of action for humanity. She has been in so many different positions Michelle, Executive Director for Mac, one of the first females as an executive with Nyssa homes and she has been a principal for the past nine years Mashallah. And she's dedicated her life to humanitarian causes. And we will hear more about the action that she has been taken because they were on the scene from the very beginning. I in Palestine to have an office in Palestine and they've been they're doing this humanitarian services. And so we will start off with
with Dr. Jamali and sharing some of the some of the stories of what has been happening. Salaam aleikum and first of all Salam aleikum to both of you and welcome
just like Allah here for coming on. And so I shift Ramallah if you could tell us you are, you are from Oslo and you've had family there correct. In fact, this law or sort of the cinema ala Rasulillah, so just
few minutes ago,
they contacted me and they say my nephew, another number 24. Now my family that Chad is 18 years old. And the gotcha just a few hours ago. Sorry to hear that you said you have lost 24 family members and ESA and these have been your immediate family this is Miss this must be so heartbreaking. So devastating to hear this all at once.
Yes, unfortunately. And in fact,
they are late to switch to the family hamdulillah Al Hamdulillah before Fajr
my my brother has helped he called me hard to I tried to call him many many times. So he called me separately so far in the area he has four daughters and also have the daughters have kids say my daughters are okay and the babies are so far and then but and there is no and they said you do what you're supposed to put yourself in Maghrib now and he said Rahim we don't have water we made him
more than one but since the water started making them
and
n plus
one this month actually I when I grew up and then remember seemed extremely cold plus Allah to frame now when I call my brother you can see a lot grandkids
crying so much as half Why crying? And it says Rahim there is no water. Plus the rain is very very cold. But we have nothing to cover ourselves. Yeah, that's why I choose yours. Because it's cold here to see what the feeling but compared to them is nothing. Yeah Allah I feel we've all been impacted by this and we have been changed and I know that minute by minute we are thinking about them. We're feeling for them not being able to even on
Understand what what is it that they're going through? And Rania, I know that you have. You've been on the scene you were there you were there in Palestine, correct at from the, from the beginning of the, no, I haven't been. I mean, I've been to Palestine many times, but I wasn't.
First I just wanted to give my condolences,
Brahim. And Allah when Allah heroes own, you know, Subhan Allah.
You know, what's interesting is that there are people who have family there. And of course, you can see with the chef, that it is very dear to him as it should be. But all of us should feel that these are our brothers and our sisters and our mothers and our nephews and nieces. You know, that are that are passing away. And I think many of us in the OMA are really feeling it. Obviously, me being in the humanitarian sector we have. We're actually, so I'm the seal action for humanity, Canada, US. And we are the only Muslim Canadian NGO that actually has registered offices in, in Palestine. So in Ramallah, and we have many staff that has SubhanAllah. So we're there from the beginning. And I've
done a lot of media and advocacy information there. I mean, no matter what videos you're seeing, the situation is far more dire. And we are entering like the Sheikh was saying into winterization. This is normal when we do winterization for countries like Syria, like Palestine, like Jordan, like Lebanon. And, you know, I don't know if your viewers know that, you know, subhanAllah visitors 2.3 million as a population. There are over 1 million displaced persons. Right. Right. Right. They were taking refuge in the hospitals, they're taking refuge in the schools, and we know that in the masajid, and the churches, and we know Subhanallah that nothing is safe, right? We just seem to say
hospitals are being bombed to schools, and it's just so there is no safe place for that. And people don't understand like Al Shifa Hospital, for instance, and now like it's been cleared out, but it Shifa Hospital. That's one of the places that we were giving medical aid to and fuel in the beginning until we ran out of fuel, but in Shifa hospital had 60,000 internally displaced people staying when the IDF is bombing, the outer courtyard of an shifa, they are bombing basically, that refugees of civilian population they have, right. And all of these people are out in the cold. So you know, some people are Haman is talking about firsthand experiences in terms of talking to people
and talking to them and then being cold. It's beyond that. I mean, there's no water, there's no food, there's no electricity, there's no power. So even the fuel, like the diesel to even like keep warm. I want you guys to imagine they're outside. Right. And so
it's in general, there's about 500 trucks that would go in daily through the border. This is before the incident. Yes. We're going through 500 Imagine daily. Yes, we're now like quite close to day 45. And there's a little over 1000 trucks that have gone in so basically the equivalent
without having this type of siege and bombing and genocide happening. So the situation is extremely dire. And even those trucks, fuel is not allowed to be on them. So it's important, right, and one of the things that Al Hamdulillah action for humanity has done is you know, we specialize in sustainable projects other than aid. And one of the big things that we do is the photovoltaic water wells that have the desalination plants and that is actually providing water right now to Gala. Sharla mashallah to how many people how many people are getting
about 20,000 people 100 In that
yes, please. Chef, tamale.
Sister, by the way, my sister as
she worked in Shiva hospital, right. Really, really important. There's not even one single truck into from the border of Egypt, to Gaza, same period. Impossible. A lot of social media and organization. Isn't that I am 100% Sure. Not even one single truck medicine or food enterprise. So yes, a lot of people are in Facebook. They will have a video and age for Gaza. But whatever the Bible given to Elijah, not even one single penny into Gaza right now. I'm guaranteed. What are you saying?
But it was just luck.
IPS I born in Shiva hospital
Subhan Allah you were born in a hospital and the Shiva house I'm to use I was
born before I born Shiva their parents Hospital in Gaza Strip. Why did targeting God ship a hospital to the ship house with a
measure mesh? Oh, my God all hospitals. The main center this is the center. This was the center for all the
my sister my sister Rosa. Unfortunately they got shot and have legs you know, she gotta move right now.
Insist of eating geyser she told me because many people told me oh they get some medicine for Shiva. I call the people here in America. Actually, it's also tough Allah in, in newsletter newsletter. I say no, to say nothing came inside that.
Abraham, I'm not talking about social media. We're an actual international NGO. So we have the regional offices, we have the report so I can give you per sector. I can give you exactly how many trucks I can give you. There are 365 trucks that went with food security 135 that were multisector 132 that were washed in water and 165 that were health. So the total amount of trucks is 1096 that actually crossed through and so
you know this this is I can tell you our own organization delivered to the Ministry of Health
that was delivered to a Shifa Hospital. And we are already excited. I'm not talking about a truck that came in this is from our own warehouses, but I have from OSHA, I have the reports that come in daily on what goes in what goes out, how is it going in? Well, I'm not talking I'm not social media. I'm right. You're, you're there you have your offices in Palestine, and Alhamdulillah it's good to hear that there. There's some aid going and may Allah bless your effort for what you're doing at Ranya and dedicating your life to this humanitarian cause. But like, as you said, there used to be 500 trucks a day and now in in 4040, how many days 45 days there's been only 1000 So am I saying is
important that a lot of like my own action for humanity does not have trucks being able to go into Rafa. So he is making a point, right, yeah. Or the UN. So the trucks that are so let me tell you about how it works because a lot of people don't know. So the trucks come into the Rafah border, the only thing that's been allowed in is it goes in through the Red Crescent, so the IRC or the UN so the UN Endura and so if you if like action for humanity has not been able to get a truck in
these other organizations that are the ones that we're talking about have not yet been able to get trucks in. The only reason we've been able to deliver aid is because we're actually inside of headset from the beginning, right? But if you're coming in, there's what they're not allowing. Okay, so that's an important distinction. And that's why it's such a blessing that you were already established in Palestine and you were able to get this I'd like to hear Schiff dramatically more about this, just just the personal loss that you have experienced because this is not uncommon. I have many friends from that have family there and PESA and losing that many family members. Just
tell us about your own personal account and how this has impacted you. I believe you have a sister who is a physician in Shifa Hospital. Is that correct? My sister? Yeah, she's my sister. MashAllah I these are the heroes these are the people who have stayed behind risking their own lives and really trying to be there. Please tell us about your personal experience
before the war
actually three days I spoke to my niece's
Mia Mira Mira
and she just become 11 years old. She's still
a first time
hola you have so beautiful
curly, my uncle. I decide to hijab because I'll order a solution
because last Ramadan
I was with them in Ramadan three months I stay in Gaza
last year you were with Yeah, yes. And then when then she's say I can't shut Allah soon. I will see you again next Ramadan I will with you. Thank you said
well, inshallah I should carry on
Law these days, three days, three days before the war started. And then
and that when the war started
Mira and Hashem had a brother and a career and her father and stepmom because her mom died. Six people in the house. No, no delay. Wait, no, no, you know, John, I'm so sorry to hear about this. But you know, what's comforting is the fact that you have family members who are committed to the deen and all the Palestinians are really awakening within us what true Tawakkol is what true you know, just the spin a low and that metal IQ, they are demonstrating it for all of us. And I feel that this is you know, Allah does not burden people with more than they can handle. And you see that these individuals they are giants, you know, your 11 year old niece was a giant mashallah putting on
the hitch off at such an early age, having that Pokemon and seeing see you in China, so I feel what it has done. Me we always have to reframe and look at and see the wisdom of work. You know why we're going through this? I feel like we have united as as a humanity. Right. And we have, it has just made us more aware more conscientious. I know that a minute doesn't go by without really thinking about them. Every comfort we have every every pleasure, everything that we have, it makes us be so much more empathetic. What have you noticed? Ron? Yeah, like with with what has happened, like if you were want to see like, let's say the silver lining or what it has done? Have you seen a change
and how people are responding to this? Well, I think, I think Subhanallah the veil has kind of been lifted. So North America, I'm sure I mean, the American, the American rhetoric is far worse than the Canadian one, but similar lines. And I think we as Canadians, we believed that we were part of a peace loving country, that we stand for justice, that, you know, justice will prevail. And even though actually Canadians polled 77% of Canadians want a ceasefire and are calling for a ceasefire. And many of the protests like I attend many of them, there's hundreds of 1000s of people coming. And so law, the government isn't listening. And I'm someone who actually advocates also on the level of
government. I met with the Deputy Prime Minister, I met with different
different ministers and different MPs. And you know, it there's a lot there's a big movement of people who are going to the MPs, not just Muslims, but Muslims, Christians, many Jews even who are against what is happening, and they've made coalition's and they're really doing a lot of that advocacy work. I think when I look at this problem, if you look at it from a macro level, it's actually there's three levels to it. The first is the destruction of the people, right. I mean, this is a complete eradication of the Palestinian population, we know that it is, you know, one of the things with genocide is so hard to prove is intent. But intent is made so easy by the Israeli
government because of their, their tweets and the things that pertain. And we know that they are targeting the civilian population, we have over 6000 children who have been killed, you have you know, the numbers are in the, I think it's like 12 13,000, now we have over 30,000, who are injured, the hospitals are not able to handle them, we know that all of these people are going to die. And on top of that, you have the amounts 1000s buried under the rubble. So we know that this is a genocide, right and the world wide on that, and the world leaders, especially in the G six nations. So that's the first thing. The second is the destruction of the infrastructure. And so they are hitting the
hospitals, they're hitting the monster hitting the schools, they're hitting the water plants are hitting the actually the farmlands, that bakeries, they are trying to destroy an actually over 50% of the infrastructure of Gaza has been destroyed. So even as a humanitarian thinking about rebuilding, and what this will take is beyond anything I've ever seen in anything we've ever seen in the humanitarian sector. And it's going to be very important that we all pull together for the Hudson people. The third actually which is what is is where we woke up is the global silencing. So you know, the people who if you even post something about Palestine, the shadow banning that's
happening on social it's happening right now as we're doing this event, because I've done other events and you know, it gets passed on and Subhanallah as soon as you mentioned whether it's pasa whether it's Palestine, anything, you just do get shadow banned, and accounts accounts that are being shut down account people that have to, so that's from the social media side for
And the media sounds like I won't do an interview that isn't a live one, right? I don't let people take, they can take excerpts, right and misrepresent, you know, any of the things that I've done have always been live. The other thing is even at school, at schools, universities, your workplace, people getting fired MPs up is getting fired because they've spoken pro Palestine? I think so I think that there is a pushback on that. And we've realized that this, this, this freedom of speech is actually just a mantra that there isn't enough speech. All lives actually don't matter, right, that when I see our government reacted to Ukraine, that would have such hypocrisy. difference. So
the world hypocrisy is very, very clear. The lines have been drawn when it comes to that. And I think that that's woken up the people like so kind of like on my IG I have many of my followers aren't even Muslim. And the amount of non Muslims who are, you know, are pro what's, you know, pro Palestine and trying to support and trying to shout out the people we're trying to give donations, the amount of people doing BDS, right. There's been a massive surge in that the amount of people who are now accepting Islam because Allah Subhana Allah Palestinian. Yes. And I think this is, you know, one thing I want to say is, I've been to over 50 countries.
And there is nothing like the Palestinian people in their
in the resiliency and there's some mood like we say,
in their acceptance, like you don't shut up, Rahim is sitting in front of us, and he just lost his nephew, or
like an hour ago, and he's able to stand and do this video. This hasn't given lecture. So
normal, right and Subhan Allah, Allah has given them a faith Alhamdulillah May Allah subhanaw taala give us all of that the same faith, and you know, subhanAllah I want to say this, too. We think that it's their test, but they've passed their tests.
And Allah subhanaw taala is going to ask each and every one of us, what did we do when this ummah was, and we have to be able to stand in front of a laws panel dialogue and pass that test. You bring up such a great point, Ron yet the fact that this is an awakening for us, and we are going to see how are we passing our tests that are so much easier, right? And how we're going to respond to this, and mashallah shifts your monolith, you know, really you do demonstrate that resilience of the Palestinian people and being able to have such acceptance of the toddler and what could you what could you share as far as like, what is it that keeps you going? What keeps you I mean, it's hard to
experience one loss, you know, and if you have one family member that dies, how it takes months to overcome it and to pull yourself together. So how are you coping with this on a on a spiritual side and emotional side?
In fact, Alana Rania speak about we come together, even the Jews, yeah, second, my second language, by the way, Hebrew, because
by being in Gaza, I have to speak Hebrew, under occupation. When I came to America in 1988. Start Reza become a free
so my second language, Hebrew two days, I just, I'm here in South Carolina right now, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
I'm leaving tomorrow to Chicago was a lot of people invited me to speak about that. So in the airplane today, I swear to ladies, Hebrew, Jewish, they speak in Hebrew. And they run away from Palestine, run away from Dubai land to come to America. And both of them this week. I'm listening. And actually, I was listening in my hair when this is
my favorite
is the Quran. I was listening to him your airplane. We're trying to recite with him, and then they're speaking, I think my headphone, I will listen to them as what Allah says. So Allah, Allah, like, they are complaining about Netanyahu, how dare he do this? Either you're gonna destroy the country that goes, every everybody running running. I'm making real Jews, not that Zionism
goes. A lot of roll by a true rabbi. They are because they know me. I'm from Gaza. And also I speak here very well, as you get that language. They invite you to the synagogue to speak. So
except for government, yes. Yes. And, and that has been an eye opening experience, seeing that you stand for the people of Palestine. And you know, because we do have a tendency to
You may be generalized. And to think that maybe like all of them aren't supportive this and when they speak up, and when they start saying not in my name, and they are being they're being treated very harshly by the scientists therapy, you know, there's violence used against them, and you see that their hearts are with us And subhanAllah this This in itself is so critical to know. Like you said, Rania, that veils have been lifted, we recognize who is with and who is against this, and I feel that humanity will never be the same. Honestly, I have never sensed this kind of an awakening and this level of, you know, the truth being spread. So every person who was sharing the post every
person who is spreading the news and doing the hit, it is having an impact and, and when we see people that are embracing a slump, why because of the amazing any conviction of the Palestinians and it's just mind blowing, there they are saying, if they can have everything taken away from them and still say Alhamdulillah still thank God, then we want to learn that so there is wisdom in what is happening Subhan Allah
Allah azza wa jal your call
him Mr. Mee
Mee has been solute Roku poo min warm left him with a certain Ludhiana probably for the Iman Sadako but yeah, ramen and cadmium. Allah says in surah, Lanka boo, husband, nurse and the people of Gaza they believe that very well. And I noticed that when I was three months with them last year.
We are believer there is no trial, tribulation hardship and the key
Allah who is the truthful person? And who the liar person and this is. Rhonda, you mentioned that it's available. Now everybody can see the truth. Now. The truth is some some people not the heart, like our government here, their heart is blind, not their vision, their heart is blind. Yes. Does that mean I mean? Well, having the best Sierra having that vision is so critical in this process. And it is like the stories we used to hear you know about and read about the Prophet sallallahu Sallam and the Sahaba they are actually demonstrating for us because it's very easy to say, well, the people of the past and and they had a different level of faith, but when you see it demonstrated
is really incredible.
Ronnie, if you could tell us like what is it, you know, that needs to be done. Many people may be losing momentum. They may be thinking, you know, what's the point? They may be getting tired? And what is what is your message? Because I know that it's not over we've had an impact already. And what is your message to people as far as what they can do and how to keep the momentum going.
Imagining now here, last hop to the gym. I was told the people, Alico motors or any be optimistic, yes, illegal motor at three times. If you're going to the gym, I give the example of the gym or last week, two days ago, about a month of Nielsen, our mom and his mom sumiya Mundaka yacht
and LeBron las rasool
Allah.
So look good. So he, he sees Sumaiya um, Amar, and about Maria, and torture and torture and torture, and Rasool Allah filling them. thubron Be patient who was in the Maori documentation the it's promised for you and so my Yeah, so my 70 years old, what you said suborn abandon a
patient and she got killed immediately between heroin addicts
in Gaza save right now. That's just a robbery as you might imagine 1000s killed and females and imagine if you've asked me that, by the way, if you've asked me that they I born in this
hospital I wonder if it's
for children, hospital, children husband then
they destroyed the Children Hospital number one first. Before this. It should
imagine that there is a reason Sr. I checked that we will complete Jamar with the 123
To make no Muslim be alive, fight for the sake of Allah subhanaw taala
but last time by the way is not belong to me belong the Muslims,
the Muslims, getting the view that a lot of people are angry and then got a fight, but I said, No, we're gonna fight number one we are here. If you want to fight go to Gaza, but we are here now just we, our our tongue, our lips is a weapon used? Well you make a very good point about being optimistic. I know that's what got you through your illness upon Allah you were ill unable to move in the hospital bed many years ago. And you're still doing Dawa and your your way out was being optimistic because as a believer, we have no choice but to be optimistic. And so that's a very powerful message we have to stay optimistic is are there some actionable items that that you can
mention to us, Rania as far as like staying within, you know, like what we can actually do to move forward?
So you know, you talked about being tired, and there's this, this?
I think they call it compassion fatigue, which I think is
I know you're in psychotherapy, but I mean, absolutely ridiculous in my personal opinion, and I'll tell you why. Systemically like think about it, they don't have a break. Yeah, well, like I said, don't have a break. And the minute that you the minute that you get tired, I want you to think about them. I want you to think if you were in that situation, like how hard is it to post on social media? How hard is it? How hard so I'll tell you, myself have said this and other people so I know people obviously from hazhar. Also, the protests make a huge difference. Because when you're showing them around the world that we are with you we are protesting, we are not okay with this, this helps
them and this gives them that kind of extra push a morale, a boost of morale, it is a boost of rounds. So, you know, people who say Oh, what do protests do? It's not going to change the government. The protest is not for the government or for this or for that. Yes, maybe that's a byproduct but it is for them. It is for us them that we will not stand quiet. We are not going to be okay with you being killed. We are going to go out of our homes and you know, when candidates quite cold now. Still, we're in jackets, and we are outside and we are going to walk and we are going to march and we're going to shut that city down until people's so that's the first thing my shots Well,
let me make a point on that. I mean that that's so critical for us to really, truly be empathetic because you can't be a believer until you want for your brother or sister what you want for yourself. And so reminding ourselves of what they're going through the hardship that difficulties especially since it's winter, I think that really makes us be saw
that really makes us be more like salam alayka
Nice to have you, Michelle. You're nice. You actually we all know must be going to school, let's find the school.
Board to Masha Allah that, you know, you're getting news of family members passing away and you're still giving you're still mashallah contributing, may Allah keep you strong. And what you're saying, Rania is that these protests are not just, you know, it's not just for the government, but it is for the people of Gaza, when they see that we care and we are making an effort, obviously, that is going to boost their morale and not feel that, that people have forsaken them. Because they are certain that Allah has not forsaken them. But when we can show up for them time and time and time again, it that is what's going to keep them going, what else are used to just like I said, the test for the
husbands is different for us. So we have to extend that and say, What did you do? So what am I doing other than going to the protest? So let's say you're able to, so I'm someone who writes editorials, for instance, for the newspapers or whatever you need to write to the newspapers, you need to write emails, these email campaigns are really important to your elected officials. I want everyone to understand that all of these people, all of these people are actually elected. That means you have power over them, right. So word vote matters. Like I have literally gone to MPs. And in the States, who would be your representatives and said, We are not as a community going to forget. I will make
it my personal mission that you not get reelected. So you need to educate yourself on who's voting with you who's voting against that this issue is extremely important for our community and not just our community. This
is a situation of humanity? Absolutely.
Let me mention something here is that this is what the Jewish lobbyists have been able to do. And they have been quite successful because of their involvement in government because of their lobbying. They have been able to be the voice and and we spend a lot of money on it right how late last minute.
I know that you have care. And I know you have care. I know what your other lobby groups would be. In Canada, we have NCCM, we also have cm PAC, donate to those organizations that are advocacy that are speaking to the MPs that may take people to court. Right, right. These things are extremely important that people who are like the CHE who have people in Gaza, make sure that you're speaking to the media, get trained on it, make sure that you're getting that out there, educate yourself on Palestine. So a lot of us have these emotional reactions. But we don't know the history, we don't actually we're not able to debate it. So make sure there's a lot of educational videos out there,
make sure that you're watching them, make sure that you're posting there's a lot of Palestinian influenza influencers and non Palestinian influencers that you can get that information from, I know that I'm somebody that Hamdulillah that posts all the time around this subject. So people can follow at Rania, low end or at AFH. Canada, there's kind of, if you could include that on the chat. And if there is, if you could do that, so whoever needs to, if they want to donate to action for humanity, they want to get updates and shift drummer if there if you have a contact information that you'd like to include as well, because this way we can, we can get people to actually take action from
from today in sha Allah. Yeah, and the other. The other big thing, too, is Members, we're educating ourselves, we're educating others, we need to call those MPs if you can't, right you call
sharing on this, and BDS is huge boycott products that are coming from Israel, companies that are supporting Israel, make sure you educate yourself on that educate others on that we are going to be asked on how we spend our money. Right? Yes. And you know, that's gonna be supporting Palestine. Right. Not just take away your money from people supporting Israel, but also support the companies that are have spoken out for philistin support the companies that are, you know, and give them like, go buy their products go, Yeah, this, all of these things. And I think it's important when we see the boycott list, yeah, it also so long. Thank you, we have to also start producing our own things,
there has to be things, the fact that we are so
everything is like everything we put our money into Subhanallah is causing harm, harm with some brothers HSS is this is very important. The other thing is little before you move on, because this is so critical, Rania in the sense that we are 2 billion people, we have to really recognize this being conscious consumers has never been as important as it is now. Right now we can have an impact right now Black Friday is coming to you. They're saying boycott Black Friday, you gotta get a word hurts because it's all about finances. And if we all collectively choose not to support the companies that are supporting this site, then we are definitely going to have an impact. And it's
incredible how now actually, there was one one lady was reporting on this she was in Alberta, Alberta, I think Canada, and she said you know that is like the Texas of Canada. And she went into some grocery store it was very, it's like very frugal people and she said it's you know, not a high high end grocery store. But what she noticed is that everyone, almost 30 people, they were on their phone, and they were checking to check in to check all the products to make sure that it wasn't Israeli products and she was just you know, amazed by this and we really need to step up I know that there are many products that we have gotten accustomed to many products that we love, but we have to
love our brothers and sisters more and we have to
like you know, the makeup the the creams like I've literally everything I use almost
all the luxury handbags like everything and so and I've made the mistake to have sometimes not looking and then buying something
like I was just in the UK and you know I did that by accident because you don't. So it's it's important to kind of you know, really conscious with that
Yep, the other thing is you need to educate yourself around humanitarian organizations and where you're donating. Right? So in Canada, we have something called the CRA, which is the Canada Revenue Agency, go on there and look at the admin fees, the fundraising fees of organizations, make sure that organizations are actually able to deliver aid. So don't lose hope in all organizations short, make sure that you're educating yourself on where you put your dollars because you do have to donate like us. That is not going to be built except with these INGOs. So it is important that we, we we really kind of understand where we're donating and make sure that we do that. For those younger
people who are on social media all the time. unfollow anyone who is an influencer? Who is a big one, they're young.
Okay, I'm gonna repeat that unfollow the people who are not pro pallisa. They're gonna feel it, right. Because they want to impact they want to be an influencer. So they see that they're losing, and those who are speaking up because they are going to, they're going to feel it. Content. Yeah, that's a very good point, you do all put ourselves at risk when we're doing this. And, you know, we don't mind to do that. But it's important that, you know, there's a lot of influencers who have gotten a lot of clout on, you know, their Muslim content. And then now suddenly, it's one or two posts about Palestine. No, no, no, no, you should not be posting what you're eating, what you're
wearing, what your whatever, when your brothers and sisters are on fire. And so it's important that us, we don't consume this type of this type of thing. And then last but not least, you know, Allah subhanaw taala promises us victory. So it's not just about being optimistic, it's about having your key
in the Promise of Allah subhanaw taala you're keen in the promise of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. And I hope that in my lifetime, that I will see
you be free. And you know, even if it is not in my lifetime, that I know with your keen that this will, that will happen, and that I make dua for it, I make, that I be a part of it. I make, that I being someone who mobilizes towards that I make the Allah Subhana Allah accept what i do i make door that leads to genital for me, except those people. And so these are the things that we can practically do. And so that we can look at ourselves in the mirror, right? Like, you know what, I am trying to do everything that I can. Right, right, thank you so much. That was a very motivating list of actions that we can take that not to lose hope you are making a difference. We need to keep
going. This is just the beginning, right? This is just the beginning. Because it's one holiday, it's not a sprint, it's a marathon. So it's not the end, the boycotting is not just for like, oh, a few months. This is something we got to make a commitment. And Allah like you said, it's going to ask us what was more precious to you, you know, this, whatever it is this product that you're using this food that you like, or what they represent, and your brothers and sisters in Islam, so, and this woman, there was a woman that was just on AlJazeera Subhanallah like I am someone who has lost a child, meaning like my daughter passed away. Mm hmm. And the other children and hamdulillah but I
can imagine the loss that these women and men are going through like this woman lost seven children, seven, seven children. And you know, she put her hand up in the sky and she said husband alone I'm gonna kill. Where are you? Oh, people of the out of North America. You don't want someone to do it to be against you on the Day of you will write that what nicking diet you are the people like and when they make dua for those who are helping them that you are part of that, that you can be with them in Jannah. And you might have that sitting on your couch and acting tired and like not not just scrolling, right? Because if you're scrolling I'm
I'm a huge coffee drinker. And the minute that I knew, and this was something very dear to me, but the minute that I knew that Starbucks was on that list, literally I stopped that and um, you know, Starbucks has something very small whether it's Starbucks, whether it's the creams, whether it's the makeup, whether it's the clothes, I don't care, if you are going to be passed on the day of judgment that this made this person died because of the money that you how are you going to look a lot
and so it's not worth it Wallah. This dunya is not worth it. It is
and they understand that and we don't anyone have compassion fatigue does not understand that. You're so right. I mean, we really, we really have to wake up and this and
be more aware and recognize that every action we take is going to, we're going to have to answer. And I believe that it's brought about a new level of mindfulness, right? We need to be mindful about who we follow who we listen to who we're supporting. And really, mindfulness is the way to Jana. Right? So what I would like to do, there is a beautiful letter that a mother in Assa wrote. And I would like to read this because it is so incredibly inspiring. And and then I would like to end up with Chef, if you could then do a very beautiful dua that you do for the people of Gaza and for all of us to stay strong and to keep this fight. But this this beautiful letter, as from a parent, a
mother and she said, if Allah lifted the veil for you, just 10 minutes and you could see the sky of Palestine, you would see a site of Wonder waves of angels racing to ascend with the souls of the modern martyrs to Allah in a special celebration. I swear by Allah besides whom there is no god but him. The sky is filled with the sense of perfu these people have completed their tests in this world, so there's no need for them to stay in this world. Allah has chosen them for Paradise. You see the painful images don't chew, but my messenger and Your Messenger Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa salam swore.
He swore by Allah that the martyr will not experience pain except that of a pinch. So just as if I pinch you by the hand, do not fear for them. I know you are saddened so remember what the messenger sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said, no one in this world dies and wishes to return to the world, except the martyr, the martyr wishes, that they could die for his sake 1000 times to keep dying for his sake and come back. I am now seeing things that Besa that if you saw them with your own eyes, you would die of joy. These martyrs are alive and eternally provided for by the sustainer. So I felt that this is just a beautiful, just a beautiful message of hope for us. And, Chef, if you could
please,
if there's anything that you wanted to comment, first of all, from that beautiful letter
Exactly, yeah. Many people know my family
texted me when when the internet but more just like this, and even
even my nieces, nephews, my brother, my five sisters in Gaza, five sisters and their kids and the grandkids. They all text me and the old they know there will be killed knowledge.
Soon themselves soon, inshallah.
That's the I feel they are feeling
the situation in Gaza.
By the way, during Gaza, not since October 7. Before they're 75 years, especially in Gaza Strip and Gaza Strip, we have the border of Egypt, by the way, the award of Egypt, right. Unfortunately, unfortunately, the government of Egypt before the war started is worse than anybody else. Subhanallah there is anyone that when I went to Gaza, I went
from here to Cairo. Right. And then actually lucky lucky last year that when my son got married no problem with that. The when I entered second time, because I want to go to Gaza. Walla Levine says plug the HDMI IN in the police with the police three hours 300 Why why a guy that why you want to go to work or American that only the accused me I'm not American citizen.
No.
Longer Australian. That's my point. That's the that's the under siege for years. Yes.
Yes. And now Al Hamdulillah sister Vanya said now the mask. There is no mas.
Al Hamdulillah double me You are the only assess of RANIA
is the best. The maths construction is.
Yeah, please run. Yeah, go ahead.
I want
Until also Yanni SubhanAllah. You know one of the things too, that the husbands were saying is we're not going to leave, right like, you know, they're being bombed. And even if they could leave they're not and you know, I want to you read something beautiful and it just reminded me of something if you give me one minute I'll read it of course. Yeah, please. Can can make a beautiful done. Yeah. Need to shift by the way. I didn't know you before. But it's.
But, you know, I was in I was in Palestine, and I was in the courtyard of OXA. And kinda like, if you've been to Medina, and you get that, you know, that beautiful feeling. And Medina, you read it at some point. I've heard that from people.
You know, when you go into, into the courtyard, and I had the honor of getting a private tour by someone who is very well known in Palestine, I'll keep him.
And I said to him, Have you ever thought like, his four children had been jailed and tortured, he'd been in and out of jail. And, you know, I said, Did you ever think to leave
walking in the courtyard, and he picked up a stone in that courtyard? And he said, Sister, Rania, I have a relationship with every single stone in this court. And so when I came to home, of course, I have the life had five children. I like to tell my kids about what is going on. And you met my Aya, Mashallah. And Aya I told her this story, and she had an assignment at university. So she's taking rhetoric and Professional Writing, with, you know, peace and conflict studies and she wrote this poem about my shot. And let me say that her daughter, this is the same daughter who did the TED Talk, mashallah, mashallah just so such an activist so confident and it's nice to see the youth
stand up like this from the parenting Michelle, in your example. No Reliance from Allah subhanaw taala. I'm not as good a parent as my kids, my kids are.
But she wrote, she wrote us. So she was inspired by this and she actually did an assignment to write an ode to a rock. And so she wrote an ode to the stones of Palestine. Whew, it may just be a stone. But there is a man in Palestine who has devoted his whole life to guarding the holy mosque in Jerusalem. He has spent so much time among the olive trees and the worshipers and the architecture. He says he has a relationship with every single stone in the mosques courtyard, the same ones that children use to defend themselves against guns and tanks and armed IDF soldiers.
Sorry, he says to him these stones aren't just stones they are witnesses to the history and the religion and the Palestinian resistance and you know Subhanallah my daughter Aya wrote that and mail was always keep them resist.
So beautiful. Yeah Subhanallah and may we may we be a small part of that any deliberation in sha Allah Philistine May Allah subhanaw taala me or Palestine is free in sha Allah me and thank you for sharing that that was very impromptu that it was so heartwarming May Allah bless your your daughter
Traci absolutely and bless all our children and bless those who are who are struggling right now and and really this idea of believing that it can change visualizing it I like to visualize that all the Palestinians coming back to their homes and it's rebuilt in a beautiful way inshallah it should if if you could lead us in a in a beautiful job for the Palestinian people for what's happening and also for all of us and for us to pass our test in sha Allah. Because because
when I was in high school, every Friday, me and my sisters go to the middle of the brain
and go back to Gaza every friday every friday
thing, the best time in my life when I
do my kids pray and eat over there especially Zappa and my salah our life, May Allah bring those memories back and inshallah you're reunited with your family and really May Allah give you strength and all the people who have lost
sometimes 10s and dozens of family members to please we'd love to hear your thought on sha Allah insha Allah Allah Allah Allah Muhammad Ali Muhammad
Ali Ibrahim Ali Greenfield
Aloma Yeah, how are you? Yeah movie
called Mr. Miyagi, Amelia. Hola, hola. Hola, Maria Maria
One sort of natural curry bunny Allah minutes um was
I mean I wouldn't
allow medical bulimia but but I mean
certainly me, Allah.
Allah humma lick could be
to the bathroom
was yesterday Allama commander yummy Allahumma Salli wa Sallim wa Barik Santa Monica color fina beautiful da and just like a life errand
tamale for coming and in the midst of your loss in the midst of your grief and in the midst of all of this devastation really appreciate you coming and sharing your personal stories. And just like Alafaya to my dear friend Rania Liu Wendy, for coming and mashallah, you're very inspiring. You have dedicated your life the past, I believe it's been 11 years correct for this. And while we've been Yeah, the organization has been now 13 years and five budding candidates into Masha Allah Tabata, Allah may Allah keep you strong, thank you so much for coming, sharing the personal stories as well as far as the eight that is happening. May Allah strengthen you and give you so much reward for what
you've done and for being an inspiration to sokola here any parting words anything you'd like to say before we put in it's not for people like our website is there and to follow us and some people that are talking about Palestine that they can follow some of the accounts from Gaza and from the states and different places in the chat? Yeah. Hello, please write make dua for us and for everyone and for the people of Palestine and you know, some kind of law may Allah Subhana Allah make it easy for everyone and me they all rewarded for everything that they owe me you're like, hey, you're such an inspiration for us with your young teen and, and acceptance you know, I feel like this is teaching
us how to be in this life. We're supposed to be strangers, right? This is supposed to be kind of like a transit to the afterlife and really the people are demonstrating this mashallah Sokoloff head and I really, really appreciate your time and
so much demands on your time and may Allah reward you both and thank you all for who
is
on the seas soon in Canada, and we'd love to have you over both of your Salah in Dallas, Texas, and
Nico