Eid in Gaza 2025

How the families we are supporting find some comfort in Eid

Eid in Palestine is, as it is in the rest of the Muslim world, usually a time of deep joy and connection. Traditional dishes like Maamoul cookies and lamb dishes fill homes with rich aromas.

Under normal circumstances children eagerly receive Eidiyah—small gifts or money from older family members. Palestinians also focus on charity on the day of Eid. In normal times, Eid is not just a holiday; it is a reaffirmation of community, faith, and resilience.

This year in Gaza, however, Eid looks very different. War has replaced celebration, and survival has taken precedence over tradition. Here are three personal accounts of Eid in Gaza.

Dr. Mohamed's Story

"As for Eid here, there’s so much to say, yet words fall short. There’s no trace of joy; death is everywhere, and the bombings never cease. Searching for firewood, water, and bread is already painful, but during Eid, it feels even more unbearable.

The wounded and the martyrs weigh heavily on our hearts. We try to lift our spirits, but the war, the loss, and the suffering make it impossible."

Suhaib Abid's Story

"As you know, because of the war, there are no events. I just stay in tents with my family.

In the past, we used to visit our uncle, aunt, sisters, and neighbors. We would go to restaurants, meet friends—I miss those days. Even though war takes lives from us in Gaza, we must find joy and celebrate the arrival of Eid."

Nahidh Abu Armaneh's Story

"This morning, my family and I woke up to the sound of 'Allahu Akbar'—the calls of Takbeer. We prayed and put on our best clothes, even if they weren't new.

We started by greeting everyone we met, whether we knew them or not, because people especially need kindness and peace in these times. After that, we visited relatives to extend our Eid wishes, ate sweets, and drank coffee—though the coffee tasted as bitter as our lives.

We saw children dancing and singing, celebrating Eid with joy, affirming that Gaza needs happiness, songs, peace, and love.

The most important thing we noticed during our tour was that everyone in Gaza is praying earnestly for the war to end."

“Honestly, every day is worse than the one before unfortunately.”

---

Right now is the darkest time in this whole brutal nightmare of the genocide. Israel feels emboldened by the current US administrations green light. They will carry out genocide and ethnic cleansing if the world does not stand up against this horror.

We need every single bit of help to give to the people of Gaza. Whatever you can donate is needed now more than ever. We are asking all of our readers and supporters to make a pledge to donate to us to support the people of Gaza. We are donating to families in Gaza and to families who have recently managed to escape Gaza but are trapped in Egypt without a support system.

Please consider donating generously. Please consider making a recurring donation so that we can make long term plans to help families consistently. Even a five dollar a month pledge enables us to make a long term commitment to a family in Gaza.

Until Palestine is free,

Hammam Farah,

Executive Director,

Elham Fund