In the face of adversity, Islamic Relief stands unwavering in its commitment to providing emergency response and relief to the world’s most vulnerable communities. Our mission transcends borders as we work to assist those in need, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or religion and aim to make the world a better place for all. We have consistently been at the forefront of emergency response initiatives, reaching 20 countries and assisting over 2 million people. From earthquake-ravaged cities to conflict zones and drought-stricken areas, our aim is immediate relief and offer long-term support to affected communities.
Thanks to your unwavering support, Islamic Relief has responded to crises across the globe. From Syria to Gaza, Morocco to Libya, Afghanistan to Yemen, and Turkiye to South Africa – we have addressed emergencies with compassion and purpose. Your contributions have empowered us to assist over 2 million individuals worldwide, making a real difference to those facing unimaginable hardships.
A Glimpse into Our 2023 Emergency Response Efforts
- Türkiye and Syria: Healing in the Aftermath of Earthquakes
In February 2023, devastating earthquakes struck Türkiye and Syria, claiming over 50,000 lives and shattering vital infrastructure. 40 million people across the regions were affected. Over 80,000 buildings collapsed, displacing at least 2 million people. Islamic Relief responded to this disaster, providing crucial support to hospitals and healthcare facilities and assisting over 1 million people in Türkiye and Syria. Our aid encompassed medical supplies, shelter, hygiene kits, food, and water.
- Morocco: Rebuilding Lives after the Earthquake
On September 8th, 2023, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Marrakech, Morocco, leaving approximately 3,000 lives lost and many more injured. Islamic Relief immediately stepped in, offering aid to those affected by the collapsing buildings and devastated infrastructure in the Marrakech-Safi region. We have assisted and supported over 16,000 earthquake-affected people with food aid, water, shelter, hygiene kits and medical supplies.
- Libya: Rising from the Aftermath of Storm Daniel
Storm Daniel wreaked havoc in eastern Libya, causing heavy rainfall, flooding, and the collapse of two dams. The floods have destroyed and damaged vital infrastructure, including homes, bridges, roads, and sanitation facilities. 11, 300 tragically died in the severe floods. Islamic Relief responded and mobilised a rapid and comprehensive response, including assisting with search and rescue operations and providing 36,000 flood-affected people with food, water, medical care and urgent shelter.
- Gaza: Sustaining Hope amid Ongoing Challenges
The current state in Gaza is horrific. Since October 7th 2023, over 20,000 people have died, including over 8,000 children, with many more wounded, as Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza. The ongoing violence and airstrikes in the region have forcefully displaced at least 1.8 million people. 75% of hospitals are non-functional. More than 300,000 housing units and over 300 educational facilities have been destroyed and targeted. The situation is dire and is deteriorating by the day.
Islamic relief has responded to the latest bombardment of Gaza and has been assisting regularly. Our teams in Gaza have distributed over 2 million medical items and consumables, food parcels, ready-to-eat meals, and psychosocial support to children. We will continue to support and assist the people of Gaza during this difficult time. Islamic Relief urges all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards an immediate ceasefire. This collective effort is crucial to facilitating the distribution of humanitarian aid to the tens of thousands in dire need, particularly children and women. Prioritizing a cessation will pave the way for essential assistance to reach those most vulnerable and alleviate their urgent humanitarian concerns.
Through your generous donations, Islamic Relief has been able to extend its emergency response assistance to 1 million people in Türkiye, 8,600 in Nepal, 16,200 in Morocco, 36,000 in Libya, 7,800 in Afghanistan, tens of thousands assisted in Gaza, and 750,000 disaster-affected people across 14 countries facing emergencies. The total impact of your support has enabled us to support at least 2 million people through emergency response interventions.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our donors, supporters, and volunteers for standing with us and our efforts to support the most vulnerable during their time of need. Your commitment has enabled Islamic Relief to bring hope and joy to those who have suffered from ongoing conflicts, natural disasters, and emergencies. We have and are making a positive impact on a global scale.
Thank you for supporting us and being part of this mission to create a better, more resilient world. Your generosity has fuelled our efforts, and we pledge to continue responding to those in need.