Category: News & Updates

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Baitulmaal Delivers 150 Hot Iftar Meals Daily to Families in North Gaza

GAZA, PALESTINE March 6, 2026 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, is on the ground in North Gaza distributing 150 hot Iftar meals daily to vulnerable families, ensuring they can break their fast with a warm meal during the holy month of Ramadan.

According to Ahmed Sherif, senior manager of international programs at Baitulmaal, most of the beneficiaries included orphans, children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

“As families gather at the end of the day to break their fast, Baitulmaal is working behind the scenes to provide meals for the people in Gaza,” said a Baitulmaal representative in Gaza. “These meals help restore a sense of humanity and ensure that vulnerable families have a hot meal at the end of each day of fasting.”  

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, more than 1.7 million people in Gaza have been displaced, forcing families into overcrowded shelters where access to regular meals remains extremely limited.

In addition to providing Iftar meals during Ramadan, Baitulmaal has been working in Palestine for more than a decade providing education support, orphan support, delivering Ramadan food packages, life-saving aid, and healthcare. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices and representatives in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.

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Baitulmaal Restores Sight for 100 Vulnerable People in Kenya

WAJIR, KENYA, February 3, 2026 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently hosted a free eye cataract surgery camp in Wajir, restoring sight for around 100 vulnerable individuals aged 18 and older.

The project provided life-changing surgeries for patients suffering from cataracts in one or both eyes. Many of the beneficiaries were older adults, women, and some younger patients who had been living with limited access to specialized eye care.

“I was able to witness a surgery and see a 65-year-old woman stand up and say that even with the bandage over her eye, she could already see the light,” said Linda Sarsour, a U.S. based activist, author, and Baitulmaal ambassador.

One of Baitulmaal’s beneficiaries, Bishara, a young mother of five and the sole provider for her family, received her second eye cataract surgery to improve vision in both eyes. Today, she can walk independently and care for herself again. Most importantly, she carries renewed hope that she can rebuild her small business and continue supporting her children.

“I was in a very dark place, but I feel alive and beautiful again,” said Bishara.

By restoring sight, the project helps patients regain independence and rebuild their lives. Many beneficiaries are able to return to work, continue their education, and participate fully in their communities once again. Beyond the physical impact, restored vision also brings renewed confidence, emotional well-being, and hope for a brighter future.

According to the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), cataracts account for nearly 50 percent of avoidable blindness in Africa, largely due to limited access to surgical care in rural and underserved communities.

In addition to performing free cataract surgery in Kenya, Baitulmaal has also provided  emergency aid, fresh meat for Udhiyah, orphan support, and Ramadan Food Packages. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, please visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

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Baitulmaal Delivers Life-Saving Maternal Care in Wajir

WAJIR, KENYA December 25, 2025 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently provided essential medical equipment and specialized training for healthcare workers at Wajir County Referral Hospital in Kenya to strengthen maternal and newborn care. The initiative was implemented in part through a generous grant from the Gates Foundation and in partnership with Every Pregnancy, a global coalition dedicated to saving the lives of mothers and babies.

The project is expected to enhance emergency obstetric and newborn care services, reduce medical delays, and improve the overall quality of care for mothers and newborns. It also supports Wajir County’s ongoing efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates and expand access to life-saving healthcare services.

“We appreciate the donation given to us. This contribution [from Baitulmaal] is not an ordinary gift; it is a sign of love, compassion, and support for our community. It aligns with the vision and mission of this hospital to improve the quality of care we provide,” said Mohammed Omar, Director of Wajir County Referral Hospital. “This support will help strengthen our services and enhance the care we aim to deliver to mothers and newborns.”

According to Ahmed Sherif, Senior Manager of International Programs at Baitulmaal, the project will directly benefit mothers receiving care at Wajir County Referral Hospital, high risk pregnancies, newborns requiring specialized support, and healthcare professionals participating in the training. The initiative will also indirectly benefit communities across Wajir County by strengthening the hospital’s ability to provide timely and quality maternal and newborn healthcare services.

According to the African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP), Wajir County is among the 15 counties that account for more than 60% of maternal deaths in Kenya, with an estimated maternal mortality ratio of 1,683 deaths per 100,000 live births. These figures highlight the urgent need for improved maternal and newborn healthcare services in the region.

As part of the initiative, Baitulmaal donated critical medical equipment to the hospital, including a delivery bed, multiple maternity beds, baby cots, a newborn incubator, a suction machine, and an LED inspection light.  The charity also conducted a five-day Emergency Obstetric and Newborn care (EmONC) mentorship program for healthcare personnel to strengthen their capacity to manage complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the newborn period.

In addition to providing essential medical equipment to Wajir County Referral Hospital in Kenya, Baitulmaal has also delivered fresh meat for Udhiyah, Ramadan Food Packages, provided support to orphans, and distributed emergency aid during flash floods. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, please visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

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Baitulmaal Hope Center for Children with Special Needs Opens in Busunju, Uganda

BUSUNJU, UGANDA – November 17, 2025 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian organization, recently celebrated the grand opening of the Baitulmaal Hope Center for Children with Special Needs, marking a significant milestone in inclusive education and rehabilitation services for children with disabilities in Central Uganda. The center represents a collaborative effort to address long-standing gaps in equitable access to quality educational opportunities for children with special needs.

While Uganda has demonstrated its commitment to providing education for all children by ratifying key international and domestic frameworks, children with special needs still face significant barriers. For example, government data and UN agency reports indicate that only 9% of children with disabilities of school‐going age are enrolled in primary school, compared with national primary enrollment averages of over 90%. 

According to Ahmed Sherif, head of international programs at Baitulmaal, the Baitulmaal Hope Center will be the first comprehensive Muslim-founded institution in Central Uganda dedicated to inclusive education, psychosocial care, and vocational development for children with disabilities.

“The facility is designed to serve as a safe, supportive, and empowering environment for children with diverse needs,” Sherif said. “It includes classrooms, dormitories, a vocational skills laboratory, and a multipurpose hall. Above all, it houses hope for these children and their families.” 

The center’s key objectives include:

  • Providing a safe, inclusive atmosphere that fosters emotional, intellectual, and physical development.
  • Nurturing overall wellbeing through academic, creative, and recreational activities.
  • Building self-confidence, strong character, and self-esteem.
  • Promoting lifelong learning through ICT and engagement with role models.
  • Strengthening vocational skills to facilitate future independence and societal contribution.

Initially, the center will enroll 210 children, equally balanced across genders, following Uganda’s Ministry of Education calendar, with boarding provided throughout the school terms.

To ensure long-term viability, the center will:

  • Establish an agricultural farm for food security and vocational training.
  • Implement a modest parent contribution scheme.
  • Continue collaboration with Kibuli Muslim Hospital and community partners for operational support.

The Baitulmaal Hope Center represents a transformative step toward inclusive education and empowerment for children with special needs.

In addition to the new center, Baitulmaal has organized free cataract surgery camps in Uganda and recently opened two new maternity units through a partnership with Kibuli Muslim Hospital, made possible due to a generous grant from the Gates Foundation and the Every Pregnancy coalition. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

 

About Baitulmaal

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to underserved communities around the world, regardless of faith or nationality. Its programs include food security, water, health care, education and emergency relief. For more information, visit johnjanney.org/.

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Baitulmaal Opens New Hospital in Mogadishu Featuring Maternity Unit Supported by the Gates Foundation and Every Pregnancy

MOGADISHU, SOMALIA – November 13, 2025 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian organization, recently opened Baitulmaal Hope Hospital, a new 30-bed health facility in the Garasballey District of Mogadishu designed to expand lifesaving healthcare for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and underserved families across the region. The hospital includes a dedicated maternity unit made possible in part through a generous grant from the Gates Foundation in partnership with Every Pregnancy, a coalition dedicated to saving the lives of mothers and babies globally.

The opening ceremony gathered community leaders, medical professionals, government representatives, and international partners to mark a major milestone in expanding access to essential healthcare in Somalia. The country continues to face one of the world’s most complex and protracted humanitarian crises, with 5.9 million people now in need of assistance and 2.6 million internally displaced.

Maternal and child health needs are particularly acute: Somali women face a 1 in 14 lifetime risk of dying from pregnancy-related complications, one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. The country also suffers from one of the highest under-five mortality rates globally, with neonatal deaths accounting for over 60 percent of all child mortality. Most of these deaths are preventable with timely access to quality care.

Baitulmaal Hope Hospital was created to help fill these critical gaps. The facility provides adult, pediatric, and maternity outpatient consultations; basic treatments such as wound care; skilled delivery services; antenatal and postnatal care; and emergency obstetric surgery, including cesarean sections. Operating six days per week and equipped to serve 50–100 patients daily, the hospital offers a vital lifeline to communities affected by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters.

“Today marks a new chapter of hope for the people of Mogadishu,” said Mazen Mokhtar, CEO of Baitulmaal. “This hospital is more than a building – it is a commitment to dignity, compassion, and equitable access to healthcare for all. We are deeply grateful to the Gates Foundation and the Every Pregnancy Coalition for their partnership in making this possible.”

The new maternity unit, dedicated to the Gates Foundation and Every Pregnancy, is specifically designed to address Somalia’s urgent maternal health challenges. It provides safe delivery spaces, trained health personnel, emergency obstetric care, and improved access to birth-spacing and reproductive health services, all of which are essential to reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.

“Every Pregnancy is working with Baitulmaal to make every pregnancy safe,” said Marleen Vellecoop, COO of Every Pregnancy. “Here in Somalia, around 5,000 mothers and 25,000 newborns die every year. Almost all of these deaths are preventable. This hospital [will help] prevent those deaths.”

Baitulmaal Hope Hospital is positioned to relieve pressure on existing local facilities while delivering patient-centered care staffed by trained Somali medical professionals. The hospital’s design prioritizes sustainability, community integration, and the long-term strengthening of the region’s health infrastructure. The hospital will benefit from a referral partnership with Jazeera University Hospital, which will help ensure continuity of care and long-term sustainability. Jazeera University will maintain low, cost-recovery fees for services while waiving fees entirely for those experiencing financial hardship, including many IDPs, subsidizing operations when needed – especially for maternal and newborn health.

The facility is part of Baitulmaal’s broader investment in healthcare, water access, education, and poverty-focused programming in Somalia. By expanding medical services in Mogadishu, Baitulmaal aims to reduce preventable illness, support maternal and child health, and provide reliable care to communities recovering from years of conflict and displacement.

“I encourage everybody to support Baitulmaal Hospital, this hospital of hope for Somalia, to serve mothers and newborns in this excellent maternity and newborn ward,” said Vellecoop. “Ultimately, investing in the future of this important country.”

In addition to Baitulmaal Hope Hospital, the charity has also opened a new school, ensured access to free education for hundreds of students, dug deep-water borehole wells, mobilized drought relief efforts, provided fresh meat for Udhiyah, distributed Ramadan food packages, and supported the Bandiradley Hospital in Somalia. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

About Baitulmaal

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to underserved communities around the world, regardless of faith or nationality. Its programs include food security, water, health care, education and emergency relief. A proud partner of the Every Pregnancy Coalition, Baitulmaal envisions a world where every mother and child has the care and resources they need to thrive. For more information, visit johnjanney.org/.

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Baitulmaal Grants $28,000 to Loaves & Fishes of the RGV to Expand Capacity and Support Families in Need

HARLINGEN, TEXAS – November 11, 2025 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian organization, has awarded Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley (LFRVG) two grants to provide hot Thanksgiving meals for families in need and strengthen the food pantry’s capacity to serve vulnerable households across the region.

The funding supports the “Harvest of Hope” Turkey Meal Project, which will provide hot, prepared Thanksgiving meals on November 25, 2025, to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Harlingen and Raymondville. The project is expected to serve approximately 760 meals to about 217 households, with on-site dining at the Bread of Life Dining Hall in Harlingen and to-go meals in Raymondville so families can celebrate at home.

A second award, the “LFRGV Capacity & Visibility Grant,” provides strategic operational funding to reinforce Loaves & Fishes’ administrative and program capacity while modernizing its digital outreach. This investment will improve efficiency, increase online visibility, and connect more people in crisis to essential services.

“Each holiday season, we see families who are struggling just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table,” said Victor Rivera, Executive Director of Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley. “With so much uncertainty about SNAP and other safety-net programs, Baitulmaal’s generosity means hundreds of our neighbors will sit down to a dignified Thanksgiving meal, and our organization will be better equipped to serve them throughout the year.”

The Harvest of Hope meal will be supported by 30–50 volunteers across both sites, including partners such as the Rotary Club of Harlingen, Walmart, Southern Careers Institute and other community groups. Volunteers will help with cooking, plating, serving, packaging and distribution. Outreach will include flyers and targeted social media to ensure families in need know where to find a warm meal and welcoming environment.

“Loaves & Fishes is a trusted community partner that meets people where they are with food, shelter and compassionate support,” said Elizabeth Sohail, Senior Manager of Domestic Programs at Baitulmaal. “By investing in holiday meals and year-round capacity, we are helping ensure that families in the Rio Grande Valley have somewhere to turn when they face hunger and hardship.”

The goal of the grant is to increase support for and expand awareness of services such as meal programs, shelter, food pantry and case management, ultimately reaching an estimated 4,000 individuals and 1,200 households over the project period.

“Strengthening our back-office systems and digital outreach may not be as visible as a holiday meal, but it is just as critical,” Rivera added. “This grant positions us to serve more people, respond more effectively and sustain our work for years to come.”

About Baitulmaal
Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian organization that partners with local agencies to provide life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to underserved communities around the world, regardless of faith or nationality. Its programs include food security, water, health care, education and emergency relief. For more information, visit johnjanney.org/.

About Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc.
Loaves & Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. provides essential services—including meal programs, shelter, food pantry support and case management—to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity, homelessness and economic hardship in the Rio Grande Valley. Guided by a commitment to compassion and dignity, Loaves & Fishes works with community partners to ensure that those in crisis can access the resources they need to stabilize and rebuild their lives.

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Baitulmaal Delivers Back-to-School Kits to 500 Vulnerable Children in Syria

IDLEB, SYRIA, November 2, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed essential back-to-school kits to 500 vulnerable children across northwest Syria.

According to Ahmed Sherif, Senior Manager of International Programs at Baitulmaal, the kits include clothes, school backpacks, shoes, pens, notebooks, and other essential supplies that help improve children’s school attendance.

In addition to school supplies, children also received psychosocial support to help them return to the classroom with confidence and a sense of safety. Through guided activities and recreational sessions, the program helped children rebuild emotional resilience, strengthen social connections, and ease their transition back into learning after years of displacement and hardship.

“When you hand a child a backpack and see them hold it tightly to their chest, you realize it means so much more than school supplies,” said Sherif. “For many of these children, it’s the first moment in a long time that they feel hopeful about tomorrow.”

This project aims to address both the immediate and long-term barriers preventing children from returning to school. Many families returning from displacement camps cannot afford basic school supplies or clothing, leaving children without backpacks, books, or proper shoes. In addition, many schools remain under-resourced and lack child-friendly learning spaces. The lasting psychological impact of conflict and displacement also continues to affect children’s ability to learn and thrive in the classroom.

According to UNICEF, more than 2.4 million children in Syria are currently out of school, with many more at risk of dropping out due to poverty and displacement.

In addition to distributing back-to-school kits to children in Syria, Baitulmaal has also provided Ramadan food packages, fresh meat for Udhiyah, delivered hygiene kits and water supplies, and provided emergency aid to families in Syria. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

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Baitulmaal Responds to Mass Afghan Deportations

Herat, Afghanistan August 31, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently provided emergency aid to nearly 10,000 Afghans affected by mass deportations from neighboring countries.

The aid included the distribution of 18,000 hot meals, transportation, clean water, and hygiene kits to people in the Islam Qala border camps. According to Elora Bashir, senior manager of program operations at Baitulmaal, most of the beneficiaries were women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

“No one should have to endure displacement and uncertainty alone,” Bashir said. “Providing meals, clean drinking water, and basic supplies is our way of standing with our Afghan brothers and sisters during their most difficult moments.” 

According to UNICEF, 80 percent of households in Afghanistan cannot afford a nutritious diet, and only 12 percent  of children aged 6–24 months receive the appropriate variety and quantity of food needed for healthy growth.

Afghanistan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to massive deportations. Since March 2025, over 1.5 million Afghans have been forcibly returned, overwhelming the country’s already fragile infrastructure and economy. 

In addition to delivering emergency aid to earthquake survivors in Afghanistan, Baitulmaal has also provided fresh meat for Udhiyah, and Ramadan food meals, and provided winter relief. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia and the Middle East.

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Baitulmaal on the Ground in Gaza, Delivering Life-Saving Aid to 70K People

GAZA, PALESTINE August 28, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently delivered essential emergency aid to more than 70,000 people in the besieged Gaza Strip as the humanitarian crisis deepens. 

The aid included cans of baby formula, 360,000 liters of clean water, more than 500 vegetable baskets, 600 hot meals and loaves of fresh bread for vulnerable families in Al-Mawasi displacement camp in Khan Younis. According to Ahmed Sherif, senior manager of international programs at Baitulmaal, most of the beneficiaries were children, displaced people, women, and the elderly.

“For the past five months, baby formula has been unavailable in the Gaza Strip, causing widespread malnutrition and claiming the lives of hundreds of children,” Amir, Baitulmaal Palestine field officer said. “Starvation and famine have reached their peak, but today’s delivery offers more than nourishment — it gives the children of Gaza a glimpse of hope and a light in the midst of this dark crisis.”

According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), one in five children under the age of five in Gaza City is now malnourished.

In addition to providing emergency aid in Gaza, Baitulmaal has been providing Iftar meals and Ramadan food packages, opened temporary schools, deployed medical missions, and continues to operate 400 water tanks in Gaza. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices and representatives in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.

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Baitulmaal Ensures Access to Free Education for 465 Somali Children

GALKAYO, SOMALIA July 2, 2025 – Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently provided financial support to Imamu Orphanage School in Somalia, ensuring access to free education for 465 enrolled children.

According to Ahmed Sherif, Senior Manager of International Programs at Baitulmaal, 244 of these children are orphans who also receive ongoing support for food, shelter, education, and social care, with girls representing half of the beneficiaries.

“Working with these children, I see firsthand how even small acts of kindness make a big difference,” Sherif said. “It’s their hope and resilience that inspire me every day to keep pushing forward.”

According to UNICEF, nearly 3 million children in Somalia are currently out of school due to poverty, conflict, and climate-related crises.

Since 2013, Baitulmaal has supported the orphanage and its school through infrastructure improvements, a monthly contribution of $2,000 toward operational costs, and the annual provision of back-to-school materials.

In addition to supporting orphans, Baitulmaal has also provided fresh meat for Udhiyah, Ramadan food packages, opened up a new school, and expanded a hospital building in Somalia. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

Baitulmaal is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides life-saving, life-sustaining and life-enriching aid to people in need around the world. With headquarters in Texas, the charity has domestic offices and representatives in California, Florida, Illinois, Michigan and New Jersey as well as international offices in Europe, Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.