News & Updates – Page 4 – John Janney Foundation

Posted on March 29, 2025 by johnjanney

Families in Palestine Receive Food for 3.7M Meals During Ramadan

JERUSALEM, PALESTINE March 29, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently completed the distribution of food packages that provided more than 3.7 million meals to families living in Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza during the Ramadan Season.

Approximately 12,200 families each received essential food packages containing staples such as rice, tea, lentils, pasta, canned goods and cooking oil. Additionally, 36,000 hot meals were distributed during a community iftar, where families gathered to break their fast in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

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

“Seeing families smile from side to side is truly fulfilling,” Sherif said. “This aid didn’t just provide meals—it strengthened bonds, faith and a deep sense of belonging.”

According to the United Nations, more than 75 percent of the population in the Gaza Strip continues to face acute food insecurity, a situation driven by prolonged blockade restrictions, limited access to markets and essential goods, and widespread poverty.

In addition to providing Ramadan food packages, Baitulmaal has been working in Palestine for more than a decade providing education support, emergency aid and healthcare, in addition to operating 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.

Posted on March 27, 2025 by johnjanney

Baitulmaal Delivered Food for 120K Ramadan Meals in Togo

LOME, TOGO March 27, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed food packages that provided 120,000 meals to underserved families living in Togo during the month of Ramadan.

Food packages containing essentials such as rice, pasta, beans, canned goods, and cooking oil were provided to 500 families in Lome and Sokodé. Additionally, 1,000 hot meals were distributed during a community iftar, where families gathered to break their fast.

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

“Farming is a way of life in Togo, but hunger is still common,” Sherif said. “This aid lives up to the Islamic principle of sharing what we have with those in need.”

According to the UN World Food Programme, Togo’s economy heavily depends on agriculture, employing 60% of the labor force, yet food insecurity remains a major challenge.

In addition to providing Ramadan food packages, Baitulmaal has also provided fresh meat for Udhiyah, in Togo. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

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Posted on March 27, 2025 by johnjanney

Food for Over 150K Meals Distributed to Families in Nigeria

LAGOS, NIGERIA March 27, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed food packages that provided 150,000 meals to families in need living in Nigeria during the Ramadan season.

Approximately 500 families in Kanos, Lagos and Maiduguri each received food packages containing staples such as rice, pasta, beans, canned goods and cooking oil. Additionally, 1,000 hot meals were distributed during a community iftar, where families gathered to break their fast.

According to Ahmed Sherif, senior manager of international programs at Baitulmaal, most of the beneficiaries included orphans, women, displaced families and the elderly.

“Many of the families we served hadn’t had a proper meal in days,” Sherif said. “To be able to help them break their fast with dignity during Ramadan—it meant everything.”

According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Nigeria continues to face extensive humanitarian challenges, with an estimated 33 million people projected to experience food insecurity during the 2025 period of food scarcity.

In addition to providing Ramadan food packages, Baitulmaal has also provided fresh meat for Udhiyah in Nigeria. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

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Posted on March 20, 2025March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

Over 300K Ramadan Meals Bring Relief to Families in Bangladesh

COX’S BAZAR, BANGLADESH March 20, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed food packages that provided 315,000 meals to families in need across Bangladesh during the holy month of Ramadan.

Approximately 1000 families in Cox’s Bazar, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Khagrachari, Sonargaon, and Narayanganj received food packages to meet their nutritional and cultural needs for Sahur and Iftar. Each package contained staples such as rice, oil, lentils, chickpeas, onions, potatoes, and spices.

According to Elora Bashir, senior manager of program operations at Baitulmaal, the beneficiaries included women, children facing extreme food insecurity, Rohingya refugees and displaced families.

“Supporting families who’ve faced such immense challenges and helping them honor their faith during Ramadan with dignity—that’s what our work is all about,” Bashir said.

According to the World Food Programme, over 11 million people in Bangladesh face food insecurity, with Rohingya refugees among the most vulnerable.

In addition to food assistance during Ramadan, Baitulmaal provides food, winter aid, and emergency aid to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. If you would like to learn more or contribute to these programs at Baitulmaal, please visit their website at 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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Posted on March 9, 2025March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

240K Ramadan Meals Delivered in the USA

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DALLAS, TEXAS March 9, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed food packages that provided 240,000 meals to families living in the United States during the month of Ramadan.

Food packages containing rice, oil, meat, dates, canned beans, fresh vegetables, cheese, and other essential food helped provide daily Ramadan meals to approximately 4,288 people living in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall, Denton, Tarrant, and Jackson Counties in the state of Texas, as well as in Miami, Florida.

According to Elizabeth Sohail, senior manager of domestic programs at Baitulmaal, the majority of the beneficiaries were among the most vulnerable, including orphans, refugees, widows, women and the elderly.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our donors for making this project possible and supporting families in need during the holy month,” Sohail stated. “Thanks to their support, we provided assistance and nourishment, embodying the true spirit of Ramadan.”

According to Pew Research Center, approximately 40% of Muslim American households struggle with low income at rates notably higher than the national average, underscoring persistent economic disparities within the community.

Baitulmaal’s food distribution during Ramadan not only addresses the immediate needs of underserved communities but also promotes core Islamic values such as brotherhood, solidarity, and compassion.

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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Posted on March 8, 2025 by johnjanney

Baitulmaal Delivers Food for 400K+ Ramadan Meals to Displaced Families in Syria

AZAZ, SYRIA March 8, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently completed the distribution of food packages that provided 446,400 meals to displaced Syrian families living in refugee camps in time for the Ramadan season.

Approximately 1,200 families each received essential food packages containing staples such as rice, milk, lentils, canned goods and cooking oil.

According to Ahmed Sherif, senior manager of international programs at Baitulmaal, most of the beneficiaries were displaced Syrian orphans, widows, women, and children living in Sarmada, Atma and Azaz.

“As we share meals with these families this Ramadan, we are reminded that hope and compassion are as essential as food itself,” Sherif said.

According to the World Food Programme, nearly 90 percent of the population in northwest Syria lives below the poverty line, and over 70 percent rely on humanitarian aid for food.

In addition to providing Ramadan food packages, Baitulmaal has also provided fresh meat for Udhiyah, delivered more than $5.35 million in medical aid, 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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Posted on March 3, 2025 by johnjanney

Food for 290K Ramadan Meals Distributed to Vulnerable Families in Sudan

KHARTOUM STATE, SUDAN March 23, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed food packages that provided 291,000 meals to families in Sudan as part of the Islamic season of Ramadan.

Approximately 970 families living in Khartoum State and Mountain View received food packages containing staples such as rice, flour, salt, spices, lentils, and cooking oil.

According to Ahmed Sherif, senior manager of international programs at Baitulmaal, most of the beneficiaries were families with young children, displaced people, women and people with disabilities.

“In the spirit of Ramadan, giving is an act of worship,” Sherif said. “These meals brought comfort, hope and a reminder that no one is forgotten.”

According to the World Food Programme, over 18 million people in Sudan are facing acute food insecurity, with conflict and economic instability exacerbating the crisis.

If you would like to learn more about or contribute to these programs at Baitulmaal, 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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Posted on February 28, 2025 by johnjanney

Baitulmaal Provides 360K Ramadan Meals to Families in Somalia

GALKAYO, SOMALIA February 28, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed food packages providing 360,000 meals to families in need across Somalia during the holy month of Ramadan.

Approximately 1,000 families living in the Mudug region of Galmudug State, received food packages containing rice, oil, sugar, flour and other essential items to support daily meals.

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

“It touches your heart to see the smiles on mothers’ and children’s faces when they receive these food packages,” Sherif said. “It means so much to them—especially during such a meaningful time like Ramadan.”

According to the World Food Programme, over 4.3 million people in Somalia face acute food insecurity, with many struggling to meet basic daily needs—especially during periods of drought and economic hardship.

In addition to distributing Ramadan food packages, Baitulmaal has also provided fresh meat for Udhiyah in Somalia. To learn more about or contribute to these efforts, visit johnjanney.org/.

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Posted on February 28, 2025March 18, 2026 by johnjanney

Baitulmaal Delivers Over 40K Ramadan Meals to Families in Mexico

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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO February 28, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently distributed food packages providing more than 40,000 meals to families across Mexico during the Ramadan season.

Approximately 500 families living in Mexico City, Toluca, Queretaro, Agua Calientes, Leon, Guanajuato, Chiapas, Cuernavaca and Tijuana received packages containing essential food such as grains, beans, sugar, flour and vegetable oil.

According to Elizabeth Sohail, senior manager of domestic programs at Baitulmaal, most of the beneficiaries included children, women, the elderly and people with disabilities.

“Thanks to our donors across the world, Muslim families in Mexico were able to gather and share meals,” Sohail said. “They came together to embrace the blessings of Ramadan.”

By partnering with local stakeholders including community members, local authorities, schools, local sheikhs and other relevant sectors, Baitulmaal ensured effective outreach and smooth coordination, significantly contributing to the success of the distributions.

According to UNICEF, approximately 13.5% of children under 5 in Mexico suffer from chronic undernutrition, with higher prevalence in southern and rural areas.

Baitulmaal has been in the region providing food assistance to families in need during Ramadan season. If you would like to learn more about or contribute to these programs at Baitulmaal, please visit their website at johnjanney.org/.

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Posted on February 6, 2025March 17, 2026 by johnjanney

Baitulmaal Opens School for Displaced Children in Gaza

Video updates and photo gallery below

GAZA STRIP, PALESTINE February 6, 2025 — Baitulmaal, a Dallas-based international humanitarian nonprofit, recently completed the construction and opening of a temporary school that will provide education and psychosocial support to 1,344 displaced children in the besieged Gaza Strip.

According to Ahmed Sherif, senior manager of international programs at Baitulmaal, the school, named “The Hope School,” will provide students with education in English, Arabic, mathematics and other core subjects taught by qualified teachers, in addition to counseling and social support.

“This project stands as an inspiring initiative that provides displaced students with a vital lifeline during challenging times,” Sherif said. “By establishing temporary schools and offering essential education and psychosocial support, the project empowers these students to persevere in their educational journey and navigate the emotional trauma of displacement.”

The project will address the disruption of education in Gaza and features the following benefits:

Educational Continuity: Prevents students from losing an entire academic year, ensuring they can continue their education without significant disruptions.
Knowledge Acquisition: Enables students to gain new knowledge and skills, which can be crucial for their future development and opportunities.
Emotional Well-being: Provides psychosocial support to help students cope with the stress and trauma associated with displacement.
Sense of Normality: Offers a sense of normalcy and routine, which can be particularly important for children and adolescents.
Hope for the Future: Gives students hope for the future by providing them with opportunities to learn and grow, despite their challenging circumstances.

Baitulmaal constructed the temporary school and furnished the classrooms, and UNICEF will operate the school.

According to the UN, the majority of Gaza’s schools have been bombed or turned into shelters for displaced people, leaving Gaza’s estimated 625,000 school-aged children unable to attend classes. All 12 of Gaza’s higher education institutions have been destroyed or damaged. Over 39,000 students were unable to graduate in 2023, and more than 45,000 first graders were unable to start their education as of September 2024, according to UNICEF. Prior to the recent escalation in violence in the region, Palestine had consistently high literacy rates, placing it among the highest globally, according the the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics. The absence of schooling has impacted the social, cognitive, and emotional development of children in the region.

Baitulmaal has been working in Palestine for more than a decade providing food, clothing, education support, seasonal giving, emergency aid and healthcare in Palestine, in addition to operating 400 water tanks in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, Baitulmaal has been on the ground in Gaza providing food, shelter kits, hygiene supplies, clean water, psychosocial support, temporary housing, medical aid, Ramadan meals, Udhiyah programs, and other emergency aid.

Baitulmaal continues to provide aid during the current crisis. If you would like to learn more about or contribute to Baitulmaal’s efforts in Palestine, please visit their website at 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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