Smiles Amid Hardship: 4,350 Palestinian Refugees Feel the Warmth of Solidarity on Indonesia’s Independence Day

AMMAN – Thousands of hopeful faces filled Zhoufah Camp, Sukhnah Camp, and Al-Nashr Camp—three Palestinian refugee camps along the Jordanian border. In commemoration of Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day, DT Peduli distributed humanitarian aid that directly touched the lives of 4,350 refugees living under harsh conditions.

The aid, distributed on Sunday (17 August 2025), Monday (18 August 2025), and Thursday (21 August 2025), included 150 food packages, 100 packages containing clothes, school supplies, and children’s toys, as well as 350 direct cash assistance packages. Beyond that, DT Peduli also launched a mobile clinic that will operate for the next three months to ensure ongoing access to healthcare.

On the first day, aid was delivered to Palestinian refugees in Sukhnah Camp, where volunteers also spent time playing with children to celebrate Indonesia’s Independence Day. The atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter, reflected in the children’s bright smiles. The following day, the distribution continued at Zhoufah Camp.

After preparing shipments of aid for Gaza, DT Peduli proceeded with another round of distribution at Al-Nashr Camp on Thursday (21 August 2025). The next day, Friday (22 August 2025), children receiving cancer treatment at Al-Fanar Hotel were also provided with direct assistance.

Muhammad Ihsan, Director of the Community Service Division at DT Peduli, who was directly involved in the distribution, expressed his hopes that this initiative would bring renewed spirit to the refugees.

“In the midst of hardship, their smiles become our strength. As we celebrate Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day, we also played and rejoiced with the children. Their laughter was the most beautiful gift, symbolising the bond between Indonesia’s independence and Palestine’s hope,” he said with emotion.

For the refugees, this support was not just about daily necessities—it was also a tangible form of solidarity that uplifted their hearts. Halimah, a refugee from Sukhnah Camp, shared her gratitude with teary eyes.

“This assistance will last us for a month. May Allah remove our hardship and ease our worries. In shaa Allah, we will remain strong and be granted victory. That is what matters most,” she said softly.

A father from Zhoufah Camp also voiced his heartfelt appreciation.

“Today, we want to thank the Daarut Tauhiid Foundation for this blessed distribution. May Allah reward their kindness and bless their struggle. Thank you so much,” he said, his voice trembling.

Ihsan emphasised that this initiative was not merely about logistics, but also about building bridges of compassion between the people of Indonesia and Palestine. In the face of limitations, cross-border solidarity nurtures the hope that independence, peace, and dignity are rights for all humanity.

“May this Independence Day remind us that freedom does not belong to one nation alone—it is a universal aspiration for peaceful and dignified living. Freedom for Indonesia, freedom for Palestine,” Ihsan affirmed.