Eid is usually a time of laughter, new clothes, and family gatherings. But for the orphaned children of Gaza currently staying in Egypt, this year looked very different. Far from their homes and grieving unimaginable losses, these kids needed to know the world still cares.
That’s exactly why the Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan (AFP) decided to bring the celebration to them.
More Than Just an Event
In the quiet town of Obour, just outside Cairo, the air was filled with a different kind of energy this week. AFP hosted an ‘Eid Mela’ specifically for Gaza’s orphans and their relatives. It wasn’t just about the food or the gifts—it was about reclaiming a piece of childhood that the war tried to take away.
Dr. Hafeezur Rehman, the AFP President, didn’t just stand at a podium. He was right there on the ground, sitting with the kids, sharing a meal, and handing out gifts. You could see in the photos that this wasn’t just “official business”—it was personal.
“We will never leave our Palestinian brothers and sisters alone,” Dr. Rehman told the crowd. It’s a simple promise, but for a child who has lost everything, it means the world.
The Work Behind the Smiles
While the Mela was the heart of the trip, the mission didn’t stop there. Dr. Rehman also spent time with the boots-on-the-ground volunteers and staff who have been working tirelessly.
They sat down to map out what comes next. It’s a massive undertaking—AFP is currently supporting refugees not just in Egypt, but across Jordan and Turkiye as well. They are looking at long-term strategies to ensure these families have more than just a temporary meal, but a path toward dignity and safety.
Why This Matters
In the middle of a humanitarian crisis, it’s easy to get lost in the statistics. But seeing a child in Obour Town smile because they received an Eid gift reminds us that humanity still wins.
AFP’s message was clear: Distance doesn’t matter. Language doesn’t matter. Solidarity does.
