Charity Freeze Clouds Palestine Ramadan

Closure of charities and soaring prices are adding to the Palestinian suffering ahead of Ramadan

"We used to receive financial and in kind aid from the nearby mosque every year before Ramadan," a Palestinian widow told IslamOnline.net.

"This time around no body showed up. When I went to the mosque they regretted there would be no Ramadan aid since the supplying charity has been closed down," she added with tearful eyes.

The West Bank-based government of Salam Fayyad has closed more than 103 charities in both West Bank and the Gaza Strip on claims of irregularities.

But observers believe the move is aimed at drying up charities seen as the real power base of rival Hamas.

"They are punishing the poor and needy," said handicapped Jihad Borhum, who used to receive aid from frozen charities in the West Bank.

After the charity freeze the Fayyad government vowed to build an alternative social service system using Western and Arab funds.

But when Mashhour, an unemployed Palestinian, approached the Social Affairs Ministry for help he was rebuffed.

"I begged them to help my family before Ramadan but my please fell on deaf ears."

Soaring

As if that was not enough for cash-strapped Palestinians, the prices of many basics have gone sky high.

"The skyrocketing prices are adding insult to our injuries," said Mashhour.

Commodity prices rose by 17% in August, according to a report by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS).

"Wheat prices went up from 3 to 4.2 shekels per kilo while meat prices increased by 10 shekels," complained Abdel-Halim, 33.

"This will add new burdens on poor families."

Abu Iyad, a laborer, was equally disgruntled.

"The hiked prices coincide with the start of Ramadan and the new academic year," said the father of eight.

"I have five sons who are attending school and three other kids who need to be fed."

Eid, a civil servant, also complained.

"The prices go up while the salary stays the same. What can we do?"