Fleeing a war-torn country, with the knowledge that all your immediate family members' names are on the approved Australian Visa list, your goal is to board that plane to safety. You cross the border with three young, terrified, yet resilient children, facing a shortage of food and water. Finally, you board the plane bound for Australia.
Mohamad and his family had never left Palestine before; this was their first time departing from their homeland. Mohamad's brother sponsored him and his family to come to Australia on temporary visas to escape the atrocities unfolding in Gaza.
Upon arrival, Mohamad and his family had only the clothes on their backs and the documents in their hands. They hadn't showered in weeks and had developed rashes on their bodies. Upon medical examination, they were provided with antibiotics for the rashes they had all developed.
Mohamad's brother had already applied to us at NZF as a sponsor for Mohamad's family. Once we completed our compliance checks, the family received their settlement payments immediately. From then on, they would receive a monthly allowance for living expenses from NZF. Working with service partners, Mohamad's family was provided with housing, new furniture, new clothes, and a fridge full of food.
This is your local Zakat in action, empowering families arriving from Gaza, who are already resilient, to regain their dignity.