The Orphans Foundation (Yetimler Vakfı) has launched its annual Eid al-Adha sacrificial meat donation campaign, aiming to support orphans, vulnerable families, and communities in crisis across Türkiye and 11 other countries, with a special focus on the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

Dedicated to providing essential aid such as food, clothing, and financial assistance to orphaned children year-round, the foundation has intensified its efforts this year in response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where ongoing Israeli aggression has severely impacted civilian life.

At a press conference, General Coordinator Cemil Cahit Ünsal shared that preparations for the campaign began a month ago to expand its reach. “We are collecting sacrificial animal (qurbani) donations to distribute to orphaned children, widows, and impoverished families,” Ünsal explained. “The need this year is greater than ever, especially in Gaza, and we urge donors to step up and help.”

Cemil Cahit Ünsal

The campaign will deliver sacrificial meat to disadvantaged communities both within Türkiye and abroad, with logistics teams finalizing plans across multiple regions. Ünsal highlighted Gaza as a top priority, pointing to the devastating impact of Israeli bombardment and the ongoing siege. “The cries from Gaza — mothers mourning, children wounded or martyred — remind us of the immense needs,” he said. “We remain committed to supporting our brothers and sisters there.”

To facilitate aid delivery in Gaza, the foundation will work through Egypt, where representatives will oversee the sacrificial slaughter and preserve the meat in cans for transport into the besieged territory. Ünsal emphasized the spiritual significance of the sacrifice, recalling the submission of Prophet Ibrahim and Ismail, and called on the public to support the campaign to bring hope and relief to those suffering under oppression.

Donations for the Eid al-Adha campaign are being accepted online and through the foundation’s partner networks, with the goal of making this holiday a time of dignity, compassion, and unity for the world’s most vulnerable communities. (ILKHA)