Dar Ul Isra mosque blends festivity with fundraising, featuring food stalls, music, and movie screenings.
Hundreds of residents gathered at a Cardiff mosque this weekend to attend a community market raising funds for Palestine.
Food stalls, music and movie screenings were part of the celebrations at the Dar Ul Isra mosque, but the event carried a serious purpose as attendees shared their connection to the cause. For committee member Ahmed Mustafa, the impact goes beyond the mental, psychological, and physical aspects.
“It’s hard for me to sleep at night. It is a horrific situation,” said Ahmed. “When I see children the same age as my two-year-old son suffering from burns and wounds, it deeply impacts me. We’re all humans after all.”
Within the mosque’s community hall, families came together wearing keffiyehs (Palestinian scarves), with children sporting Palestinian flags as capes, infusing the place with a lively spirit.
The funds collected through the event are sent to Palestine via registered charities with years of experience aiding Gazans.
Fatima Khazana, a mother of two, said, “As a member of this community, witnessing this unity is inspiring. We’re here to offer support in every possible way, financially and emotionally. Every contribution matters, and gatherings like this strengthen us.”
The event is one of many community efforts, like Friday food sales, fundraisers and pro-Palestine protests. Some have even gone to London by bus to show support through protests, showing their dedication.
Ahmed said, “Though our efforts may seem small, it’s the least we can do to reach out to the broader community. If we can’t be there physically, we can extend financial, mental, and moral support and offer our prayers.”
Beyond the food and merchandise, the event included a movie screening and stalls with information on Palestine’s history, aiming to educate attendees about the current situation in Gaza.
University student Nayan Agarwal said, “I came here to learn and understand beyond the news headlines. Witnessing the suffering, especially among children, is truly heartbreaking.”
Hamas’ attack on Israel in October resulted in over 1,000 deaths and 240 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory campaign led to severe casualties in Gaza, with over 6,000 children dead. Ongoing violence in Gaza has escalated since the ceasefire ended on 1 December 2023.
“Since I was born, I have been witnessing conflict, but not on this scale. We see Palestinians as one of us. Not as separate entities,” said Ahmed.