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Somalis at home and abroad have raised more than $250,000 to run a kitchen in Gaza that has been feeding hundreds of families every day for the past 50 days. The initiative has become a powerful show of solidarity with Palestinians living under blockade and struggling with hunger.
The kitchen, which spends about $5,000 daily, buys food from local markets inside Gaza. Palestinian clerics then oversee the distribution to families in need. When it first started, the kitchen provided meals to about 500 families a day, but as food prices fell, it expanded to reach nearly 800 families daily.
On Monday, organizers in Mogadishu held a ceremony to mark the 50-day milestone and to thank Somalis everywhere for their contributions. Videos from Gaza showed banners hanging outside the kitchen with messages such as “Somali People’s Campaign to Feed Gaza” and “Thank You, Somali People.” For many Palestinians, the support from Somalia has offered not only food but also comfort in knowing that others understand their struggle.
The campaign was spearheaded by Sheikh Abdi Haye Sheikh Aden Hassan, who explained that the idea was born after reports surfaced of children dying from hunger in Gaza, alongside warnings from the United Nations about famine conditions. “When the crisis worsened, we added this feeding program,” he said in an interview. “Our Palestinian brothers assessed the needs, and it came to $5,000 a day. That is how we sent the first funds, and the work began.”
At first, organizers were unsure if Somalis could consistently raise such a large amount every day, especially given the economic challenges many face back home. But the response exceeded expectations. “We wondered if it was possible to raise $5,000 every day,” Sheikh Abdi Haye said. “But when people saw what was happening in Gaza, they responded. Palestinians told us Somalis understand hunger and hardship because we have lived through it ourselves.”
For Somalis, this effort is deeply personal. Somalia’s own history of famine, displacement, and poverty has created a shared understanding of what it means to endure hardship. Sheikh Abdi Haye explained that even during Somalia’s worst crises, people still found ways to trade and survive. Similarly, Gaza’s local markets continue to operate despite heavy restrictions, making it possible to buy food and keep the kitchen running. “From Somalia’s own history of displacement, we know commerce never completely stops,” he said.
The campaign has left a deep emotional impact on both the givers and receivers. Palestinians have expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support. Sheikh Abdi Haye described their reaction: “When someone helps you in a time of hardship, you never forget it. We hope this will be remembered by future generations of Somalis.”
The Mogadishu event also served as a reminder that the work is not yet done. Organizers renewed their appeal for continued donations, stressing that the need in Gaza remains urgent. “If we managed $5,000 a day before, we can do it again,” Sheikh Abdi Haye told the crowd. “As long as support continues, so will the work.”
This campaign stands as a testament to how communities can come together, even in times of their own struggle, to bring hope and relief to others. It highlights a bond between two peoples who know the meaning of hunger, loss, and resilience. For Somalis, their support for Gaza is not just about feeding families—it is about standing with them in solidarity during one of the darkest times.