Jakarta. Indonesian Islamic philanthropic organization Dompet Dhuafa recently distributed aid to Palestinians in Gaza at the beginning of Ramadan.

The assistance included iftar or fast-breaking packages and donations for those who memorized the Quran at the Al-Aqsa mosque. Dompet Dhuafa also distributed 300 copies of the Islamic holy book to the mosque. The organization has also sent volunteers to assist with the humanitarian efforts in Jordan on Feb. 9. The team consisted of medical and humanitarian volunteers, as well as a group of people identified as "super volunteers".

Pradipta Suwarsa, one of the medical workers from Achmad Wardi Eye Hospital, is also taking part in this humanitarian mission.

Pradipta, who was the team coordinator, said that the trip mainly focused on providing aid and healthcare services in Jordan, given the still-high tensions in the Middle East. Pradipta will provide eye health services and eye health education to Palestinian refugee camps.

"In Jordan, it's currently the peak of winter, with temperatures ranging between 6 and 8 degrees Celsius, even colder at night. These conditions certainly impact health, including eye health," Pradipta said.

This also marks Pradipta's first time in Palestine. Pradipta previously had taken part in an international humanitarian mission in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, in late 2017. Pradipta, at the time, delivered similar healthcare services to Rohingya refugees with the Indonesian Humanitarian Alliance and other humanitarian agencies.

Dompet Dhuafa Deputy Corporate Secretary Dian Mulyadi said that the organization remained committed to supporting the Palestinian people.

"Over the past week, we have participated in a series of activities supporting the Palestinian people's struggle," Dian said.

The activities in question included an Asia-Pacific focus group discussion on the endowment fund for Gaza development. They had also taken part in the ongoing Asia-Pacific Conference for Palestine in Istanbul. Last but not least was a discussion on the controversial Board of Peace and Indonesia's membership. 

The departing team will carry out a series of aid programs, ranging from logistics distribution and basic service support to strengthening humanitarian assistance for survivors, especially vulnerable groups. Dompet Dhuafa had picked Jordan due to its strategic point for aid distribution, due to its role as a buffer zone for refugees and victims of regional conflicts.

Dian Mulyadi said that the personnel's departure to Jordan also coincided with the upcoming Ramadan.

"Dompet Dhuafa has prepared aid packages through Cairo, Egypt, and Amman, Jordan. These packages include basic necessities, blankets, and warm clothing, as it's winter there. They also include sleeping mats, mineral water, and wheat," Dian said.

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