Halal fundraiser in support of humanitarian aid for Gaza

Rawia Mokhtar, standing next to a picture of Saleh al-Jafarawi, a Palestinian journalist who was killed in during the war in Gaza. (Malachi Lefurgey/AQ)

On Oct. 27, Manarat Fredericton, led by Rawia Mokhtar, ran its 11th halal fundraiser in support of humanitarianism for Gaza at the Cultural Centre.  

Mokhtar, an immigrant from Egypt, has dedicated herself to bringing multicultural exposure to Fredericton.  

“I heard about the idea from a friend in Ireland. When the war started in Gaza, [Ireland] was doing the same [fundraiser].” said Mokhtar. “I wanted to help Gaza, but I don't have enough money and I wanted to do something [that brought everyone together].” 

Mokhtar said Fredericton did not have an ongoing fundraiser in support of humanitarianism in Gaza, which led her and her friends to help those affected by the genocide.  

The fundraiser has two purposes: to empower women and support humanitarianism. 

When the fundraisers began back in March 2024, all proceeds went to Gaza. Immigrant women from across the Middle East volunteered as vendors, cooking for the event without taking any profit.  

To gain the support of New Brunswickers, the fundraiser has also given 10 per cent of the proceeds to Greener Village and the Fredericton Homeless Shelter.

“The cost of living here has increased and I want to sustain [the women who help],” she said. “Most of the ladies here are young mothers and housewives, they are working from home … many are newcomers with a language barrier.”  

For over a year, they have spent their own money covering all costs in support of the halal fundraiser.  The vendors now donate a minimum of 25 per cent to the fundraiser and use the rest to cover cooking costs in support of Gaza.  

“Our motto is, we are all Muslim. We want the Muslim community here in Fredericton to have an impact,” said Mokhtar. “And we welcome anyone who is not Muslim to work with us, so we can engage everyone to have an impact.” 

The room held the Muslim community and New Brunswickers, coming together to experience the homemade cuisine and engage in the community.

Asmaa Abdelkader, a friend of Mokhtar and board member of Manarat, said they do what they can to support Gaza, due to the lack of action from the government. 

“We are helping others because we are human,” said Abdelkader. “You are Black, you are White, you are Arab, no, we are human, all people are the same.” 

Mokhtar hopes for the Fredericton community to visit the fundraiser and gain an understanding of ways they can help Gaza.  

“We prepare food from over 27 countries, people are happy, as they can see other communities and make friends,” said Mokhtar.