Respite and Joy Provided to Hundreds of Orphans in Gaza Through Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE)’s Eid Party Celebration

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly over the last few months. The IPC Famine Review Committee has officially confirmed that the Gaza Strip is in a state of famine, with over 640,000 Palestinians facing catastrophic levels of hunger and starvation, while over a million more are at emergency levels.

As a result of the ongoing chaos, approximately 64,000 Gazans have died, with almost 18,000 of these being children. It’s a harrowing reality that children make up nearly half of the population. Dependent on others to help them survive, tragically, 39,384 of these children are orphaned, with around 17,000 having lost both parents. Due to the continuing violence, Gaza is currently facing the largest orphan crisis in modern history.

Since April 2025, the death toll in Gaza has nearly doubled, while deaths that have occurred due to malnutrition have more than tripled. With the entire population of Gaza facing such dire circumstances, it’s hard to remember a time when they last felt joy or had reason to celebrate.

However, it is customary for Muslims to celebrate the festival of Eid Al-Fitr, a day where all Muslims around the globe rejoice after Ramadan, the month of sacrifice and fasting, comes to an end. Enjoying breakfast for the first time in a month, Muslims dress in their best attire and flock out in congregations to the mosque, as they celebrate this day of bounty with one another.

For these vulnerable orphans, Eid Al-Fitr may have granted them a moment of respite from the incessant suffering that has become their lives.

To aid young orphans during this difficult time, Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) organized a celebration on April 01, 2025, the second day of Eid Al-Fitr, in Deir Al-Balah, South Gaza Strip. 200 displaced orphans were provided with a variety of activities, such as face painting, storytelling, games, and music. LIFE also provided Eid gifts to beneficiaries, including toys and cash assistance, delivering not only material support but also a sense of dignity and care.

The project created a memorable Eid celebration for the orphans and their caretakers, who have been affected by displacement and loss. This party was designed not only to meet the immediate emotional needs of the children but also to offer them a chance to experience the festive spirit of Eid in a safe and loving environment. As many of the orphans experienced severe trauma due to displacement and violence, LIFE’s Eid celebration allowed them to experience joy, laughter, and normality during a time of the year that typically brings families together. By offering a safe space filled with love, the children could momentarily escape the harsh realities they face.

The event provided a sense of community, hope, and happiness for children, serving as an opportunity for the broader community to come together and share in the Eid celebrations. 400 individuals were indirectly reached, including family members of the orphans, caretakers, and other displaced people who attended the event or received materials.

For these vulnerable orphans, LIFE’s Eid party provided essential psychological and emotional support to children otherwise overwhelmed by instability and insecurity.  

For a 9-year-old orphan, Yasmine, losing both of her parents and witnessing the destruction of her home meant that smiling or laughing was unthinkable after these tragedies. However, upon attending the Eid Al-Fitr event, she was surrounded by other children, playing games, receiving gifts, and enjoying the festive spirit. The laughter and energy from the event helped her reconnect, even if for a brief moment, with the innocence of childhood that had been lost in the chaos of war.

As for Hanan, a 7-year-old orphan, she was particularly shy and withdrawn, often keeping to herself and avoiding interaction with others. At LIFE’s Eid Al-Fitr event, Hanan was introduced to a group of girls her age, and for the first time since being displaced, she felt a sense of belonging as she played with the other children. She shared laughter, stories, and even her small fears about the future. The support she received from LIFE’s staff and the company of other children helped her open up and feel more connected to the world around her, comforting her with the knowledge that she wasn’t alone in her experiences.

These are just two stories that capture the impact your donations and LIFE’s initiatives have had on vulnerable orphans in Gaza. Through the trauma and pain, the safe space created by this celebration granted young individuals a rare opportunity to enjoy at least one carefree day filled with joy.