Hearts for Palestine

This program aims to facilitate the seamless settlement and integration of newly arrived Muslim families from Gaza. These families will be eligible for Zakat under the Fuqarah and/or ibn Sabeel Categories as per the Qur’an (Surah Al-Taubah 9:60)

Program Objectives:

• Provide a one-off Settlement Assistance payment for essential needs upon first arriving in Australia.
• Provide monthly payment to cover living expenses.

Who is this program for?

We anticipate the arrival of approximately 860 Palestinians in Australia on Visitor Visas (Subclass 600). Sponsors of individuals arriving from Gaza can apply for this program online through this page or by calling the 1300 663 729 hotline upon the sponsored individuals' and families' arrival in Australia. Applications will only require details regarding family composition, ages of individuals, and sponsorship information for the initial payment.

We are assisting applicants Australia wide.

• Facilitating Integration: By providing financial support for essential needs and ongoing expenses, the program aids in the initial settlement phase, enabling those families to focus on healing from the trauma and integration into the Australian wider community. We are committed to providing ongoing monthly support for at least the next six months.
• Ensuring Basic Necessities: The allocation structure ensures that individuals of different age groups receive appropriate financial support tailored to their specific needs.
• Sponsor Engagement: Involving sponsors fosters a sense of dignity, responsibility and support within the families, enhancing the overall integration process.

For the expected 860 Individuals from Gaza we estimate a total amount of $4.2 million that will be needed to help settle them in Australia for a period of 6 months.

Through your local Zakat we already have $2.3 million with a balance of $1.9 million that is needed.

In the months of February & March 2024, through the Hearts for Palestine fundraising dinners, we got a total pledged amount of appoximately $1.4 million. Of this, we have recieved $900k so far, Alhamdulillah. Half of this amount will be used to assist our brothers and sisters in Gaza overseas through our partners, while the other half will be used for settlement of families & individuals here in Australia.

Summary of funding

• Total needed: $4.2 million
• Funds secured: $2.3 million + $450k = $2.75 million
• Balance needed: $1.45 million

Please support this important program so we can ensure we provide for our brothers & sisters who have had to let go of everything they have and flee to Australia to seek refugee. Let us give them the comfort that they have been longing for and deserve.

It was truly heart warming to see hundreds of supporters across Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane unite together for one cause for the Hearts for Palestine Fundraising Dinner. A unique event through the collaborative effort of National Zakat Foundation, Islamic Relief, Penny Appeal and Brothers in Need.

Note: If you need to pay for a pledge made at the fundraising dinner, you can pay online by clicking donate now and choosing the "Hearts for Palestine" cause.