Ramadan is the holiest month of the year in Islamic calendar. During Ramadan, Muslims are called upon to abstain from eating, drinking, and responding to their instincts, to help them turn inward to their heart and the meaning of their lives. Interestingly, fasting is not a novel practice introduced by Islam. Thus, the practice of fasting in Islam is an extension of the practice found in earlier religions like Christianity and Judaism.

During this sacred month for Muslims, the Edmund Rice Centre stands in solidarity with those caught up in the conflict in Gaza who have been deprived of basic human necessities such as water, food, medicine, and shelter. We call upon the Israeli government to permit Palestinians access to humanitarian and medical aid and wish for a permanent ceasefire and peace in the interests of all.