The International Diplomatic Club Kuwait and Kuwait Red Crescent Society organized a charity bazaar for the children of Gaza on Monday titled AlJoud Bazaar at Al Baraka Hall of Crowne Plaza Hotel. The international charity bazaar launched with the participation and in the presence of the wives of ambassadors, diplomats, officials and ambassadors.
Speaking on the sidelines of the bazaar, Rima Khaldi, wife of the Palestinian Ambassador to Kuwait, Vice President of the International Diplomatic Club Kuwait and Chair of the AlJoud Bazaar Committee, emphasized the remarkable collaboration witnessed at the event, with over 60 embassies and 40 Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti companies joining forces, a testament to solidarity and support for the children of Gaza.
Sheikha Rima Al-Sabah, wife of the former minister of foreign affairs Sheikh Salem Al-Sabah, conceived the idea, highlighting a collective effort aimed at making a meaningful difference in the lives of children affected by the war. Khaldi extended heartfelt thanks to Kuwait Red Crescent Society for its invaluable cooperation, acknowledging its pivotal role in making the event a success. She reserved special appreciation for Kuwait, recognizing its unwavering and enduring support for the Palestinian cause, both from its leadership and its people.
Turning attention to the Palestinian booth, she highlighted the showcasing of Palestinian artisanal products, notably Palestinian cuisine and olive oil. These products, emblematic of Palestinian identity, symbolize peace and resilience, representing the essence and strength of the Palestinian people with their deep-rooted heritage and traditions.
Dr Sahar Al-Rifai, wife of Salah Mohammed Al-Baijan, Ambassador of Kuwait to the UAE, and a representative of the wives of Kuwaiti ambassadors at the ministry of foreign affairs, commended the exceptional nature of the bazaar, emphasizing its charitable purpose in aiding the children of Palestine. As a gathering point for the wives of Arab and foreign ambassadors in Kuwait, as well as the spouses of Kuwaiti ambassadors at the ministry of foreign affairs, the International Diplomatic Club played a central role in coordinating this philanthropic endeavor.
Rifai expressed gratitude for the cooperation extended by the Red Crescent, which ensures the secure transfer of funds to support the children of Gaza. With over 50 pavilions from Kuwaiti companies, the level of engagement exceeded expectations, fostering hope for the continued success of such humanitarian initiatives in the years to come.
Director General of Kuwait Red Crescent Society Abdulrahman Al-Aoun highlighted the significant turnout at the bazaar, noting that over 40 Red Crescent volunteers deployed to assist embassies in managing sales and collecting proceeds. “The cooperation witnessed was both fruitful and impactful. The primary objective of today’s bazaar was to boost sales to benefit the children of Gaza, aligning with Kuwait and Kuwait Red Crescent Society’s longstanding commitment to providing comprehensive aid,” he said.
“Negotiations are underway to deploy a ship to transport relief aid from Kuwait to Gaza via Port Said, Egypt, in collaboration with the Egyptian Red Crescent and under Kuwait Red Crescent volunteers’ supervision. This ensures aid reaches the Palestinian territories, with ongoing follow-up by local volunteers and charitable organizations to address the evolving needs of those in Gaza. Proceeds from today’s bazaar will be allocated based on the specific requirements of children in Gaza, with direct communication established with volunteers on the ground to ensure timely and targeted assistance,” Aoun added.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Zubaydullo Zubaydzoda, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Kuwait, lauded the bazaar as one of the most commendable initiatives of the year, citing its crucial support for the Palestinian people amidst ongoing hardships, particularly evident in Gaza, expressing deep concern for the distressing situation unfolding in Gaza.
Zubaydzoda emphasized the importance of international cooperation in providing aid and relief to alleviate the suffering endured by Palestinians. He indicated that there was a notable diplomatic representation from Asia, Europe, Africa and the Gulf region, underscoring a unified stance in advocating for a ceasefire and an end to the violence in Gaza.