In the midst of the relentless suffering faced by the people of Gaza due to Israel’s ongoing bombardment, a wave of solidarity has emerged across the globe.
Communities everywhere have come together, expressing their support for those besieged in the region in various heartfelt ways.
One such story comes from Delhi, where 27-year-old Alaa Khan [name changed] has turned her passion for baking into a meaningful act of compassion.
For the past month, Alaa has been crafting beautiful cakes, pouring not just her skill but also her heart into each creation. With every sale, she donates the proceeds to a Palestinian relief fund, using her talents to make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering. Her small home bakery has become a beacon of hope, a sweet reminder that kindness can transcend borders, even in the darkest of times.
“It started as a small effort, something I could do to help in my own way,” said Alaa, who chooses to remain anonymous due to safety concerns. Her sister, who assists with deliveries, echoed her sentiments: “The situation in Palestine is horrific. You feel compelled to act, even in a small way.”
Thus began Bake for Palestine, an initiative that transcends mere fundraising. For Alaa and her sister, it is a way to channel their compassion into a statement of solidarity with the people of Palestine. With each delivery of banana-walnut cakes and traditional Kunafa, Alaa and her sister aim to highlight culture and compassion amid war. Selling cakes for Rs 500, all profits support families in Gaza, emphasizing their respect for Palestinian culture and shared humanity.
Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has worsened since the outbreak of the current conflict. Even before the war, over 80% of the population relied on aid, with more than 1 million Palestinians facing food insecurity, according to the World Food Program. Now, the situation is even more dire.
The war, which began after the October 7 attack, has claimed over 40,000 lives and left many more devastated. NPR reports that some Gazans have resorted to eating animal feed and wild plants to survive. Oxfam International estimates that people in northern Gaza are surviving on just 245 calories a day — less than 12% of their daily caloric needs.
“It’s very important to pull the community together right now and do what we can – and baking is what I can do,” Alaa says. “It might sound jarring: baking cakes while many Palestinians eat only one meal a day.”
Inspired by fundraising bake sales for movements like Black Lives Matter in the U.S. and U.K., Alaa thought, “Why not do the same in India?” She initially planned to bake two or three cakes weekly, but after her first Instagram post, orders flooded in, revealing a deep desire in the community to support Gaza.
Despite the difficulties in getting donations to Gaza, the sisters make sure that the money raised is put toward supporting Palestinians who need basic supplies like clothing and food.
Alaa observed that the war has left the people of Gaza struggling to make ends meet, often unable to afford even necessities.
In this dire situation, she believes her contributions to aid and relief can offer some solace to the bruised lives of Palestinians.
