Saeedah, a displaced Yemeni mother, shares the painful reality of her life after being forced to flee her home leaving everything behind.  

The circumstances were traumatic, Saeedah says, “It was a very distressing time. We couldn’t take anything with us when we left, not even blankets or flour. We even left the doors open in our haste to leave.” In the chaos of fleeing, Saeedah and her family were forced to abandon nearly everything they had, with no time to gather essential supplies.  

Now, in a new place, Saeedah’s family has little to call their own. The displacement has left them struggling to rebuild their lives, without the comforts or security they once knew. As the sole provider for her family, Saeedah carries a heavy burden but despite the challenges, she remains resilient, doing her best to care for her loved ones. The family’s situation remains dire as they try to adjust to life in a new place, where resources are scarce.  

The family’s daily reality is shaped by a lack of financial stability. “We eat only what we can afford, but it is a challenge because we do not have enough money.” Like many others affected by the conflict in Yemen, they live with constant uncertainty about how they will meet their basic needs.  

With Ramadan bringing additional hardship, Saeedah explains, “With barely enough food, the family struggles during Ramadan.” The holy month, a time meant for reflection and community, has become another reminder of the family’s dire situation. “What more can I say…it is a hard time,” Saeedah adds. 

The lack of resources has meant that basic necessities, like meat, are a distant memory. “The last time we had meat was at Eid Al-Adha. That was a year ago.”  Saeedah’s story highlights the ongoing challenges faced by millions in Yemen, where conflict, displacement, and economic hardship continue to ravage families like hers.   

As Yemen entered its eleventh year of conflict in 2024, it continues to be one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with 23.4 million people (73% of the population) relying on aid, including 4.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), the fourth-largest IDP population globally. Conflict, insecurity, and a collapsed economy has pushed 80% of Yemen’s population below the poverty line, leaving civilians to endure the severe consequences of the ongoing crisis. 

Through the generous support of Zakat and Sadaqah donors, families like Saaedah’s are able to access essential necessities, including a hot meal for iftar during Ramadan. These contributions have made a critical difference, providing vulnerable families with the support they need to survive and maintain their dignity during this blessed month.