Singapore – The continuous conflict in Gaza and many other places reflect the current state of the world, where the superpowers are locked in intense competitions and global institutions and norms are eroding, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on March 2.
While these are unknown waters, Singapore can sail them successfully while Singapurenses stay strong and united, he said in a Buka Puasa packaging event and in the Sree Narayana mission in Yishun.
At the same time, the Singapurenses cannot turn a blind eye to the humanitarian crisis that develops in Gaza even though it is far, Prime Minister Wong added while pressing the constant commitment of the Republic to help the Palestinian people reach the eventual status.
“The suffering of civilians speaks with our shared humanity, and Singapore will do everything possible to help,” he said.
“We will continue working with our partners in the Middle East to support Gaza’s pressing needs as a nation.”
Going to a multitude of more than 800 volunteers, community leaders and base activists, Prime Minister Wong said the world was becoming a more dangerous place.
“Unfortunately, the world is beginning to resemble a jungle without law where it could be fine, and, day by day, you can see signs of growing danger and turbulence around us,” he said.
As a diverse society, Singapurenses can have differences, but they must always remember that they are people who live in peace and harmony together, regardless of their race, language and religion.
“As we extend our hearts to those in need abroad, we treasure and maintain everything we have here at home in Singapore … We always treat ourselves with kindness and respect, since this spirit of solidarity is what makes Singapore special, and that is what will allow us to overcome all the challenges and develop a better future together.”
Early in the day, more than 300 volunteers from all creeds, races and ages met in the Sree Narayana mission to gather 5,000 Kidz comfort packages for children in Gaza.
Volunteers of Tampines Meridien Junior College, Nanyang Girls’ High School, Republic Polytechnic and groups such as Soka Gakkai Singapore, Association of Muslim professionals and Hindu volunteers of the network gathered the backpacks, which contained items such as snacks, a water bottle, a blanket, a soft toy and coloring toy.
Among the volunteers were Mrs. Serena Teo, 36, who used her human resources professional skills to help with prior coordination of the event and volunteer management.
The high participation in the packaging exercise encouraged it: “When you have hundreds of people together, the efforts accumulate … each little makes the difference.”
This was the fourth exercise carried out by the non -profit organization Humanity Matters, which has already distributed 5,000 comfort packages of those To the city of Gaza in July 2024, said Vice President of Humanity Matters, Noor Mohamed Marican.
Prime Minister Wong pointed out that many Singapureans have generously donated and offered their time and energy to be help efforts like this.
“These contributions matter a lot. They may seem small compared to Gaza’s mass needs, but each action counts, ”he said.
More than 300 volunteers gathered in the Sree Narayana mission to gather 5,000 Kidz comfort packages for children in Gaza.St: Ariffin Jamar
As a nation, Singapore has contributed more than $ 19 million to Gaza Since the Israel-Ahamas conflict began in October 2023, while the Air Force of the Republic of Singapore has so far sent seven sections of humanitarian assistance to help civilians there.
According to the United Nations, some 1.9 million of the 2.4 million people in Gaza, approximately half of them children, have been displaced by war.
Prime Minister Wong said: “In addition to providing humanitarian relief, Singapore will also support international efforts for a homeland and a state for the Palestinian people as part of a negotiated solution in two states.
“And we will continue to support the capacity construction efforts of the Palestinian authority and support the Palestinians to eventually govern their own state.”
Prime Minister Wong said there will be more platforms to support Gaza during the fast month, like the new M3 Bazaar for the Gaza stand in Bazaar Raya, the annual Ramadan bazaar in Wisma Geylang Serai.
Run on March 1, the stand has already raised $ 166,200 in help for Gaza, with a $ 600,000 objective. It is organized by M3@Towns, a volunteer platform for the Malay/Muslim community, and the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation.
Prime Minister Wong said he was grateful that the Singapurenses take a step forward to contribute generously.
“We can be a small red point, but we show through our actions that we have great hearts and we are a generous people,” he added.
In the event, the local shipping company Pacific International Lines and Humanity Matters also signed a three -year agreement for a value of up to $ 1 million Provide humanitarian assistance to victims of conflicts or extreme climatic events in the ASEAN and the Middle East.
Since March 2024, the shipping firm has contributed to the help efforts of humanitarian affairs by providing the load of freight and land for five container shipments from Singapore to Gaza through Jordan. Shipments included medical supplies, water treatment systems, food and children’s care packages.
The agreement means that the two partners will also collaborate in initiatives to protect vulnerable communities in ASEAN, even through language education, the provision of safe water and coastal protection efforts.
Also present at the Fast Breaking and Community Breaking event on March 2 were the Minister of Natural Laws K. Shanmugam, as well as his partner Nee Soon Grc, the parliamentarians Louis NG, Carrie Tan, Derrick Goh and Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim.
- Anjali Raguraman is correspondent in the time of the Strait. She covers politics, as well as the stories of consumers that cover tourism, retail trade and F&B.
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