How Somali solidarity kitchen feeds hundreds in Gaza amid conflict

Somali’s solidarity with Gaza and the Palestinian people has taken on a powerful form with community-led kitchens mobilising to feed families in the war-torn enclave.

The initiative, called “Somali Kitchen in Gaza”, is backed by more than $250,000 raised by Somalis at home and across the diaspora and is providing hot meals to displaced Palestinians.

Since July 29, 2025, Somali volunteers and organisers have been serving meals daily in Gaza in a 50-day show of support to the Palestinian cause. Leaders of the campaign emphasise that the drive builds on two years of consistent Somalia solidarity with Gaza.

Grassroots campaigns

The initiative, coordinated by the Mogadishu-based Somali Action Network and other grassroots campaigns, raised over $30,000 in March 2025 alone. Organisers say Somali households have been contributing daily to sustain the effort.

“This struggle facing our brothers and sisters in Gaza is a battle between truth and falsehood,” said the Chairperson of the Somali Council of Religious Leaders, Bashir Ahmed Salaad. “It is our duty to stand firmly with them. Every Somali home should have an emergency box to support Gaza.”

Somali contributions have totalled around $5,000 per day during the 50-day feeding campaign.

Sheikh Abdihayi Sh. Adam, Secretary of the Somali Action Network, thanked Somalis worldwide for their support: “We are here to stand with our brothers and sisters in Gaza. We thank every Somali who took part in the 50 days of aid.”

According to Sheikh Abdullahi Janagale, Chairman of the Somali Action Network, Somali generosity has already helped feed families for 50 consecutive days, build 100 food tents, and provide hot meals to orphans.