At the forefront of a humanitarian crisis, we debate whether refugees are a nuisance or an addition to our countries. We’ve reached a pinnacle point in our society where we choose to either react or take action.
Imagine you could immerse yourself in what it’s like, right now, for a Syrian refugee? If you could somehow teleport yourself to the exact situation, in the refugee camps, to feel exactly what they’re feeling and eat what they’re eating, right from your home?
This year World Refugee Week was a little different for refugee Muslims around the world, as it coincided with the Islamic Month of . For Muslims it’s a spiritual month where millions of worshippers take part in a fast from food and water from dawn until dusk.
The challenge
Act for Peace also orgnaised , for its second year running. The challenge aims to raise money and awareness to take action in the Syrian migration crisis. The concept: eat like a Syrian refugee and raise awareness about the issue. Participants are sent the same food a Syrian refugee living in Jordan would receive, and are encouraged to receive sponsors. Donations received by sponsors go to clothing, food, and medical supplies which are basic needs for Syrian refugees.
The weeklong event ran from June 19th to June 26th and receives hundreds of participants Australia-wide.
Lara, 21, from Melbourne is a participant who faces an additional dietary restriction; she comes from a Muslim family of Middle-Eastern descent, and is fasting the holy month of Ramadan for the very first time while taking on the ration challenge.
It’s 10 am on a Sunday morning at Lara’s house, and all are fasting. Lara is looking for a breakfast option which fits in to the ration challenge daily food allowance, and is struggling.
‘’I can’t eat much, and it’s sad, I’m fasting, and I’m trying to prepare my meals for the end of the night, and I keep thinking about how little those poor kids have,’’ she said.
Lara decided to take part in the Ration Challenge this year as well as take on the fast during Ramadan, and she said it’s really hitting home.
‘’I think this year Ramadan is more important than before, because I’m partaking in the ration challenge. It’s close to home because I wanted to feel what they were feeling, and really immerse myself in their life. My parents lived in Lebanon and migrated twenty five years ago, and this could have been them if we weren’t lucky, ’’ Lara said.
One of the meals Lara regularly prepared - rice and lentils. Source: Supplied
Lara explains that for many misplaced Syrian refugees, they will fast during Ramadan, but have little food to break their fast with.
‘’This is their reality, it’s what they have to do right now, and I really wanted to try and sympathise with them. Iit’s hard but we’re so lucky to have what we have, we take for granted the little things,’’ she said.
Participants eat the same rations as a Syrian refugee, but their friends and family can sponsor them for more food.
The are sent to participants by Act for Peace upon sing up, containing very basic foods.
‘’You really have to be creative. It’s not a lot of food, and you can’t even eat the things you usually eat, like vegetables. I save all my vegetable allowances for last,’’ Lara said.
Weekly ration pack: rice 1920g, flour 400g, lentils 170g, dried chick peas 85g, tinned sardines 125g, tinned kidney beans 400g, vegetable oil 300ml Source: Supplied
The result
Lara said the essence of Ramadan to many Muslims is to sympathise with those who have little, therefore fasting from food and drink from dusk till dawn. Is a spiritual fast as well as a physical one.
“This year the spirit of Ramadan really rang true,’’ she said.
Lara raised $530 in total, allowing her an extra piece of meat. The funds will provide clothes and food for a refugee.
According to Kaz McGrath, co-founder of The Ration Challenge, $1,931,000 was raised in total.
