A woman from Batman, Türkiye, has made a remarkable sacrifice, donating her life savings intended for a pilgrimage to Makkah to aid the people of Gaza, inspired by recurring dreams that shifted her perspective.

Gurbet Aydın, a philanthropist known for her charitable work, had been saving for years to perform Umrah, the Islamic pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. However, she was profoundly affected by two consecutive dreams in which she found herself not at the sacred sites, but amidst the destruction and suffering in Gaza.

“In my dreams, I was meant to be in Makkah, but instead I was walking through Gaza’s ruined streets, surrounded by bloodshed,” Ms. Aydın told local media. “I felt it was a divine sign to help those enduring such hardship.”

Moved by this conviction, Ms. Aydın donated her entire Umrah fund to the Hope Caravan Batman Association, a local humanitarian group providing aid to Gaza, where an Israeli blockade and ongoing attacks have caused widespread devastation.‘

A Heartfelt Gesture’

The donation has resonated deeply in Batman and beyond. Mehmet Şirin Turan, a board member of the Hope Caravan Association, praised Ms. Aydın’s act as a profound expression of empathy. “This is more than a donation—it’s a powerful statement of solidarity with Gaza’s suffering,” he said.

Turan confirmed that the funds would be swiftly allocated to support families in Gaza, where over 37,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, according to local health authorities. He noted a surge in public support, with donations ranging from cash and gold to vehicles and even bicycles, reflecting a growing wave of compassion for Gaza’s plight.

Call for Global Support

The Hope Caravan Association has renewed its appeal for contributions to address Gaza’s escalating humanitarian crisis. “For over two years, Gaza has faced relentless aggression,” Turan said. “We urge everyone, no matter the size of their contribution, to stand with Gaza.”

Ms. Aydın’s selfless act comes as Gaza grapples with a worsening public health crisis, exacerbated by shortages of water, food, and medical supplies amid continuous Israeli military operations. Her story has sparked admiration, serving as a poignant reminder of the power of individual compassion in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The Hope Caravan Batman Association continues to accept donations to support Gaza’s urgent humanitarian needs. (ILKHA)