Afwa Al-Aafiyah School In Gaza Reopens In Tents - Siti Nurhaliza

By Bernama Lifestyle Reporter

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- Despite her packed Ramadan schedule and artistic commitments, National Songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin continues to closely follow developments at the Afwa Al-Aafiyah School in Gaza, Palestine, which has resumed operations in modest circumstances.

According to her, the school, established through Yayasan Nurjiwa, has been rebuilt using large tents as temporary classrooms after the original building was destroyed by Israeli regime attacks.

“Our Yayasan Nurjiwa representative in Gaza, Dr Mohanad Kullab, has rebuilt our school, though in very limited circumstances. The children there have also started returning to school,” she told reporters after the Jiwa Prihatin 2025 Iftar event here yesterday.

Siti Nurhaliza said each class accommodates more than 10 students, with basic facilities such as desks, carpets and sheltered spaces provided to ensure that learning sessions can proceed despite the imperfect environment.

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“We know that what has been built could be destroyed again, but we cannot remain silent. Life must go on, and the children’s education there must continue,” she said.

She added that efforts are also underway to construct a more permanent physical structure and expressed hope that the new classes would provide renewed motivation to children affected by the war in Gaza.

In September last year, the country’s number one singer expressed her disappointment and sorrow when the school, which served as both a shelter and educational centre for Palestinian children, was destroyed by bombing.

The school was built prior to the outbreak of war in 2021, inspired by Siti Nurhaliza and her husband, Datuk Seri Khalid Mohamad Jiwa, with the hope of providing educational opportunities and a better future for children in Gaza.

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In another development, she also launched a special festive cookie collection in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year, with part of the proceeds channelled to Yayasan Nurjiwa to support humanitarian initiatives, including educational assistance in Gaza.

She said the idea of producing festive cookies had long been planned, and this time it was realised as a means of raising funds to assist those in need.

“I have long thought about venturing into the festive cookie business, but this time it is more about giving back to Yayasan Nurjiwa,” she said.

Among the selections offered are Almond London, pineapple tarts and mazola cookies — popular favourites that resonate with Malaysian tastes — which she hopes will encourage public support for the foundation’s charitable efforts.

-- BERNAMA