‘It feels different’: Gaza war weighs heavily as Muslims mark Ramadan [Video]

For Janan Arafa, Ramadan is usually a joyous time for people to come together and reflect on their faith.

“Typically the night before, it’s a feeling of excitement,” she shared. 

But this year, the Palestinian Canadian living in Ottawa says she only feels despair as the war in Gaza rages on and families starve. 

Last week, 15 children died from hunger and malnutrition at a hospital in northern Gaza according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which says the region is slowly running out of food for its 2.3 million people. 

“It’s difficult to feel any kind of happiness at this time,” Arafa said.  “It feels different.”

Trying to ‘renew faith and conviction’

She isn’t alone in her grief. 

“I don’t think anyone will be celebrating in any form for Ramadan,” said Monalisa Ghadban, also of Ottawa.

“I think people are just trying to renew their faith and conviction in the surreal world we’re currently living in,” she said.