Germany's Largest Muslim Association Initiates Free Food Movement Amid COVID-19

Photo illustration of a Muslim association (Mostafa Meraji / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, concern for others is getting higher. One example of kindness came from volunteering at a mosque in the city of Wuppertal, West Germany. Everyday, mosque volunteers are busy distributing food to anyone in need, regardless of whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim.

Mosque volunteers who are also members of the largest mosque association in Germany (DITIB), have sent three hundred meals to the urban poor. This was done so that they could survive the lockdown policy.

Initially, mosque volunteers planned to deliver a thousand meals to the urban poor. How could they not, they are very dependent on food banks which have been forced to close due to COVID-19.

Interestingly, when entering the holy month of Ramadan, the food bank then opened again, so mosque volunteers focused on food aid to elderly Muslim families and those who were non-Muslim in need.

"We do not only serve members of our community, but we serve all people who need food in the City of Wuppertal," said the DITIB member.

“We have added many needy people to our list. Therefore, we also send it to them. They certainly appreciate it very much and the more people hear about this, the more people register, "he continued.

One of the Muslim residents who received assistance is Nazmiye Odabasi. He did not forget to thank the mosque volunteers who were willing to provide the time and energy to deliver food to him.

"People can't go to the mosque, so it's great they can deliver food to my house," said Nazmiye Odabasi as she leaned against one of the windows waiting for food delivery by mosque volunteers.

Meanwhile, the German government will ease its lockdown policy by re-allowing mosques, churches, synagogues and other places of worship starting on May 4. Even so, those who worship continue to carry out physical distancing, wear masks and limit the number to a maximum of 50 people.