In response to the ongoing refugee crisis due to the relentless bombing and continued aggression in Gaza and the Middle East, Ma'wa is proud to announce a partnership with the Asiyah Women’s Center. As the first women’s emergency center in NYC, Asiyah addresses the critical gap in appropriate residential services for the Arab, Middle-Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian (AMEMSA) community. Their work has been vital, providing life-changing aid to eight Palestinian families who have fled the devastation of war and relocated to New York City. Through their Immigrant & Refugee Relief Program (IRRP), Asiyah is helping these families rebuild their lives in a new and unfamiliar environment. The program offers essential support, including housing assistance, access to food, medical and legal aid, and resources for emotional and psychological well-being.

Ma'wa's Trek to Machu Picchu

From October 3rd to 11th, Ma'wa Collective will be in Peru to trek to Machu Picchu with 20 of our members. We will hiking a total of 600 miles collectively, and in solidarity with the Asiyah Women’s Center, we aim to raise at least $6,000—$10 for every mile—for Amo Ismail, his family, and their embroidery business to empower Gazan women. 

Learn More About Amo Ismail

Amo Ismail, a father of six, was a cornerstone of his community in Gaza. Known for his generosity and innovation, he and his family dedicated their lives to grassroots efforts that uplifted those around them. They created an embroidery business for Palestinian women, Piece of Quds, empowering them to earn a living from their homes, with products shipped around the world. They were innovators, developing technology that repurposed ashes from bombed buildings and rockets to generate power and electricity. They gave everything they had for their people, expecting nothing in return. Now, Amo Ismail and his family have come to New York with nothing but the clothes on their backs, after walking for miles in search of safety that never came. Like so many other families from Gaza, they fled unimaginable violence and loss. Despite their past achievements and the lives they transformed, they are starting from scratch. The Asiyah Women’s Center has been at the forefront, helping Amo’s family secure housing in NYC, providing food, covering medical and legal expenses, and assisting with every step of rebuilding their lives. 

Ma'wa Collective

In February 2023, Ma'wa Collective  was established to create opportunities for Muslim-American women to embrace the outdoors. Our vision is to cultivate engaging and safe experiences while building a community defined by a shared love for adventure. Ma’wa (مَأْوَى, pronunciation) is an Arabic word that means sanctuary or a place of refuge. At Ma'wa Collective, we recognize the significance of creating safe spaces for refugees and marginalized communities. Established to empower Muslim-American women through outdoor adventures, we also hope to extend our mission to include support for families like Amo's and the Gazan women they support through Piece of Quds. Together, we can uplift those in need and foster a sense of belonging and community. Join us in making a difference in the lives of refugees as we honor the spirit of resilience that unites us all.

Funds raised from this campaign will be sent to Asiyah Women's Center, a registered US 501c3 with Tax ID 83-2104070