Rahma Worldwide is a Michigan-based US 501c3-registered organization, engaging in humanitarian projects in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and several African countries.  

In its Gaza operations – which it claims began in 2017 – the organization has partnered with NGOs and institutions tied to Hamas and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist groups, as well as the Kuwaiti Islamic Heritage Revival Society (RIHS) terror group.  RIHS was designated by the US Treasury Department in 2008, “for providing financial and material support to al Qaida and al Qaida affiliates” and “financial support for acts of terrorism.”

According to the UN Financial Tracking System (FTS), in 2023, Rahma Worldwide received approximately $300,000 from two additional Kuwaiti organizations – Al Najat Charitable Society, and Namaa Charity – for projects in Gaza.

Partnership with Hamas-controlled Ministry of Social Development 

Rahma Worldwide and the Gaza Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) have collaborated on several initiatives. 

This Hamas-linked entity coordinates a variety of aid programs in the territory, including cash-assistance programs. In these contexts, MoSD identifies beneficiaries for aid projects, allowing it to direct cash and other materials.  

Hamas has exercised effective control over the MoSD in Gaza for several years. 

In April 2019, Hamas appointed politburo member, Ghazi Hamad, to lead the Ministry. In November 2024, the Treasury Department designated Hamad, labeling him a “senior Hamas official[].” The announcement added, “Hamad previously served as a Hamas senior official overseeing border crossings at Gaza. While these border crossings were one of the primary ways Hamas smuggled weapons into Gaza, these crossings were also used to smuggle the construction equipment and materials Hamas needed to build an extensive tunnel network they intentionally interspersed among Palestinian civilians.”

(For more information on MoSD’s ties to Hamas, see NGO Monitor’s “US-funded NGO Aid Benefiting Hamas: Mercy Corps and ANERA Operations in Gaza.”)

Rahma Worldwide’s work with MoSD includes:

  • On March 19, 2023, the MoSD published photos of Ghazi Hamad meeting with a delegation from Rahma Worldwide. The MoSD stated that “it has signed an agreement to strengthen the bilateral relations between it and Rahma Worldwide association…Hamad emphasized the deep ties that link the ministry with granting institutions and especially Rahma [Worldwide] association.” (emphases added). 
  • According to an article published by Al-Watan Voice, a Palestinian news outlet, in October 2023, Rahma Worldwide initiated multiple educational projects in Gaza, in which, according to Rahma CEO Shadi Zaza, “there was coordination with the relevant ministries to carry out the projects, including the MoSD.”
  • On October 4, 2023, the MoSD shared pictures from an event with Rahma Worldwide and RIHS, announcing a joint project to financially support Gazan families. 

Rahma representatives presenting a joint project with the RIHS association, in cooperation with the MoSD. (Source)

  • According to the MoSD, in October 2021, Hamad met with a delegation from Rahma Worldwide, including current CEO, Shadi Zaza. Hamad “greeted the visiting delegation and expressed much appreciation for the visit which has a great impact on bolstering the ties and strengthening trust and cooperation.”

Left: Hamas senior member Ghazi Hamad together with Rahma current CEO Shadi Zaza. Right: Hamad with Rahma’s delegation to MOSD. (Source)

In addition to these partnerships, in 2019-2020 Rahma Worldwide provided equipment to the Kamal Adwan Hospital and renovated sections of it. According to IDF footage of the interrogation of a Hamas member detained at the hospital in a December 2024 IDF operation, Hamas terrorists utilized the hospital as a base of operations, and as an armory.

Partnerships with PFLP-controlled AWDA

AWDA (formerly Union of Health Work Committees – UHWC), is a PFLP-linked organization that operates the Al-Awda hospital in Gaza. In December 2023, Israel arrested 23 employees at the hospital, including its director. NGO Monitor research has uncovered public support from medical workers at the hospital for Hamas, the PFLP, and the October 7th massacre.

In September 2024 AWDA association and Rahma Worldwide signed a memorandum of understanding with Al-Awda Hospital. Additionally, in April 2024 a delegation from Rahma Worldwide visited AWDA facilities in Nuseirat. The association thanked Rahma “for its support and it strives to build and further establish the links, partnership and cooperation” between the organizations.