Palestinian father names newborn daughter 'Singapore' in tribute to NGO’s Gaza aid

A Palestinian father has named his newborn daughter Singapore in recognition of the humanitarian assistance delivered to Gaza by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Love Aid Singapore.

The girl was born on 16 October 2025, shortly after a ceasefire was announced between Israel and Hamas.

Her father, Hamdan Hadad, who works at the NGO’s aid kitchen, said the name was a gesture of appreciation for the support provided by Singaporeans during the conflict.

In a video posted on Instagram by Love Aid Singapore’s founder, Gilbert Goh, Hamdan explained in Arabic that his wife had relied on meals from the NGO’s food kitchen during a critical stage of her pregnancy, when famine and supply shortages gripped much of Gaza. That support, he said, had helped her survive.

“This is the first Palestinian girl to be named Singapore,” the presenter said, holding up the child’s birth certificate as proof. The family was also given financial assistance to help with expenses.

Humanitarian gesture amidst protracted crisis

Gaza has endured nearly two years of continuous violence due to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Although a ceasefire is now in place, basic necessities such as food, medicine, and shelter remain severely limited.

Love Aid Singapore has been active in both northern and southern Gaza since the beginning of the conflict. Videos shared on the organisation’s Instagram channel show long queues of people receiving meals, cooked in kitchens run by the NGO.

The NGO was founded by Singaporean activist Gilbert Goh, who has worked in humanitarian relief across Syria and Gaza. In his Instagram post announcing the baby’s birth, Goh thanked Singaporeans for “standing on the right side of humanity with me all this while”.

From solo initiative to multi-million-dollar relief effort

In a June 2025 interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Goh described how Love Aid Singapore began as a “one-man NGO” but has since grown significantly.

To date, the organisation has raised approximately S$6.2 million, sourced entirely from donations made by Singaporeans. According to Goh, the NGO has not received government funding.

“Singapore is small, we are generous, we are very focused,” he told ABC. “I think we can do wonders in the humanitarian world.” Goh also emphasised the psychological and emotional importance of restoring a sense of normality in Gaza, saying, “Singaporeans are there for you, we have your back.”

A symbolic name, a hopeful future

The naming of a child after a country is rare and seen as highly symbolic. For Hamdan and his family, the choice of name reflects a deeply personal connection to the aid they received during a time of need.

The NGO wrote in its announcement, “We wish little Singapore good health and that a bright new world will welcome her soon, with the prospect of a permanent ceasefire.”

As Gaza continues to rebuild amid fragile peace, stories such as this highlight the ongoing human impact of humanitarian support efforts. For many, they serve as a testament to solidarity that transcends national borders.