Under: "Towards Civilizational Awareness"
Social Reform Society Launches Its 47th Islamic Book Fair
The Social Reform Society announced, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, during a press conference held at its headquarters, the launch of the Islamic Book Fair for its 47th edition, which will be held under the generous patronage of the Minister of Information, Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi, from April 21 to May 3, 2025, under the slogan "Towards Civilizational Awareness," with wide participation from local and international entities.
During the conference, Abdulrahman Al-Shatti, Director of the Public Relations Department at the Social Reform Society, expressed his pride in the continued organization of this significant cultural event for nearly half a century, noting that the exhibition has become a fixed cultural landmark in Kuwait and the region, and a window for cultural and cognitive communication between peoples.
He clarified that the support the exhibition receives from the Ministry of Information, represented in the publishing and media sector, reflects the state's interest in enhancing cultural events, stating: "The Ministry of Information team precedes us in their follow-up, and we appreciate their considerable support in presenting this event in a manner befitting its illustrious history."
Al-Shatti: More than 120 publishing houses participate in the exhibition from Arab, Gulf, and European countries.
Al-Shatti explained that the exhibition, despite being named "Islamic," is not limited to Islamic books only; it has become a comprehensive platform for culture, thought, and knowledge, embracing publications in various fields and keeping pace with developments in publishing and modern technology. He emphasized that humans are the focal point of change and the makers of civilization, which is reflected in this year's exhibition slogan.
He added that the forty-seventh edition of the exhibition sees unprecedented participation, with more than 150 pavilions reserved, representing over 120 entities and publishing houses, including international participation from Gulf countries, the Levant, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Turkey, and North African countries, along with publishing houses from European countries, clearly confirming the inclusive and comprehensive nature of the exhibition.
Al-Shatti pointed out that the exhibition's program will be filled with numerous accompanying events targeting various age groups. He indicated that educational and cultural morning workshops were allocated for students in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, expecting the participation of more than 5,000 students in these workshops aimed at enhancing cultural, cognitive, and skills awareness among the youth.
He added: “We at the association are keen to provide students with answers to their questions and stimulate their thinking and dialogue through quality workshops, such as today’s workshop presented by Dr. Moussa Al-Muzaydi under the title ‘How to Shape Their Future?’”
He also announced the organization of evening public seminars featuring a selection of thinkers and professors from within and outside Kuwait, all aiming to build a character that believes in its role in civilization-making and serving the homeland and the nation.
Regarding children, Al-Shatti confirmed that the exhibition does not overlook this important group, as it will include pavilions and publishing houses specializing in children's literature, in addition to entertaining and educational activities, and spaces dedicated to children in multiple languages alongside Arabic, contributing to fostering a love for reading in a language familiar to them.
He added that this year's exhibition features new and unique competitions, the most prominent of which is the "Cultural Impact" competition, organized for the first time, where students will read a collection of books and summarize them to be presented before an academic judging committee on the association's stage. He explained that the number of entries so far has reached 90, and the "Genius Challenge" competition will also be organized, along with the announcement of a grand prize, a car, offered as an encouragement for the public to participate, read, and acquire books, thus affirming the exhibition's message of promoting a culture of knowledge.
For his part, Fahd Al-Failakawi, Deputy Director of the Reform Association, confirmed that all logistical preparations for the exhibition are proceeding according to plan, in coordination with several state ministries, headed by the Ministry of Interior and the Medical Emergency Department, in anticipation of the large turnout expected, especially during the morning and evening periods from school students and those interested in cultural affairs.
He clarified that the exhibition will open on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Reform Association building in the Al-Rawda area, continuing for two consecutive weeks, in both morning and evening sessions, with plans to keep Saturday’s session uninterrupted.
Al-Failakawi concluded by confirming that this year’s exhibition will be an exceptional edition by all standards, in terms of content, diversity of participation, audience interaction, and partnerships with government and volunteer organizations, such as the Athar Volunteer Center, which is a hub for volunteer work within the association.
Al-Mujtama
Kuwait Bans Screening of "Snow White" in Cinemas
In a new stance that embodies Kuwait's commitment to opposing normalization with the Zionist entity, Kuwaiti cinemas have decided to withdraw the film "Snow White" (Snow White), produced by the global company Disney, due to the participation of Israeli actress Gal Gadot, a former soldier in the occupation army, in one of the main roles.
Widespread Community Rejection and Popular Calls
The decision came in response to calls launched by civil society forces in Kuwait last March, demanding the banning of the film, considering that the mere appearance of an “Israeli” soldier on the screens of Arab cinemas is an affront to national sentiments and an unacceptable cultural normalization with an entity that occupies land and kills an unarmed people.
These forces warned of the dangers of slipping into "cultural normalization," asserting that entertainment should not be separated from ethics and national commitment, especially when it concerns artists with a long record of supporting the crimes of occupation.
Boycott Movement Welcomes the Decision
For its part, the "Boycott Israel Movement" (BDS) in Kuwait welcomed the decision, considering it a significant step that reflects genuine popular awareness in the face of soft normalization attempts.
The movement published a statement via the platform X, stating: In response to widespread Kuwaiti public demands, the film "Snow White" has been withdrawn from Kuwaiti cinemas.
The movement also called for continued boycotting of the Disney company, considering it one of the leading Western companies complicit in supporting the Zionist narrative and whitewashing the image of the occupation through artistic and cultural tools targeted at children and families.
A National and Moral Stance
Kuwaiti political activist Abdullah Al-Anjari regarded the step as a victory for the boycott movement in Kuwait and for civil society institutions that refuse to market symbols of occupation in the Arab space.
Al-Anjari pointed out, in a tweet on X, that boycott campaigns have proven effective and that there is an increasing public awareness of the dangers of Zionist infiltration through culture and entertainment, emphasizing the necessity of escalating the boycott against all companies complicit with the occupation.
Meanwhile, media figure Dahem Al-Qahtani commented: Gal Gadot was not just an actress but a soldier in the occupation army who participated in killing Palestinian children, and today she is being presented as a heroine in a children's film!
Al-Qahtani added: After finishing filming, she returned to service in the Zionist army that kills innocent unarmed children.
He continued: Banning the film's screening in Kuwait is the bare minimum of our commitment to preserving our dignity as Arabs and is a practical step to prevent the promotion of this criminal soldier.
He pointed out that the financial gain or loss of the cinema company is not the issue, noting that some people's excessive sensitivity to any economic boycott related to anything tied to the Zionists is not the main concern.
He affirmed that the more important issue is to prevent this Zionist infiltration, which is being cunningly achieved through children's emotions.
Not the First Precedent
It is noteworthy that this is not the first time a film featuring Gadot has been banned in Kuwait. In February 2022, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information issued a decision to ban the screening of the film "Death on the Nile" for the same reasons, following a popular campaign that called for its boycott due to Gadot's participation, as she served in the "Israeli" army for two years.
At that time, the film faced popular rejection in several Arab countries, including Lebanon, Tunisia, and Qatar, due to the actress's political stance supporting the aggression against Gaza.
In 2014, Gadot posted publicly on social media expressing her full support for the "Israeli" army during its aggression against the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the martyrdom of over 2,250 Palestinians, most of whom were civilians, along with thousands wounded, in contrast to 74 "Israelis" killed, most of whom were soldiers.
In 2017, Tunisian authorities banned the screening of the famous film "Wonder Woman," due to its military background and political stances supporting occupation.
A Political Message in Cultural Garb
Observers believe that Disney, by assigning heroic roles to an actress known for her loyalty to the Zionist army, seeks to convey dangerous political messages cloaked in entertainment, primarily targeting children and families. These critics warn that cultural normalization is no less dangerous than political normalization, and that confronting this type of intrusion requires heightened public awareness and a swift response from state institutions and civil society.
Al-Mujtama
Al-Bayan Society: Over 8,000 beneficiaries of "Fasting Person's Iftar" inside and outside Kuwait
As part of its charitable and humanitarian efforts, the Al-Bayan Society for Introducing Islam announced that 8,782 individuals benefited from the "Fasting Person's Iftar" project both inside and outside Kuwait.
The chairman of the association, Saud Mohammed Al-Ateeqi, stated that the Al-Bayan Society continues to support the brothers in Gaza, may God ease their suffering. He indicated that the association has implemented a series of relief initiatives during the blessed month of Ramadan to support our brothers in the Gaza Strip and several other countries, such as Yemen, Syria, India, and Chad. These initiatives included the "Fasting Person's Iftar," "Zakat Al-Fitr," and "Eid Clothing" projects.
Al-Ateeqi announced that 8,412 individuals benefited from the "Fasting Person's Iftar" project in six countries, including the Gaza Strip. Additionally, 370 Iftar meals were provided to the poor workforce inside Kuwait, alongside the "Zakat Al-Fitr" project, where more than 9 tons of flour were distributed within the Gaza Strip, benefiting over 1,810 people, and "Eid Clothing" was provided to 300 children inside the sector.
He valued the positive interaction and generous support from noble benefactors for the projects proposed by the association during Ramadan, such as "Water Provision" and "Food Banks," and other charitable projects specifically targeting the Gaza Strip, as part of its mission to stand with the affected and provide assistance during times of hardship.
The Al-Bayan Society confirms its commitment to continuing its da'wah and humanitarian mission inside and outside Kuwait, relying on the support of the good people and collaboration from various entities to successfully implement its projects and achieve a tangible impact on the lives of individuals and communities. Donations for the da'wah, charitable, and humanitarian projects of the Al-Bayan Society can be made through its website albyan.org.
Al-Mujtama
Campaign "Al-Gharmeen 3" ... Humanitarian Efforts Crowned with Success
Today marked the conclusion of the "Al-Gharmeen 3" campaign, which launched on March 14 and achieved remarkable engagement from the Kuwaiti community in direct response to the directives of political leadership to localize charitable work and enhance the spirit of social solidarity.
The campaign once again proved that Kuwait, its people, and institutions is proactive in extending a helping hand to citizens facing financial difficulties.
First: 5 Indicators of the Success of the "Al-Gharmeen 3" Campaign
- Raised over 12.8 million Kuwaiti Dinars
The total amount of donations reached 12,865,000 KWD as of Saturday.
- Wide Community Participation
The campaign involved 20,780 donors from various segments of society.
- High Demand from Debtors
More than 7,000 debtors registered their requests to benefit from the support.
- Professional Organization by Official Entities
The campaign is managed through a clear methodology via the central aid platform.
- Popular and Official Consensus on Supporting the Distressed
The campaign reflects the united efforts between the government and civil society.
Second: 4 Main Objectives of the "Al-Gharmeen 3" Campaign
- Addressing the Financial Difficulties of Citizens
By paying off their debts within precise controls and conditions.
- Localizing Charitable Work within Kuwait
According to the directions of political leadership.
- Spreading the Culture of Social Responsibility
And motivating individuals and institutions to contribute.
- Enhancing Values of Mercy and Solidarity
These are considered pillars of Kuwaiti society.
Third: 6 Main Entities Participating in Evaluating Requests**
Six working teams were formed to study the requests of debtors, each consisting of about 10 specialists from the following entities:
- Ministry of Social Affairs
- Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs
- Zakat House
- General Secretariat of Awqaf
- The Union of Charitable Societies and Foundations in Kuwait
- Other relevant civil organizations
Fourth: Work Mechanism After the Campaign Ends
- Immediate Sorting of Requests: This begins immediately after the campaign concludes.
- Thorough Assessment of Each Case: According to conditions, one of which is that the applicant must be Kuwaiti and facing financial hardship with validated documents.
- Fair and Transparent Evaluation of Eligibility: For all requests referred from the central platform.
The "Al-Gharmeen 3" campaign is not just a charitable initiative but a bright example of community solidarity in Kuwait, reaffirming that the state and its people always stand by those in need of support, driven by the principles of mercy, justice, and human dignity.
Al-Mujtama
Namaa Charity updates the Minister of Social Affairs on correctional projects with the Interior Ministry.
In a step reflecting Namaa Charity's commitment to its community and humanitarian message through the Social Reform Association, the association submitted a special report to the Minister of Social Affairs and Family and Childhood, Dr. Amthal Al-Huwaila, detailing its key projects implemented within the reform institutions in the State of Kuwait, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior.
This initiative affirms the importance of charitable work in supporting the state's efforts in reforming and rehabilitating inmates, and enhancing values of family, spiritual, and psychological cohesion.
Namaa Charity's CEO, Saad Marzouq Al-Otaibi, stated that the association has executed several important projects within Kuwaiti prisons during the past period, including preparing classrooms in the central prison, restoring the "Family House" project, and building a complete mosque within the General Administration of Reform Institutions, emphasizing that these projects are part of Namaa Charity's vision to transform reform institutions into an integrated environment for rehabilitation, education, and psychological and social support, rather than merely places for enforcing penalties.
Al-Otaibi added that the association is currently implementing four new projects within the same site in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior. These include the renovation of handicraft classrooms, the rehabilitation of the outdoor sports area, as well as the establishment of a building dedicated to the children of female inmates in the women's prison, in addition to developmental projects aimed at improving infrastructure under humanitarian support and comprehensive care standards.
The "Family House" project, which was established in the central prison, has become one of the most impactful humanitarian initiatives; this project provides a safe and private family environment that allows for legal seclusion of male or female inmates with their spouses from outside the prison in specially prepared places that consider psychological aspects and privacy. It aims to strengthen family ties and reduce emotional and psychological disintegration. The project offers guidance, educational programs, and professional and psychological services that contribute to improving inmates' behavior and strengthening their relationship with their families, in addition to raising awareness of how to raise children and rebuild relationships within the family.
Ibrahim stated that what has been achieved within the correctional institutions is a model to be emulated in joint developmental work.
The report also included the educational classrooms project, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, which allows inmates to complete their education from the primary stage up to the secondary level, receiving certified certificates from the Ministry of Education; this provides them with the opportunity to enroll in universities after completing their prison sentences, contributing to their reintegration into society and opening new future horizons that enhance job opportunities and social stability.
In terms of spiritual support, Namaa Charity, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior, opened the "Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Mutawwa" mosque within the General Administration of Correctional Institutions in January 2025; this serves as a qualitative addition that enhances religious and spiritual values for both workers and inmates. The mosque was established in response to a real need to provide a faith-based environment within prisons that allows for prayers and organizes religious lessons that elevate morale and make inmates feel a sense of reassurance and connection to their spiritual identity.
For his part, Abdulaziz Ibrahim, Head of the Communication Sector at Namaa Charity, confirmed that these projects reflect the spirit of community partnership between state institutions and charitable associations, indicating that Namaa Charity represents an effective humanitarian arm for the State of Kuwait, both domestically and internationally, and is keen to translate political leadership directives into real initiatives that place the human being at the center of concern.
Ibrahim added that what has been achieved within correctional institutions is a model to be emulated in joint developmental work; it reflects Kuwait's commitment to its humanitarian message and its efforts to support and rehabilitate inmates psychologically, socially, and educationally. He noted that beneficiaries of these initiatives expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the real support and practical solutions they have experienced that improved their situation within correctional institutions.
In conclusion, he stated that Namaa Charity will continue to work side by side with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Affairs, and various official entities to achieve further accomplishments that serve the interests of individuals and society, and that its projects will remain a living testament to the value of Kuwaiti giving and its efforts in sustainable social reform.
Al-Mujtama
