Mohamed Al-Omar: Kuwait Resilient to Crises, National Unity Our Greatest Strength
We do not
accept hesitant stances in condemning the reprehensible Iranian aggression
against Kuwait.
The State of
Kuwait is currently experiencing exceptional circumstances and delicate
challenges that demand the highest levels of national cohesion and concerted
efforts across all state sectors and civil society institutions.
At every
historical turning point or crisis affecting the country, Kuwait’s longstanding
national institutions have proven their authenticity and readiness to serve as
a supportive shield for the nation and a safe haven for the community.
At the
forefront of these institutions stands the Social Reform Society, whose name is associated with a long history of
giving and honorable national stances, with accumulated experiences that have
proven effective—from the crisis of the Iraqi invasion, through the
COVID-19 pandemic, to the current challenges and recent Iranian attacks
targeting the country.
In this
interview, we highlight the society’s efforts in supporting state institutions,
its rapid response, and its relief and community initiatives, through a
conversation with its Vice President, Mohamed Al-Omar, who reveals the scope
and dimensions of this role during one of the most critical periods the country
is going through.
In a firm and
clear message, Al-Omar stressed that at the Social Reform Society, we do not
accept gray or hesitant positions regarding standing against injustice toward
our country and explicitly condemning the reprehensible Iranian aggression
targeting Kuwait’s sovereignty, facilities, property, and security, which
resulted in the martyrdom and injury of many of our citizens and instilled fear
among the innocent. He affirmed a strong national principle: “There is no place
for any party, movement, group, or Islamic or other current that does not stand
in solidarity with Kuwait and does not appreciate and respect its history and
pioneering role.”
Regarding
internal security, Al-Omar praised the high vigilance and extraordinary efforts
of the Ministry of Interior in dismantling terrorist cells and thwarting any
sabotage attempts aimed at destabilizing the country.
He affirmed
that the security personnel represent Kuwait’s protective shield against
internal threats, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration with
the security apparatus to ensure safety and fortify the homeland against any
breaches or suspicious agendas.
He noted that
any external party, regardless of identity or orientation, that fails to
declare a clear supportive stance toward the country in these critical
circumstances, has no place in the hearts of Kuwaitis.
Al-Omar also
expressed gratitude to Sheikh Jassim Al-Muhalhil Al-Yaseen for his recent audio
messages issued through the society’s official accounts and platforms, which
reflect the culture, methodology, and official positions of the Social Reform
Society. He confirmed that these messages align with the society’s community
and national role during these circumstances.
Interview
Questions and Responses
Q: Given these delicate
circumstances, what is the official and principled stance of the Social Reform
Society regarding the current crisis and recent attacks on Kuwait?
A: I thank you for this interview at these pivotal
moments, and I ask Allah Almighty to protect Kuwait—its Amir, government, and
people—from the repercussions of this crisis affecting the region, and to
safeguard us all.
Kuwait has
always been, and will remain, God willing, a generous country, a safe haven for
the virtuous across the Islamic nation throughout its illustrious history.
At the Social
Reform Society, as always and as part of our duty during past crises and this
particular period, we immediately mobilize for serious action and close
cooperation with state institutions and government bodies to serve citizens.
Following the
condemnable Iranian attacks on our country, the society issued a firm statement
supporting the political leadership, calling on citizens to unite, cooperate,
and remain patient in facing these serious challenges.
The society
unequivocally condemned the interventions and attacks on our land and appealed
to the international community to denounce these criminal acts, which are
unprecedented and unexpected from a neighbor with whom we are supposed to share
ties of neighborliness and the Islamic faith.
Q: Operationally, what steps
did the society take to support state institutions immediately after these
attacks?
A: Our response was immediate and direct. Leveraging our
accumulated experience, the society promptly formed a specialized “Emergency
Team,” just as we have in previous national crises such as the Iraqi invasion
or the COVID-19 pandemic.
This team
immediately engaged with all government entities to provide any necessary
support.
To be honest,
there was continuous and effective communication with the Ministry of Social
Affairs, starting with Minister Dr. Emthal Al-Huwaila, the Undersecretary, and
all responsible officials within the ministry, and we remain in constant,
real-time contact.
Through this
coordination, the society provided every possible resource, service, and
assistance to the people to alleviate the impact of this crisis.
Q: “Nama Charity” has played
a strong role in the field as a national partner. How did it enhance logistical
support?
A: Absolutely. “Nama Charity,” the charitable arm of the
Social Reform Society, confirmed its active presence as a key national partner
by implementing a comprehensive set of field, community, and relief initiatives
that reflected its full readiness and national responsibility.
On the
logistical side, Nama dedicated all its resources to support government
entities, particularly by collaborating with the Civil Defense Department. The
society took responsibility for preparing 15 fully equipped shelters, ensuring
all basic comfort and readiness to accommodate those in need, God forbid.
This
substantial effort was also supported by other charitable societies in Kuwait,
collectively covering around 160 shelters nationwide.
The society
also collaborated with the Ministry of Interior and provided other government
entities with essential equipment needed during these critical times.
Q: What about relief and
food interventions, especially in sectors under exceptional pressure, such as
healthcare?
A: Through Nama Charity’s community and social support
efforts, we implemented a precise and intensive program to provide
meals—including for fasting individuals—targeting key institutions such as
Jaber Al-Ahmad Hospital and Mubarak Hospital, with active participation from
the “Manara Team” volunteers.
The coverage
extended beyond central hospitals to include the Amiri Hospital and community
development centers in areas such as Fintas and Sabah Al-Nasser, ensuring vital
facilities were not affected by logistical shortages.
Q: National cohesion is
evident in direct community initiatives. What were your key contributions to
enhancing social stability under these circumstances?
A: The society’s Cooperation Office played a pivotal
role in promoting community cohesion through numerous national initiatives,
most notably launching a “Blood Donation Campaign” during the first days of the
crisis, which witnessed unprecedented participation from members of the
society, citizens, and residents.
This
contribution, though modest, supports our armed forces, and the board of
directors greatly appreciates this significant turnout, praying for the
protection of our people in the field.
Additionally,
we actively participated in the “Al-Ghareem Campaign,” providing generous
financial support of 100,000 Kuwaiti Dinars to relieve indebted families,
maintain social and familial stability, and prevent economic collapse.
We also
continued to support social care institutions, providing all necessary supplies
and assistance for their residents.
Q: How did the society
utilize its media and advocacy platforms to instill reassurance and manage
public anxiety during this crisis?
A: During crises, people naturally turn to social media
and television, often feeling anxious and unsettled. At the Social Reform
Society, through our media sector, we prioritized broadcasting messages of
optimism and reassurance.
We launched a
series of psychological support programs, hosting specialists like Dr. Adel
Al-Zaid to provide structured guidance for families, and maximized the use of
religious and faith-based messages from our scholars to strengthen hearts,
encourage patience, and promote cooperation with the state.
One notable
initiative was a national anthem to boost the morale of our armed forces, civil
defense personnel, and medical teams.
We also
produced awareness programs and videos targeting families and youth. I must
also highlight the pivotal role of Al-Mujtama magazine as an influential
platform guiding society and countering rumors during this crisis.
Q: Given Kuwaitis’ strong
memory of past crises, how does your historical experience shape the society’s
current response compared to the past?
A: Personally, by Allah’s grace, I have lived through
and witnessed three major crises: the Iraqi invasion, the COVID-19 pandemic,
and now these Iranian attacks on Kuwait.
The Social
Reform Society, with a history spanning over 63 years, has leveraged the
experience of its leadership, personnel, and resources from all previous
crises.
We replicated
the model of local relief committees from the invasion era in a more
professional form during COVID-19, and today, through the “Volunteer Project,”
dozens of our youth have joined to serve the nation.
The fundamental
and reassuring difference today is the strong presence and effectiveness of
state institutions, alongside the organized role of cooperative societies.
Our role now is
to complement and support; we are ready to meet any needs requested by the
state through the Ministry of Social Affairs, alongside our fellow societies,
who have provided distinguished and substantial services.
Q: If these exceptional
circumstances persist, does the society have a sustainable plan to ensure
uninterrupted support?
A: We pray that relief comes soon, that Allah protects
our country and its people, and extinguishes the flames of this malicious
conflict quickly.
While we hope
and remain optimistic for a swift resolution, we have, from an institutional
responsibility standpoint and through our “Emergency Team,” developed a
strategic and operational plan extending over the coming months.
This plan
ensures the continuous provision of all services and programs that serve the
community. Outputs from this plan will be communicated gradually through Nama
Charity’s platforms and social media, all in close, transparent coordination
with officials in the Ministry of Social Affairs and Community Development.
Final
Word
In short, this
country—small in size yet immense in generosity and humanitarian outreach
worldwide, through the hands of Kuwait’s virtuous men and women—will not be
lost by Allah’s will. Their efforts will be preserved, and Allah will safeguard
this land as He has before. My message: do not worry or fear, people of Kuwait,
for Allah Almighty is always with you.
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