“On this International Day of Solidarity, I call on the parties to step back from the brink. The mindless cycle of destruction must end. The virtuous circle of peace must begin.” – Secretary General – Ban Ki-Moon
The 29th of November is traditionally known as ‘International Day of Solidarity with Palestine’. This date was chosen because of its meaning and significance to the Palestinian people. On that day in 1947, the General Assembly adopted what is known as the Partition Resolution. That resolution provided for the establishment in Palestine of a Jewish and Arab State.
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People has traditionally provided an opportunity for the Muslim community as part of the wider International community to focus its attention on the fact that the question of Palestine remains unresolved. The Palestinian people are yet to attain their inalienable rights as defined by the General Assembly; the right to self-determination without external interference, the right to national independence and sovereignty, and the right to return to their homes and property from which they had been displaced.
Various activities are undertaken each year by Governments and civil society in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. These activities include special messages of solidarity with the Palestinian people, the organisation of meetings, the dissemination of publications and the screening of films.
The International Day of Solidarity provides the perfect opportunity for the Muslim Community and Muslim Leadership to continue their good work towards establishing peace in the region. Our Imams and Scholars continue to engage with wider community in their unrelenting resolve to find a solution for lasting peace between Palestine and Israel.
As always, we continue to pray for all those that are vulnerable and suffering at the hands of injustice and misfortune so that we may see a stronger, more united world.
Many people ask, “how we can help the Palestinian cause?”
No one excepts an intervention in the peace process, but the main thing I recommend is to visit Palestine. Put aside your annual trip to Dubai one year and plan a trip to Jerusalem instead.
This is an option not explored widely enough and I believe the most important. Plus, travelling to Palestine is easier than you think. You can fly straight to Tel Aviv and organise transport to The Occupied Palestinian Lands. It is a 5 hour flight and you can often find very reasonable deals with lots of budget airlines travelling to Tel Aviv.
This gives you the opportunity to witness the conflict on the ground, hear stories from individuals affected by it and take them back to share with your family and friends back home. Pictures and videos to share on social media also go a long way, real life experiences and news is far more hard hitting sometimes than an article on social media you cant truly engage with.
Not only that, but you support the Palestinian economy, from organising travel with a Palestinian driver, to staying in a Palestinian run hostel in Jerusalem, to eating a shawarma on the street, it all makes a difference and supports the Palestinian families.
It shows the Palestinian people that they have international support, that despite all the wars and troubles in the world, people still care for them and remember them.
