MAKASSAR, SOUTH SULAWESI — The people of South Sulawesi showed global humanitarian solidarity to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the genocide in Palestine on Sunday (10/6/2024). Through a Tabligh Akbar organized by Dompet Dhuafa South Sulawesi and the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Islamic Religion (FAI) of Universitas Muslim Indonesia (UMI), the solidarity action took place openly in Al-Jibra Auditorium and was attended by various groups-students to public figures.
The event with the theme “Commemorating the 1st Anniversary of Al-Aqsa Storm in Palestine” aimed to voice support, care, and remember the events that befell the Palestinians. Through poetry, dialogue, theater, and film, participants were invited to reflect on the suffering of the Palestinian people due to prolonged conflict. Tausiah delivered by Ustaz Icuk Rifai Al-Azhary also strengthened the spirit of humanitarian solidarity.
Assistant Vice Rector III of UMI, Dr. Djamal Bijang, emphasized the importance of continuing to voice support for Palestinian independence. Meanwhile, a social media activist, Ramayani, invited the public to see the Palestinian issue as a universal humanitarian problem. Ramayani emphasized that the genocide in Palestine is not just a religious or racial issue, but a global humanitarian issue.
“This event is a reflection that a year ago, on October 7, 2023, the genocide carried out by the Zionists was very cruel and claimed many victims. We must continue to speak out, both through social media and real action, to support Palestinian independence,” said Djamal.
In the dialog session, Ali A M Elayyan, a Palestinian student studying in Indonesia, shared the sad story of his family who had to flee due to the conflict. His story serves as a reminder of the harsh reality experienced by millions of Palestinians.
“I hope that the Indonesian people will continue to read and discuss about Palestine, because we have the same hope, which is the independence of Palestine,” he hoped.
On the same occasion, Dompet Dhuafa’s Disaster Management Center (DMC) representative, Akbar Saddam, explained that the DMC team continues to distribute aid through humanitarian missions with the Indonesian government, local partners in Gaza, and through a joint humanitarian mission, the Indonesian Humanitarian Alliance (IHA).
“Through this humanitarian mission, we strive to continue to distribute aid to the Palestinians,” he concluded.
The event was closed by raising donations and praying together for our brothers and sisters in Palestine, led directly by Ustad Icuk Rifai Al-Azhary. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and photo: Riza Muthohar, DD South Sulawesi
Editor: Dhika Prabowo