MALANG, EAST JAVA – The blind violence perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people has inspired Dompet Dhuafa of East Java to organize a Solidarity Action for Palestine. This event took place in front of the Malang Provincial Legislative Council building on Friday afternoon (20/10/2023). The Action to Defend Palestine was held concurrently with a similar action by Dompet Dhuafa in front of the United Nations Building in Jakarta.
The peaceful demonstration, joined by several Islamic organizations in East Java, proceeded smoothly and solemnly. The usually bright afternoon turned dim and slightly cloudy. Thousands of people from various community organizations gathered to voice their support for Palestine.
Kholid Abdillah, the leader of Dompet Dhuafa East Java, stated that this action represents solidarity with the suffering of our Muslim brothers and sisters in Palestine. Defending the Palestinian people is an obligation for Muslims, as one Muslim is a brother to another.
He mentioned, “There are at least three reasons why we must defend Palestine. The first reason is that Palestine is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the first qibla of Islam and the site of the Isra and Mi’raj. Defending it is part of safeguarding our faith and historical sites.”
The second reason, he continued, is based on a constitutional mandate. Indonesia’s constitution states that “Colonialism must be abolished as it is against humanity and justice.”
The third reason is, of course, humanitarian. Currently, Israel is targeting its missiles and weapons at hospitals, media outlets, medical staff, children, and even places of worship. This constitutes a severe war crime.
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Therefore, Dompet Dhuafa East Java, along with the Muslim community, will continue to voice their call to defend the Palestinian people and condemn all forms of colonization and war crimes. Additionally, Dompet Dhuafa East Java is also raising funds to support the Palestinian people. (Dompet Dhuafa/East Java/Muthohar)