GOMBAK, 15 October 2023: Students marched in solidarity with Palestine while some in the world turned their backs.
With the support of IIUM societies, the IIUM Da’wah Council (IDC) and IIUM Student Council, helped organise the Solidarity March for Palestine that took place after Friday prayer on 13 October.
The march was in support of the people of Palestine. It came as a response to the Palestinian Resistance Movement, Hamas, that launched an attack on Israeli settlements near the Gaza Strip on the 7th of October 2023, after years of oppression from the State of Israel. This led to retaliation from Israeli forces killing hundreds and wounding thousands more on both sides of the conflict.
Many nations around the world responded to the news with words of support for Israel and labels of terrorism and condemnation for the those who resisted.
Driven by their eagerness to show their solidarity, students gathered at the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Mosque (SHAS Mosque) of IIUM Gombak and brought with them, flags, placards, signs and banners that colored the skies of the IIUM with symbols of brotherhood and support for their fellow brothers and sisters in Palestine.
“Our Prayers go to the Shuhada in Gaza and in Palestine in general, and we hope that those injured will be recovered soon Inshaallah,” prayed Ustaz Wan Ammar Muslim Bin Che Wan Azizan, Acting Manager of Aman Palestin during his speech to the crowd of march-goers.
As those who marched gathered, speakers appointed by the Councils took center stage. Notably among them were Ustaz Wan Ammar Muslim Bin Che Wan Azizan of Aman Palestin; President of Al Aqsa Friends Society IIUM, Hasan Al Banna Siddiki; President of IIUMSU, Ahmad Muntasir bin Aznan; Chairman of the IIUM Da’wah Council, Ahmad Luthfi Bin Mohammad Noor and many more.
“Only Islam can unite us! Only Islam can drive this spirit forward to resist the Zionists!” the President of IIUMSU, Muntasir bin Aznan proclaimed in a fiery speech accompanied by tireless chants of “Birrooh, Biddam, Nafdeeka ya Aqsa!” With soul, with blood, we will redeem you O Aqsa!” that could be heard throughout the march from SHAS Mosque to the Riverside of IIUM.
“When you come to this University (IIUM) you see the marches here, everyone’s coming out and making doa for Gaza and you feel happy that there are still good people here and in other countries supporting Palestine,” answered Yahya Mahmoud Shakfa, a student of IIUM from Gaza when asked about his thoughts regarding the support given to Palestine by IIUM students at a time when many have turned their backs at Palestine.***
- IIUM students march in solidarity with Palestine - October 13, 2023