TEHRAN- "Even amidst the glitz and glamour of a popular TV show, my heart directed me here to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. In a world rife with distractions and diversions, it is vital to shine a light on critical issues, and for me, the Palestinian cause stands at the forefront of concerns within the Islamic Ummah," conveyed an impassioned audience member to a reporter, amidst the lively atmosphere of a Quranic event at Tehran's Azadi Square, drawing a massive crowd of over 100,000 individuals.
As eyes traversed the sea of attendees, bedecked with poignant posters and draped in symbolic Keffiyehs, a palpable unity reverberated throughout—each man, woman, and child sharing an unwavering bond tied to one common goal: Palestine.
While the gathering had initially convened to commemorate the birth anniversary of Imam Hassan (AS), the revered second Imam of Shia Muslims, as part of the widely adored Quranic TV show "Mahfel," it was the prevailing sentiment of unwavering support for Palestine that truly captured the collective consciousness.
"In the span of the past six months, we've witnessed a transformative awakening within our collective psyche. It's befuddling how some individuals, particularly leaders in various Muslim nations, seem unperturbed by the ongoing strife. We mourn the loss of exceptional individuals from the Islamic Ummah, yet the collective response from Arab nations to Israeli transgressions remains dishearteningly passive," voiced the attendee with a blend of frustration and genuine concern.
The resonance of the Palestinian cause and the enduring struggles of Gaza have echoed resoundingly within discussions of the show featuring a diverse array of guests. From a precocious five-year-old reciting the Quran with unparalleled grace to an Indian woman courageously upholding her Muslim faith amid societal pressures, Gaza emerged not just as a topic of conversation but as a beacon of steadfast fortitude and unwavering faith, inspiring all present with its defiance in the face of adversity.
Among the luminaries present was Dawoud Kim, a man from the bustling streets of South Korea, whose personal journey to Islam in a society with scant exposure to the faith symbolized a quest for unity within the global Muslim community. Draped in a shirt beckoning support to "Save Gaza," Dawood Kim's plea resonated far and wide, encapsulating the global chorus of voices advocating for Palestinian solidarity.
"It is our duty to help the Palestinians in Gaza. As an Ummah, this is a fundamental part of our faith," Dawoud articulated.
The gathering at the Sunday ceremony echoed Dawoud's sentiments, their voices rising in unison with questions that reverberated through the crowd: "Where are the millions of Arabs? Where is Arab dignity? Where is Arab wrath?" As performers filled the air with stirring melodies, attendees clutched portraits of innocent children who became victims of the relentless Israeli violence over the past six months.
The onslaught on besieged Gaza unleashed by Israel on October 7 marked a brutal turning point, triggered by Hamas's response to the occupation's escalating acts of cruelty against the Palestinian populace. In the wake of this conflict, the Tel Aviv regime's ruthless campaign has claimed the lives of a staggering 32,142 Palestinians, with a majority being women and children, while leaving 74,412 others wounded, their futures forever altered by the scars of war.
Moreover, Israel's draconian measures have plunged the densely populated enclave into an abyss of despair, sealing off access to vital resources such as fuel, electricity, sustenance, and clean water for the two million Palestinians struggling to survive within its confines. The blockade has inflicted untold hardships upon innocent civilians, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis gripping Gaza.
In the midst of the harrowing plight faced by the Palestinian community in Gaza, the conspicuous silence and apparent inertia exhibited by leaders in numerous Muslim nations in response to Israel's overt transgressions and grave atrocities have stirred a profound wave of discontent and reproach.
"We don't care that others seem to be okay with what's happening in Gaza. We refuse to turn a blind eye while our brothers and sisters suffer. Our connection with the Palestinians transcends boundaries and remains unshakeable. Iran stands firm in its unwavering support for Palestine until the day of liberation," declared a 35-year-old mother, her voice laden with emotion as she grappled with tears welling in her eyes. Having witnessed the heart-wrenching loss of young lives in Gaza, some as tender as her own children, she emphasized the imperative of breaking the cycle of silence and indifference. "Each day, innocent lives are snuffed out in Gaza, and we cannot afford passivity. Even if the prospect of the afterlife does not sway us, permitting Israel's unchecked aggression will inevitably endanger the welfare of fellow Muslims elsewhere," she added with urgency and resolve.
During the assembly, Islamic Jihad leader Ziad al-Nakhaleh also emphasized the unbreakable bond between the Iranian and Palestinian people. He underscored that these two nations forge deeper connections through their shared reverence for the Holy Quran.
"The Palestinian populace consistently holds Iran close to their hearts, and it is the Quran that unites us. This very gathering, dedicated to the Quran, symbolizes the eternal link between Palestine and this sacred text. I affirm that Palestine and the Quran are inseparable, and the Palestinian community will persist in their resistance. Those who stand firm in Palestine are not only protectors but also reciters of the Quran, drawing strength and resolve from its teachings," conveyed Ziad al-Nakhaleh.
Iran and Palestine share a profound connection rooted not only in their shared reverence for the Quran but also in their parallel struggles against imperialism and oppression throughout history. Like Palestinians, Iranians have confronted the burdens of fighting for freedom and independence in the face of foreign dominion.
Both nations have faced the heavy-handed interference of British and American empires, battling against arrogance, indignity, and subjugation imposed by external forces. Iran's history bears witness to the oppressive grip of foreign powers, with the British occupation post-World War II followed by American intervention orchestrated through deceitful collaborations like the overthrow of Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh in 1953. The authoritarian rule of the Shah, backed by the United States, subjected Iranians to years of suppression until the surge of the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
In parallel, Palestine's narrative unfolds with British imperial ambitions post-World War I paving the way for the ongoing Palestinian catastrophe, known as the "Nakba." The inception of Israel in 1948 stemmed from Zionism's colonization efforts, fueled by the pledge of British support for a Jewish state in Palestine. The relentless pursuit of demographic dominance, dispossession, and ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian population persists under the shadow of Israel's colonial power and the support of the United States.
Reflecting on these shared challenges, an elder who had challenged the Shah's regime in the 1970s voiced his hope for Palestinians to achieve self-determination, akin to the journey Iranians embarked upon. "I believe that this would happen if they continue to fight the global arrogance with a resolute faith in the Quran," the 73-year-old commented.
After the Islamic Revolution's triumph, Iran has steadfastly backed Palestinians in their resistance against Israeli forces.
Despite facing relentless harassment from Washington—comprising harsh economic sanctions, clandestine sabotage operations, targeted assassinations of key figures and researchers, misinformation drives, cyber assaults, military intimidations, and terrorism—Iran remains unwavering in its support for those championing liberty and honor.
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