The Gaza Crisis Teaches Us That Peace Without Justice Is Meaningless

Iran’s Cultural Attaché in Malaysia

The webinar, titled “Youth and Interfaith Dialogue for Peace: Lessons from Gaza,” brought together scholars and academics from Iran, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

It was jointly organized by the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO), the University of Religions and Denominations (URD), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), and the Islamic Science University of Malaysia.

Speakers included Hojjat al-Islam Mohammad-Mehdi Taskhiri, Deputy for International Affairs at URD; Dr. Habib-Reza Arzani, Iran’s Cultural Attaché in Malaysia; Dr. Ahmad Azuddin Mohammad Rami from UPM; Dr. Arsyia Amalrati Arbianti from Darussalam Gontor Islamic University in Indonesia; Professor Dr. Abdul Hakim Muwahid from the Islamic Science University of Malaysia; and Dr. Seyyed Ali Ahrari, Assistant Professor at URD.

Participants underscored the critical role of youth and interfaith dialogue in promoting justice, human dignity, and global solidarity as essential pillars for achieving lasting peace.

In his remarks, Hojjat al-Islam Taskhiri expressed condolences over the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, describing it as a symbol of oppression and resilience. He called on Muslim communities to leverage academic and cultural platforms to amplify the voice of the Palestinian people. “Peace will only be realized when Palestinians attain their legitimate rights,” he said, adding that Muslim youth must uphold the message of peace and justice through awareness and unity.

Dr. Arzani’s presentation, titled “From Suffering to Solidarity: Lessons from Gaza for Youth, Religion, and Peacebuilding,” drew on academic research and international reports. He argued that crises stemming from occupation, displacement, and deprivation cannot be resolved through military means. “True peace emerges only when the fundamental rights of youth—such as education, dignity, and security—are guaranteed,” he said.

He emphasized that justice is the cornerstone of peace, noting that Abrahamic religions uphold the sanctity of human life. “Interfaith dialogue becomes meaningful only when it offers a shared and ethical response to human suffering,” he added.
Dr. Arzani identified youth as key agents of change, highlighting the perseverance of Palestinian youth who continue to study and engage in social activities despite the blockade. “Their participation in peacebuilding lays the foundation for sustainable societal transformation,” he said.

He further stated that religion, when coupled with ethics, serves as a bridge for coexistence rather than a barrier to peace. “Culture and faith are the bedrock of peace, and in Gaza, art, poetry, and cultural identity have strengthened social resistance,” he noted.

In closing, Dr. Arzani said that youth movements around the world have amplified Gaza’s voice and globalized the demand for justice. “Such solidarity is a driving force for just peace,” he concluded. “Gaza teaches us that peace requires action and justice. With awareness, creativity, and determination, youth can turn hope into reality. The future is watching what we do today.”