The Islamic Unity Convention (IUC) has called on community members to come out in their numbers this Friday, to a march in support of those currently being oppressed in Palestine. The march is being hosted as part of International al-Quds Day, which is held annually on the last Friday of Ramadan.

Al-Quds day is an internationally held event, dedicated to all those oppressed in various parts of the world. Marches and protests are held in cities ranging from Washington, New York, London, Tehran, as well as locally in Cape Town.

The event was initiated in Iran in 1979, in solidarity with the Palestinian people against the oppressive Zionist regime. IUC chairperson, Mogammad de Vries said the march would allow community members to show solidarity with those being oppressed the world over. This was especially in light of the current crisis in Gaza, where more than 700 people have been killed in a more than two week Israeli offensive.

“We say that, it is a day that the oppressed can confront the oppressor and one where we become aware of the oppression being perpetrated in the world over. It is a day when Muslims awaken, and become conscious of the suffering of the people all around the world,” he said.

De Vries said it was vital for the community not to forget the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) which emphasize the mutual love, mercy and compassion of the fellow humans. He was adamant it was the duty of the community to raise awareness to the plight of the oppressed. Addressing the conflict in Gaza, he warned people against blaming the Palestinians for defending themselves.

The Al-Quds Day march will take place on Friday 25th July from Keizersgracht Street in Zonnebloem towards Parliament in the City CBD. The march starts after Jumuah salaah until 4pm. For more information on the event, you can contact Mogammad de Vries directly at 084 585 8242. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)