India Tomorrow
NEW DELHI—The Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) last week organized a massive rally at Kozhikode beach in Kerala, with thousands of students participating to show their solidarity with Palestine.
The theme of the conference was “Palestine will be free.”
The conference was addressed by several speakers, including Jamaat-e-Islami Hind General Secretary T. Arifali, SIO national president E.K. Ramees, and Kerala state SIO president Muhammed Saeed TK.
During the rally, a tribute was paid to Palestinian martyrs, and a prayer was held. More than 8,000 Palestinians – men, women and children – have been killed so far in continuous Israeli bombardment, apart from thousands of others having been injured.
Mr. T. Arif Ali commended the students for their brave support for Palestine. He said that it was an injustice to equate Hamas and Israel, pointing out that those who understand freedom, international law, and humanitarian rights, should not equate the two. Mr. Arif Ali also spoke about US President Joe Biden’s remarks about seeing photos of beheaded children, suggesting that these statements were later corrected by the White House.
Mr. Arif Ali criticized the notion that America was “discovered” when it was inhabited, emphasizing the history of occupation and oppression. He expressed solidarity with Palestine and the belief that their struggle for freedom is not terrorism.
He concluded by affirming that the blood of Palestinian martyrs, including children, women, and men, will not go in vain, and Palestine will eventually be free.
Mahmoud Ahmed, a Palestinian activist from Gaza, virtually addressed the gathering. He spoke about a grim picture of Gaza’s current situation, describing it as one of the most savage and barbaric wars ever experienced by Palestine. The relentless attack has targeted schools, mosques, shelters, hospitals, and almost everything.
Mr. Ahmed highlighted that Gaza has suffered over 5,000 casualties, with the Ministry of Health estimating the number to be much higher when unreported cases are considered. Since October 7, Gaza has been cut off from the rest of the world, with limited connectivity, severe shortages of food and water, and closed borders.
The Israeli military has turned Gaza into a battleground, with relentless bombings claiming numerous lives. Despite the hardships, the Palestinian people remain steadfast and committed to their land. Ahmed shared a heartbreaking story about his cousin’s family, emphasizing that even women and children are not spared in these attacks.
Despite the challenges, Palestinians stand committed, believing that one day their dreams will come true. They need international support and prayers, and Gaza relies on unwavering solidarity and support from the world.
