Thousands Mark Al-Quds Day in London
Hiba Rahim, IOL Correspondent
LONDON, October 31, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) - At least two thousand demonstrators, including several anti-Zionism Jews, marched though London on Sunday, October 30, to mark the annual Al-Quds Day.
"It is our duty as Muslims to attend every single time, because no one in the world is listening to the truth," Zaynab Ziaei of Manchester told IslamOnline.net.
"We come every year to show what the truth really is."
Adults and youth of all ages marched enthusiastically to the quick beat of drums and chants as they fervently yelled slogans against US President George Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon.
Transforming the Iranian flag into a bandana tied around checkered Palestinian scarves, girls walked hand in hand chanting, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!"
Bystanders clapped as the demonstration proceeded towards Trafalgar Square.
As the procession continued, the volume of people increased as some onlookers joined along the way.
"[The response] was great. It helped us gauge the reaction from the public, which was quite positive," said Massoud Shadjareh, Director of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, the event organizer.
The annual march aims at encouraging both participants and spectators to reflect upon the oppression of millions across the world.
It also provided an opportunity for those who oppose Zionism to protest Israeli aggression and raise awareness on the incalculable atrocities Israel is responsible for.
Not for Sale
"Those prepared to sell Al-Quds do not represent us," Tamimi said.
At Trafalgar Square, Shadjareh told demonstrators that the Palestinian struggle against Israeli atrocities is no different than the struggle for justice in South Africa or Rhodesia.
In a message to Blair, Shadjareh asked why the prime minister ardently condemned Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad’s remarks on wiping Israel off the map, but failed to speak up about the 400 Palestinian villages Israel has thus far eradicated.
In a letter published on 30 October 2005, the anti-Zionism Neutrei Karta International called Ahmadinejad's remarks "nothing more than a yearning for a better, more peaceful world."
The Iranian leader's statements have triggered an international outrage and were condemned by the Un Security Council.
Other prominent speakers included Dr. Azam Tamimi, a spokesman of the Muslim Association of Britain.
"Those prepared to sell Al-Quds do not represent us," he said, reminding listeners to never forget the holy city.
Activists launched on Ramadan 17th the third Al-Quds International Day on the internet to remind millions of Web visitors about the history and importance of the holy city for Muslims worldwide as well as the need to stand firmly against Israeli Judaization schemes.
Al-Haram Al-Sharif, which includes Al-Aqsa Mosque, represents the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Jews claim that their alleged Haykal (Temple of Solomon) exists underneath Al-Aqsa, the first qiblah (direction Muslims take during prayers).
Israel captured and occupied Al-Quds in the six-day 1967 war, then declared its annexation in a move not recognized by the world community or UN resolutions.
Zionists Not Jews
Orthodox Jews joined the demonstration to voice what they called "disappointment in our Zionist brothers."
A Londoner who only gave his name as Abu Abdallah stressed the importance of understanding the relationship between Zionism, the occupation of Muslim lands and oppression of the Palestinian people.
"Too often, all these things get blurred with anti-Semitism. This, however, is a legitimate freedom struggle."
The crowd made clear distinctions between Jews and Zionists, yelling, "Judaism: Here to stay; Zionism: No way!"
Orthodox Jews from the New York-based Neturei Karta joined the demonstration to voice what they called "disappointment in our Zionist brothers."
Rabbi Cohen, the representative of the organization in London, explained that in the Jewish faith, it is not allowed for Jews to establish a state.
Rather, they are divinely decreed to a state of exile where they are to live peacefully in the countries in which they reside.
"There exists no hatred or animosity between Jews and Arabs. We wish to live as friends and neighbors as we have for hundreds of years."
Ending with a prayer, Rabbi Cohen concluded: "May we soon know a time when all mankind is at peace with each other."
Perhaps inspired by a glimpse of hope, a murmured "amen [Amen]" traveled through the crowd.
Founded in Palestine in 1938, Neturei Karta, dedicated to representing thousands of Orthodox Jews around the world, believes that only the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and removal of Israel would bring peace to the Middle East.
Placing Zionism at the root cause of violence and extremism in Palestine and Israel, it equates the ideology with apartheid and stress its unorthodox, secular origins.
"The world must know," states the Neturei Karta Web site, "that the Zionists have illegitimately seized the name Israel and have no right to speak in the name of the Jewish people."
LONDON, October 31, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) - At least two thousand demonstrators, including several anti-Zionism Jews, marched though London on Sunday, October 30, to mark the annual Al-Quds Day.
"It is our duty as Muslims to attend every single time, because no one in the world is listening to the truth," Zaynab Ziaei of Manchester told IslamOnline.net.
"We come every year to show what the truth really is."
Adults and youth of all ages marched enthusiastically to the quick beat of drums and chants as they fervently yelled slogans against US President George Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon.
Transforming the Iranian flag into a bandana tied around checkered Palestinian scarves, girls walked hand in hand chanting, "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!"
Bystanders clapped as the demonstration proceeded towards Trafalgar Square.
As the procession continued, the volume of people increased as some onlookers joined along the way.
"[The response] was great. It helped us gauge the reaction from the public, which was quite positive," said Massoud Shadjareh, Director of the Islamic Human Rights Commission, the event organizer.
The annual march aims at encouraging both participants and spectators to reflect upon the oppression of millions across the world.
It also provided an opportunity for those who oppose Zionism to protest Israeli aggression and raise awareness on the incalculable atrocities Israel is responsible for.
Not for Sale
"Those prepared to sell Al-Quds do not represent us," Tamimi said.
At Trafalgar Square, Shadjareh told demonstrators that the Palestinian struggle against Israeli atrocities is no different than the struggle for justice in South Africa or Rhodesia.
In a message to Blair, Shadjareh asked why the prime minister ardently condemned Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad’s remarks on wiping Israel off the map, but failed to speak up about the 400 Palestinian villages Israel has thus far eradicated.
In a letter published on 30 October 2005, the anti-Zionism Neutrei Karta International called Ahmadinejad's remarks "nothing more than a yearning for a better, more peaceful world."
The Iranian leader's statements have triggered an international outrage and were condemned by the Un Security Council.
Other prominent speakers included Dr. Azam Tamimi, a spokesman of the Muslim Association of Britain.
"Those prepared to sell Al-Quds do not represent us," he said, reminding listeners to never forget the holy city.
Activists launched on Ramadan 17th the third Al-Quds International Day on the internet to remind millions of Web visitors about the history and importance of the holy city for Muslims worldwide as well as the need to stand firmly against Israeli Judaization schemes.
Al-Haram Al-Sharif, which includes Al-Aqsa Mosque, represents the heart of the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Jews claim that their alleged Haykal (Temple of Solomon) exists underneath Al-Aqsa, the first qiblah (direction Muslims take during prayers).
Israel captured and occupied Al-Quds in the six-day 1967 war, then declared its annexation in a move not recognized by the world community or UN resolutions.
Zionists Not Jews
Orthodox Jews joined the demonstration to voice what they called "disappointment in our Zionist brothers."
A Londoner who only gave his name as Abu Abdallah stressed the importance of understanding the relationship between Zionism, the occupation of Muslim lands and oppression of the Palestinian people.
"Too often, all these things get blurred with anti-Semitism. This, however, is a legitimate freedom struggle."
The crowd made clear distinctions between Jews and Zionists, yelling, "Judaism: Here to stay; Zionism: No way!"
Orthodox Jews from the New York-based Neturei Karta joined the demonstration to voice what they called "disappointment in our Zionist brothers."
Rabbi Cohen, the representative of the organization in London, explained that in the Jewish faith, it is not allowed for Jews to establish a state.
Rather, they are divinely decreed to a state of exile where they are to live peacefully in the countries in which they reside.
"There exists no hatred or animosity between Jews and Arabs. We wish to live as friends and neighbors as we have for hundreds of years."
Ending with a prayer, Rabbi Cohen concluded: "May we soon know a time when all mankind is at peace with each other."
Perhaps inspired by a glimpse of hope, a murmured "amen [Amen]" traveled through the crowd.
Founded in Palestine in 1938, Neturei Karta, dedicated to representing thousands of Orthodox Jews around the world, believes that only the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and removal of Israel would bring peace to the Middle East.
Placing Zionism at the root cause of violence and extremism in Palestine and Israel, it equates the ideology with apartheid and stress its unorthodox, secular origins.
"The world must know," states the Neturei Karta Web site, "that the Zionists have illegitimately seized the name Israel and have no right to speak in the name of the Jewish people."
posted by ltf ha at 5:04 PM
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