GEORGE TOWN: A total of 33 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), representing various races and religions, gathered peacefully at the #Stand4Sumud rally in front of the Kapitan Keling Mosque here on Friday (Oct 10) to express support and solidarity with the people of Gaza, Palestine.
The rally was also held to support the efforts of the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) and Thousand Madleens to Gaza (TMTG), in their humanitarian mission to Gaza.
The NGOs' spokesman MS Anuar Mahmod said the rally was held to continue showing support for Gaza and to urge the immediate opening of the border, as well as the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to enable the delivery of food aid, medicine, clean water and medical equipment without restrictions.
ALSO READ: Don't question Malaysians' part in Gaza aid efforts but pray for them instead, says Anwar
He said that all participating NGOs also called on the international community to stand united, and to continue advocacy and solidarity efforts until Palestine and Al-Aqsa are free.
"We, a group of 33 NGOs and Penangites, reaffirm our unwavering commitment to stand with Palestine through diplomacy and humanitarian solidarity until it gains independence, the Gaza border is opened and all humanitarian efforts are allowed to proceed freely,” he said.
"Today’s gathering has succeeded in uniting people of various backgrounds and religions who came together to express solidarity.
"This is the voice of Malaysians who reject the injustice faced by the Palestinian people, and of peace activists around the world,” he told the media after the gathering.
Among the NGOs which participated were the Penang branch of the Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisation (Mapim), Citizens International, Penang Muslim League, Palestine Solidarity, OWL Centre for Peace, Global Peace Mission, and the Penang Malaysian Indian Youth Council.
ALSO READ: Nine M'sians among 95 Freedom Flotilla members to be flown to Istanbul on Friday
The peaceful rally, which lasted for more than half an hour, saw several NGO leaders delivering speeches expressing solidarity with Gaza and condemning the actions of the Israeli regime, before participants recited prayers and dispersed peacefully.
The gathering also drew public attention when Penang Malaysian Indian Youth Council chairman V. Janarthanan delivered a speech condemning the Zionist regime for oppressing Muslims in Palestine, and expressed full support for the people of Gaza.
"I came here not as a Muslim, but as a Tamil born in Malaysia, who cannot bear to see the blood of Palestinian families spilled again, nor the children and people of Palestine becoming victims of brutal killings by the Israeli regime,” he said. – Bernama
