Religious Leaders, Activists Stand United for Palestine; Demand India Cut Ties with Israel at Freedom Park

Multifaith Gathering in Bengaluru Stands United for Palestine on Human Rights Day

Bengaluru, December 10, 2023: In a powerful display of unity and compassion, individuals from diverse faiths and beliefs came together at Freedom Park to demand justice for Palestine and mark International Human Rights Day. Organized under the banner of "Bridging Faiths for Palestine" by the coalition Bengaluru for Justice and Peace, the gathering of around 200 people sent a clear message: the world cannot remain silent in the face of decades of oppression and apartheid.

The program began with prayers from leaders of Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sufism, and Judaism, symbolizing solidarity beyond borders of religion and ideology. Attendees stood shoulder to shoulder, affirming their unwavering support for Palestinian liberation and human dignity.

A Call to Action

Speakers condemned the Indian government’s continued arms trade with Israel, highlighting the recent statement by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who termed the arms supply to Israel as being in India’s "national interest." This justification, they argued, stands in direct violation of India’s constitutional values and international law, which demands justice for oppressed people worldwide.

"When we support justice, we uphold the very essence of humanity," declared Reverend Vinayraj, a Dalit pastor. He emphasized that Palestinian liberation is not merely a political struggle but a moral obligation transcending religious boundaries.

Voices of Resistance

Faith leaders and activists passionately spoke against the systematic destruction of Palestinian lives and homes.

• Maulana Qaim Abbas and Maulana Ali Baqar, prominent Shia scholars, decried the violence as a grave assault on humanity itself. "This is not just a war on Palestinians—it is an attack on the conscience of the world," Maulana Abbas proclaimed.
• Marcy Newman, a Jewish educator, condemned the actions of the Israeli regime, recited a Hebrew prayer for Gaza, and highlighted global Jewish movements working tirelessly for justice in Palestine.
• Bhante Tashi, a Buddhist monk and LGBTQ+ activist, called for collective accountability, stating: "As a Buddhist and a queer individual, I stand for the dignity of all oppressed people. Justice for Palestine is justice for humanity."

The speakers further dismantled the myth that the Palestinian struggle is solely a Muslim cause. They urged the global community to recognize the decades-long occupation, apartheid, and systemic genocide orchestrated by the Israeli state.

Unity Against Oppression

The gathering reflected the power of collective action and faith in combating injustice. From Guru Basawa, who spoke of justice deeply embedded in Lingayat culture, to Sufi Saint Vali Ba, who connected Palestine’s plight to India’s anti-colonial struggle, the event was a testament to unity in diversity.

A Pledge of Solidarity

In a defining moment, the crowd took a solemn pledge to continue advocating for Palestinian liberation. "We, as people of different faiths and human values, stand united against colonialism, apartheid, and genocide," declared the assembly.

The program underscored that justice for Palestine is not just a regional issue but a moral imperative for the world. As the crowd dispersed, their chants of solidarity echoed through Freedom Park: "Justice for Palestine! No peace without freedom!"

Condemnation with Purpose

Participants sharply criticized the Indian government’s indifference toward Palestinian suffering, calling it a betrayal of international law and India’s legacy of anti-colonial struggle. "To remain silent is to be complicit," said one speaker, urging citizens to hold their governments accountable for enabling oppression.

The event proved to be a beacon of hope, reminding the world that compassion, courage, and solidarity remain powerful weapons against tyranny.

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Key Quotes:

1. "Standing with Palestine is standing for humanity. Our silence in the face of genocide is the greatest betrayal of our faith and values." – Reverend Vinayraj
2. "Justice transcends borders, religions, and ideologies. This is not about politics; this is about saving humanity from its own apathy." – Maulana Ali Baqar
3. "The people of Palestine deserve our voices, our prayers, and our unyielding support. Silence is no longer an option." – Marcy Newman