Anniversary of Gaza bombings coincides with day Moses freed the Jews
Scots Muslims and Jews will come together this week in a show of unity to mark one year on since the Israeli bombardment of Gaza.
The 22-day bombing campaign named Operation Cast Lead which killed 1,400 Palestinians began on Dec 27th which this year coincides with the day of Ashura, when Muslims believe that Moses delivered the Israelites from Pharaoh in the famous incident when the sea parted.
Muslims normally mark the day by refraining from eating and drinking from sunrise to sunset, and will be joined by members of the Jewish community in the act this year to draw attention to the situation in Gaza.
Commenting, Raisah Ahmed, vice chair of the Scottish-Islamic Foundation said:
“Ashura is hugely symbolic occasion given the current circumstances of the Gazans. Innocent people and children are under oppression while no one is coming to their rescue. At its core, the problems in the Holy Land are not caused by religion, but are borne from politics. We’re calling on the international community to work towards justice and peace in the Holy Land. This should not be difficult and does not need a parting of the sea.”
Barrie Levine of Scottish Jews for a Just Peace said:
“Following the devastation and over 1400 deaths caused by Operation Cast Lead, the people of Gaza have continued to experience an inhumane blockade that prevents the entry of goods and services. We call for an immediate lifting of the blockade, which is causing immense harm to the physical and emotional wellbeing of the people of Gaza and children in particular. The coming together of people of conscience from different faith backgrounds to mark the anniversary of the assault on Gaza is an important symbolic act of unity in purpose and sends a message that co-existence is not only possible, but essential for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
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Notes
- The fast will begin at 6.31am on Sunday 27th and finish at 3.56pm. Muslims and Jews will come together in Glasgow’s George Square to break the fast before moving to a candlelit vigil at Nelson Mandela Place (prayer facilities available at Strathclyde University mosque). Fast breakings in other localities TBC
- People of all faiths and none are invited to join the fast. Those intending to take part are requested to email their name and locality to SIF or join on Facebook
A great idea – to get all of us focused on the desperate plight of Gazans. May they see justice and hope plus some concrete and clean water in 2010.
As a member of Scottish Jews for a Just Peace, I would like to express my heartfelt support fort his joint occasion, and deeply regretting Iwon’t be able to get there in person.
With all good wishes to members of your organisation, from Hilda Meers (Aberdeen)