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
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"Those prepared to sell Al-Quds do not represent us," Tamimi said.
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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
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Orthodox Jews joined the demonstration to voice what they called "disappointment in our Zionist brothers."
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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."
