A sight of the rally at Mamzar Corniche, Dubai ~ Photo by SJ
Protesting against any terror in the UAE was an alienated mantra to me until very recently. But with pouring gratitude to the slogans of global disgust against Arab leaders' silence (of course, barring Syed Nasrallah) on the current massacre in Gaza, the lands of the UAE welcomed those who stood in solidarity with the Gazans against the Israeli barbarism.
The rallies paved way to unclog my clouded thoughts of ever having such a stance in the UAE where freedom of speech is a no no. But grabbing the opportunity which is always early to vanish, this was literally a dream come true. Though, I do not hail from Palestine but marching amongst those who severely are bereaved by their loved ones calls attention to the lush plush life we are engrossed in with no concern to anyone besides us, whatsoever. Their disturbed expressions, placards alive with the message of conscience, their indigenous icons of the Palestinian flag and cravats with 'Dome of the Rock' (Bait ul Muqaddas) are constantly flickering in my vision till the second. The demonstrators chanted slogans of 'Allah (SWT) is the Greatest', 'Curse be on you O Hosni Mubarek', 'Khaibar Khaibar Ya Yahoud, Jaiysh Mohammad Saufa Ya'ood' (Khaibar, Khaibar, O Jews, the army of Mohammad (PBUH) will return) and alike.
Someone very interestingly asked me, 'You are a Pakistani. How is it that you are protesting for the Palestinians?'
I interestingly replied, quoting Imam Ruhullah Khomeini (R.A.), "The issue of Palestine is not a personal issue. It is an issue that must be concerned by all Muslims since Qods belongs to the Muslims and must be returned to them."
Peace with the Gazans, Insha Allah.
Stats and info:
- 10,000 protestors at Buheira Corniche, Sharjah (Source: Khaleej Times)
- Protest in Dubai was held at Creek and Mamzar, confusion of the location ended up having split numbers
- An Israeli flag was burnt in Abu Dhabi and Buheira Corniche
-SJ
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