Quds Day in Cape Town shows support for Palestine struggle

By YASEEN BARDIEN

IN a powerful show of solidarity with Palestine, hundreds of Capetonians gathered on the streets of Cape Town on Friday March 28 to mark Quds Day.

Representatives from various political parties that support the struggle of the Palestinians were present. The exceptions were those parties that do not consider Israel’s action in Gaza to be a genocide.

Through the scorching heat, the march continued its way to Parliament, with the chant of ‘Free Free Palestine’ echoing through the city’s streets.

Many motorists along the route hooted to show their support.

On reaching Parliament Dr Wagheda Cassiem, representing Qibla, read out a memorandum that was addressed to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.

‘The Zionist terror state, with the support of its puppeteers, America and the European countries, are determined to erase the Palestinian people from their homeland,’ Dr Cassiem said.

‘We are, therefore, not only sympathetic to the Palestinians, but we also identify with them. We are pleased to see that the world no longer calls this inhumane brutality a war nor a conflict, but a genocide with the daily indiscriminate murder of the unborn, newly-born, women, children, the elderly, and the ill by means of bombing, targeted killings, dismembering and weaponisation of food, water and sanitation.’

The memorandum included a number of demands such as intensifying efforts to secure an immediate end to the genocide, cutting all ties – including economic and diplomatic – with Israel and a demand for all Palestinian prisoners to be released immediately.

‘There can be no normal relations and cooperation with a racist entity, because racism is terrorism. If we are not with the Palestinian people, then we are against them,’ exclaimed a defiant Dr Cassiem.

She stated that for 45 years the Qibla movement has taken to the streets on the Quds Day handing over memorandums.

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However, they have only ever received two responses from parliament, causing the crowd to show anger towards the lack of respect shown.

After the proceedings ended, marchers took to burning the Israeli flag.

The last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan was declared as Quds Day by the leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini. It is a day designated to defend the rights of the Palestinians and the oppressed across the globe. Quds Days was first commemorated in Iran in 1979 and since been marked by justice-seeking people across the globe.

Quds Day in Cape Town shows support for Palestine struggle

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