We heard them, do we?

V. P.

Two letters.

A variety of meanings go with these two letters.

Volume and pressure.

Vital and precious.

Valve and pump.

Viva Palestina. Our point of discussion.

Little do we know about it. International humanitarian aid for Palestinians. That's all I knew about it and I am not an exception. However, last Friday, I learnt some lessons from a volunteer who shared his experience in a sharing session organized by BADAR KTSN. Now, I know a little bit more about it. Viva Palestina 5 (VP5). That is the reason I am sharing this, so we should all know a lot more about VP5.

This time, VP5 was a great breakthrough. Praise to God, alhamdulillah, the aid was successfully delivered to the Palestinians, worth 15million USD. Having George Gallaway as the patron along with numerous affiliations and NGOs, regardless of religion, race or beliefs, this group of people united to break the siege of Palestine. Being recognized as an international movement, it would be foolish of Israel if anything were to happen to VP5. Just like the condemnation they received for what they did to VP4 on 31st May 2010 (the Mavi Malmara incident- Lifeline4Gaza). True enough, as the spokesperson said, nothing happened when the volunteers were in Gaza , nothing. Unfortunately, after the convoy left, when they were about to reach Cairo , it is said that the school which the volunteers visited in Gaza was bombed. Just how long can we sit back and watch? The least we could do is to pray and donate. If you can’t afford to donate, then at least don't support Israel . Boycott their products! It may seem pathetic, but it is much better than nothing. Therefore, I would like to appeal to everyone, who has heart and sane mind, please, please, please open your eyes wide and realize this. It is known worldwide that the siege on Gaza is illegal, yet we are deliberately closing our eyes. Still, late is better than never. We may shut our eyes on purpose but it is not the mistake which defines us, it is what we do afterwards. So, let us change for the better. InsyaAllah.

A little bit of background from the volunteer, on what he saw in Gaza :

There is no way anyone can enter or leave Gaza if not because of this VP5. The only entrance availabe is Rafah-Gaza. Yet, it is well guarded. Gaza is nothing less than a huge prison. Walls and barbed wire fences are present along the borders. More than that, there are military posts! The citizens cannot come closer than 500m from the border, or they will be shot dead. Even if that area is their own land or farm. Everyday, there is constant air surveillance by a high-tech camera which can see the whole of Gaza, jet-fighters maneuvering in the air day and night, with the addition of helicopters during the day. In the sea, naval ships can be seen sailing every few hours. Local fishermen cannot go further than 2km from the shore. What kind of catch can they get? Once, Gaza was able to export fish but now, it can barely catch fish enough to satisfy their own needs. Their lives are kept at the minimum. 80% of the citizens have a lower than subsistant income(less than RM300/month). Worse, 60% are jobless. The siege they are experiencing is not the same as being 'grounded' by your parents. Around 1million people are living in the refugee camp which barely allows sunlight into the interior. The camp is always humid, that even the mattresses are damp. They get their basic supplies through underground tunnels. There is no other possible way. However, their supplies were once cut-off by the Egyptian government when steels were piled down into the ground along the borders, blocking their tunnels which results in no supply. Fortunately, eventually they were able to make their way through though it took a few days. That is the kind of life they are living. Nothing like ours.

Lastly, I would like to appeal to each and every one of you to support humanity not brutality. Love peace not menace. Show love not hatred.

A special appeal goes to the muslims since we should not address this matter as a mere humanitarian matter but remember that these people are our brothers and sisters.

Nabi Muhammad SAW telah bersabda:

"Tidak beriman seseorang di antara kamu sehingga dia mengasihi saudaranya sebagaimana dia mengasihi dirinya sendiri"

[Sahih Bukhariy : 13] [Sahih Muslim : 45}

Pasted from <http://abuirfan.al-fikrah.net/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=16629&start=60&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=>

“Perumpamaan orang mukmin dalam kasih sayangnya, belas kasihannya dan kemesraannya, laksana sebatang tubuh, bila salah satu anggotanya mengadu sakit, seluruh anggota yang lain sama-sama merasa demamnya dan berjaga malam.”

(Hadis riwayat Muslim)

Pasted from <http://www.brunet.bn/gov/mufti/alhadaf/jun00/h_fatwa.htm>

That shall be the end. Wassalam.

Peringatan buat diri: "Amat besarlah kebencian di sisi Allah bagi mereka yang mengatakan apa yang tidak dilakukannya". (As-Saff:3)

Final reminder for myself: "Grievously odious is it in the sight of Allah that ye say that which ye do not." (as-Saff:3)

Highest appreciation goes to Mr. Mohd Yusof b. Hj. Ahmad (Chairman of Aqsa Shariff Setiawangsa) for sharing his priceless experience.

Credit goes to Mr. Bob Giles for proofreading:).