On April 21, 2023, Mumbai bore witness to a powerful display of solidarity as people from all walks of life came together to observe Al-Quds Day. Held annually on the last Friday of the Holy month of Ramadan, the event is a global call to stand against oppression and tyranny, particularly in the context of the ongoing occupation of Palestine.
Despite the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, a diverse array of participants took to the streets of Mumbai to voice their support for the people of Palestine. Notably, many women joined the rallies, reflecting the critical role of women in the struggle for justice and liberation.
The events were held in various parts of the city, with one rally commencing from Khoja Masjid and culminating at Kesar Baug Hall in the Dongri area, and another proceeding from Zaib Palace and concluding at Chai Coffee in Andheri. At the Haidery Jama Masjid in Mira Road, impassioned participants raised their voices in unison, condemning the Israeli apartheid regime and its enablers in the US and UK.
Ehsan Haider Raza, a participant from Mira Road, passionately articulated the gravity of the situation, highlighting the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people and urging governments worldwide to take action. “The ongoing genocide of Palestinians is a cause of concern for the global community. Governments from around the world need to sit up, take notice of the daily killings taking place in occupied-Palestine,” he declared.
Meanwhile, another participant from Andheri, who wished to remain anonymous, pointedly criticized the hypocrisy of certain governments in the US and Europe, drawing attention to the incongruity of their stances on different geopolitical issues. “If they can take a stand against the occupation of Ukraine by Russia, they should also take a similar stand against the 75-year occupation of Palestinian land,” she asserted.
In sum, the Al-Quds Day event in Mumbai served as a stirring reminder of the importance of standing up for justice and human rights, and of the enduring global solidarity with the people of Palestine.
