Event on Thursday

Dundee Marks Palestinian Catastrophe, Urges for Peace
Children release balloons as symbol of hope, peace


(DUNDEE, UK, 16/5/2008) – In commemorating 60 years of the Nakbah – the Palestinian Catastrophe – around 60 children released red, black, green and white balloons (colors of the Palestinian flag) in Dundee City Square yesterday as symbols of hope, peace and justice for Palestinians. Organised by Dundee University Islamic Society (DUIS) and the Dundee Malay Community (KMD), the event gathered various local community members and passers by. The balloons were sponsored by individuals from the UK and worldwide with messages of support and peace, and released at 5 p.m.

The “Nakbah” refers to the displacement of Palestinians after the 1948 Palestinian-Israeli war, when more than 700,000 Palestinians fled their homes or were expelled due to the creation of the Jewish state. Since then, Israel has fought six wars and displaced more than six million Palestinians.

“I think it’s important that people are aware of the Palestinian issue, especially since they have been suffering for 60 years,” said Altaf Hussein, DUIS President. “I hope the event led more people to become involved and encouraged local Dundonians to continue to support Palestinians, as they have already by twinning with Nablus,” he added.
Key organizer Fatimatuzzahra Abdul-Rahman agreed. "We aimed to reach as many people as possible by allowing them to sponsor balloons and write a message of support. The balloons were symbolic of hope for peace in that region, and much-awaited freedom for the Palestinians, especially the refugees," she said. Any proceeds collected from the sponsors will be donated to relieve the suffering of the people of Gaza.

In November, DUIS will take this further by holding week-long activities aimed at addressing the Palestinian cause, including lectures, movies, among other things.

Another refugee, Abdallah Ma’rouf Omar, asserted, “we do not want to wipe out anyone from anywhere; we are just asking for our right to return to our country, our homeland, which we were forced to leave 60 years ago.” All speakers urged imminent action on the part of the local, national and international community to help bring justice to the Palestinians.

These sentiments were echoed by Sarah El-Awaisi, a British Palestinian refugee whose grandparents were from those forced to leave their homes. “My grandfather kept the key to his home in Palestine; it was his hope and dream that his family would return one day,” she said.

“The nakbah is still ongoing,” said Andree Ryan, human rights and social activist from Dundee Twinning Association, who has worked in West Bank for a few months. “The situation on the ground is very bad,” she added.

Ashinida Aladdin, a Malaysian PhD student, said she felt the event was successful and “necessary in order to raise awareness and convey the truth about Palestine.” The event was attended by almost 50 people, and was part of a series of activities held all over the world to commemorate the Nakbah and remember its victims.

Around 40 local kids holding balloon shaping Palestinian flag. Ready to release.

Faces of next generation. Which kind of world we want to inherit to them?

Balloons released with the echo of Palestinian national antheme. Bringing with them messages for peace to the world, with hope up high to the sky.

Together with prayer up goes the balloons. Freedom. Free. Peace.

More pictures here
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