Bahrainis rally for Palestine

The event, organised jointly by the Islamic Enlightenment Society and Al Wefaq National Islamic Society, is commemorated worldwide on the last Friday of Ramadan.

Al Wefaq chairman Shaikh Ali Salman said the late Iranian president Ayatollah Khomeini first initiated the day in 1979, when he called for unity between all Muslims against the common Zionist enemy.

"This gave the Palestinian case an Islamic aspect as well as an Arab one, ensuring that Muslims all around the world, whether Arabs or not, supported the event," he said.

"Ayatollah Khomeini said the Palestinian struggle was an example of people fighting for their rights, something which the free world believes in."

Shaikh Salman said Al Quds Day received more support each year reflecting the world's increasing backing for the Palestinian cause.

Shaikh Salman said with the death of Yasser Arafat, the Palestinians had lost a charismatic and energetic leader who had put their cause on the world stage.

Al Wefaq vice-chairman Hassan Mushaima said Al Quds Day was not just for Shi'ites but for people of all faiths.

"What is happening in Palestine is inhumane and heart-breaking, as the innocent are being slaughtered for no reason, just because Israel wants to get rid of them and take up their land," he said.

"Palestine will never become an independent state if our Arab and Islamic mentality stays the same and concentrates power in the hands of one person for decades."

http://gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=96375&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=27238