Israel’s occupation of Palestine constitutes an interreligious issue that should be dealt with by the international community.
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AFP PHOTO/JAAFAR ASHTIYEH
A protester waves a Palestinian flag amid tear gas fumes during clashes with Israeli security forces near the Huwara checkpoint, south of Nablus, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Dec. 15 as protests continue in the region amid anger over United States President Donald Trump\'s recognition of Jerusalem as its capital.
JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Jordanian Ambassador to Indonesia Walid al-Hadid has said that Israel’s occupation of Palestine constitutes an interreligious issue that should be dealt with by the international community and that the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital is an insult toward humanity.
“Palestine is a humanitarian issue, not a domestic one, in Palestine or Jordan. This is not just an issue for Muslims. Muslims and Christians all over the world are rejecting this,” he said in a discussion on Palestine’s future in Jakarta on Friday (15/12/2017). The discussion, held by the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), was attended by Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair al-Shun.
Chairman of Indonesia’s largest Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Said Aqil Siradj, shared similar sentiments in a separate event in Jakarta involving interfaith leaders of the Interfaith Solidarity Forum for Humanity. “What has happened in Palestine is not a religious issue, but a violation of human rights and a violation of Palestinians’ sovereignty,” Said said.
In a joint statement, the interfaith leaders condemned US President Donald Trump’s action and supported Indonesia’s move in fighting for Palestine’s freedom. The leaders also urged people not to be provoked by any movements and calls that could potentially divide the people.
Interfaith leaders urged people who wished to hold protests to put forward values of humanity and justice to maintain peaceful conditions. The joint statement was signed by NU chairman Said Aqil Sirajd, Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI) chairman Ignatius Suharyo, Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) chairwoman Henriette T. Hutabarat-Lebang, Indonesian Buddhists Association (Walubi) deputy chairman Jandi Mukianto, Confucian Supreme Council of Indonesia (Matakin) general secretary Peter Lesmana and Buddha Dharma Niciren Syosyu Indonesia (NSI) secretary-general Arya Prasetya.
The interfaith leaders’ statement also reaffirms the value of kinship instead of religious sentiments in defending humanity. “Indonesians must be neither provoked by agitations nor divided by prevailing issues. We need to maintain unity in our country,” Ignatius Suharyo said.
Protests across regions
A number of protests over the US decision on Jerusalem took place nationwide, including in Pontianak, Makassar, Padang and Ambon.
In Padang, West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno and Padang Mayor Mahyeldi Ansharullah took part in a local protest in support of Palestine.
In Jakarta, Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) deputy chairman Zainut Tauhid Saaid said that he appreciated the government’s support of Palestine. He also requested that the government urge the UN to impose sanctions on the US and Israel.
From Brussels, Belgium, it was reported that European Union leaders “are reaffirming its strong commitments for a two-state solution and that the EU’s stance on Jerusalem has not changed,” EU President Donald Tusk said. The EU urged for a recognition of Jerusalem as the capital city of both Israel and Palestine with a demarcation line following what was set up before the 1967 war.
