The Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (MANAL) stands in solidarity with the civilians of Gaza who are now left without any water, food, power, or humanitarian aid, nor a safe place to seek refuge in their own land. A population, half of which consists of young children, is suffering from horrific war crimes and ethnic cleansing as their homes, mosques and hospitals are being constantly bombarded. Hundreds of helpless women, children, and elderly are dying every day.
The recent attack on a Christian hospital, where many Palestinians were seeking refuge and medical care, took the ongoing violence to a level that no free human conscience can bear and tolerate.
As a nonpartisan religious organization, MANAL is not willing to engage in the politics of this conflict. But as faithful Muslims, we firmly stand against injustice. We demand our Canadian elected politicians and the media to assume more responsibility in securing an immediate ceasefire. We also ask them to refrain from toxic narratives that serve to trigger hatred against Muslims in Canada and elsewhere. Let us remember that when forming their opinions, many people still look up to their political leaders and the media without distinguishing between facts and propaganda.
This Friday, as we gather for our Jumah prayer at Masjid Al Noor in St. John’s, we will raise our hands to pray for an immediate end to the ongoing injustice in Gaza. We will also have a funeral prayer in absentia for our Muslim brothers, sisters and children who were killed in the recent attacks.