• As part of a nationwide day of action, over thirty rallies were conducted across Canada, including this one.
• “Cease-fire is what we want. We want action from the Canadian government. We urge Canada to always keep in mind that if it continues to back Israel, it is essentially stating that it is beyond the law”, the organizers stressed.
Thunder Bay is a small city on Lake Superior in Northwestern Ontario with a decent amount of Muslim population. At least two hundred people gathered in Hillcrest Park on Saturday, November 4, to press the Canadian government amid the ongoing violence and demand a ceasefire in Gaza along with expressing support for the civilians in Palestine. Those involved in the peaceful protest called for action from the government and pointed out that being silent or neutral would be the same as siding with the oppressor.
Given that, it was stated that the genocide against the Palestinian people began more than seventy years ago and was not something that started on October 7.
As indicated by Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli bombings and ground assaults have killed close to 10,000 people since the start of the conflict. The numbers are shocking!
The key takeaways from this demonstration were to unite in ending the genocide that has been going on for decades, to end the military occupation, and to eventually live in peace with the Jewish people. Once more, humanity is at issue here, not religion.
“When is the help of Allah?” Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near”
(Quran 2:214)
This verse serves as a reminder of hope and relief during this time of horror, anxiety, uncertainty, and perhaps loneliness. It became apparent during the battle of Khandaq, when the Muslims were surrounded by their rivals and stricken with terror. When other tribes teamed together to attack the Muslims, a gap was dug around Madina’s weak points to keep people out. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and all those accompanying him turned to Allah (SWT) and offered the prayer in this verse because the Muslims, as recounted in this verse, were upset and shaken.
In addition to being deprived of basic necessities including food, water, electricity, fuel, and medical supplies, Palestinians in Gaza have been under constant threat from indiscriminate Israeli bombardment of their besieged territory since October 7, 2023.
One does not have to be a Muslim to stand up for Palestine, one just has to be HUMAN!
In times like these, to keep the hope and optimism alive, we must hold on to this beautiful verse:
“Do not worry; Allah is certainly with us”
(Quran 9:40)
