International Al-Aqsa Call Conference II commences in Karbala, Iraq
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The International Al-Aqsa Call Conference has commenced in Karbala, bringing together representatives from 65 countries to discuss the global dimensions of the Palestinian cause and the legacy of Imam Hussein.
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Convening figures at the International Al-Aqsa Call Conference II, August 27, 2023, Karbala (Social media)
Today marked the commencement of the International Al-Aqsa Call Conference II under the title of "Palestine and Imam Hussein: The global dimensions of the missionary personality and the humanitarian cause."
Representatives from 65 countries gathered in the Iraqi city of Karbala for the event.
In his address during the conference, Sheikh Abdullah Katamto, the coordinator of the Scholarly Forum for Palestine, emphasized that Palestine stands as the frontline of defense for the people of the world.
Katamto extended his gratitude to "the entire Iraqi people, who have demonstrated unity in their pursuit of truth."
"#Palestine is the line of defense for the whole world, and we thank all the Iraqi people who always translated solidarity with the right."
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 27, 2023
Coordinator of the International Scholarly Forum for Palestine, Sheikh Abdullah Katamto, at the International #AlAqsa Call Conference II. https://t.co/TnqfGGBmE1
Sheikh Mohsen Heidari, the Iranian Ahvazi Imam, added that "the free people of the world are drawn to Imam Hussein and his timeless historical teachings of justice and resistance against tyranny."
Heidari further added that "the Islamic Resistance movements in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Palestine stood against the mythical state of ISIS," underscoring that "mass gatherings, such as the Arbaeen pilgrimage, strike fear into the hearts of oppressors."
Read more: Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa under protection of IOF
On her part, Najat Al-Agha, the mother of detainees Diaa and Mohammed Al-Agha, expressed her staunch commitment to globalizing her message to secure her two sons' release from imprisonment, noting that one of them has been incarcerated for 32 years.
"I tried to let the world hear my voice to save my two sons from Israeli prisons, with one of them imprisoned for 32 years. I appeal to all the people with a conscience to stand by the families of the prisoners."
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 27, 2023
The mother of the two captives, Diaa and Muhammad Al-Agha, at the… https://t.co/aGxIK1AukO
She appealed to the "living consciences of the world" to stand beside the families of prisoners.
"I implore you to rescue our sons from [Israeli] jails; this is the dream of every [Palestinian] prisoner's mother."
Read more: 10 Palestinian prisoners going strong with their hunger strike
South African MP Mandela Mandela, grandson of the late leader Nelson Mandela, asserted that being present in Karbala carries a message of hope that the Palestinian people are not alone, calling for modeling after Imam Hussein who stands as a beacon of hope as the struggle for a just world order and freedom continues.
During the International #AlAqsa Call Conference II, Mandela Mandela highlighted the #Palestinian struggle and glorified the martyrs who sacrificed their lives so that "the goal of a free Palestine is realized." #Palestine pic.twitter.com/yzle2eCzDF
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 28, 2023
Mandela urged the free people of the world, on the occasion of Imam Hussein's Arbaeen, to stand united and take Imam Hussein as an example to achieve global justice, calling for pursuing "the electronic intifada by campaigning for support for political prisoners."
During the International Al-Aqsa Call Conference II, Mandela Mandela highlighted the Palestinian struggle and glorified the martyrs who sacrificed their lives so that "the goal of a free Palestine is realized."#Palestine pic.twitter.com/urWim8GxIj
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 27, 2023
"Our call is not just a call of words, but a call to action; we must intensify our efforts on all fronts. We must support and strengthen the internal resistance in #Palestine. We must spread the global call for return to Palestine."
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 27, 2023
Mandela Mandela at The International #AlAqsa… pic.twitter.com/22DQKQ7iwC
Read more: North American Jews losing interest in emigrating to Palestine: Report
Meanwhile, the head of Al-Rebat Al-Mohammadi Scholars Council in Iraq, Sayyid Abdul Qadir Al-Aloosi, highlighted the need "for the nation to return to spirituality in our values and jihad."
Talal Shreim, the official charged with the prisoners' affairs in the Global Coalition for the Support of Al-Quds and Palestine, said, "The battle in Palestine has just begun with the rise of the right-wing government," affirming that "the West Bank and its ongoing struggles are currently the focal points of conflict, and amid this reality, there is nothing left but freedom-fighting."
"The battle in Palestine has just begun with the rise of the right-wing government. The #WestBank and its ongoing struggles are currently the focal points of conflict, and amid this reality, there is nothing left but freedom-fighting."
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 27, 2023
- Talal Shreim, the official charged with… https://t.co/UM6sd5FnjB
Shreim also noted that 5,000 prisoners in the occupation's jails await the mercy of God.
Additionally, the Buddhist spiritual leader and Goodwill Ambassador of Sri Lanka emphasized that anyone who adopts Imam Hussein's legacy cannot but be a vehement defender of Palestine.
Read more: The Future of Arab Christians: One path, one destiny
On his part, Father Antony Hanania, a priest from the Palestinian Orthodox Church, affirmed that the message of Imam Hussain is that "the right is ever-persistent."
It is noteworthy that during the second day of the conference, participating committees will delve into global perspectives on the Palestinian cause and the resurgence of the Husseini (akin to Imam Hussein) ideology.
Discussions will also encompass emerging threats to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, attempts at Judaization of Al-Quds, and the media's responsibility in shedding light on challenges faced by the Palestinian people.
