Solidarity march for Palestinians

IN REACTION to the increase in security at the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, local Muslims joined the Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) and the Al Quds Foundation on a march to Parliament.

They are demanding peace for the people of Palestine.

Three Palestinian gunmen and two Israeli police officers were killed in a gun battle in the compound of the mosque this month. Subsequently, the Masjidul Aqsa mosque compound was closed by the Israeli government for Friday prayers for the first time since 1969.

“The aim of the march was not only to demonstrate solidarity, but also to raise awareness around Palestinian issues,” MJC second deputy president Sheikh Riad Fataar said.

Chief Mandla Mandela and his wife Nosekeni Rabia Mandela joined the march along with their baby.

He said the government should revoke visas for an Israeli delegation expected to visit South Africa next month.

“We should send this delegation back to Israel packing.

They are not welcome in our beloved South Africa. Nelson Rholihlahla Madiba would have wanted to see the continuation of the Mandela family pledging its support to the Palestinian people.”

The MJC leaders have asked local Muslims to fast every Thursday in solidarity with Palestinians.