Prayer for Zimbabwe in Jerusalem
THE fight against sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe at the turn of the millennium will be waged in the Holy Land in Israel today, with a special prayer event set to be held in Jerusalem.
This comes as several religious denominations have said they will conduct prayer sessions in solidarity with today’s SADC Anti-Sanctions Day.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Zimbabwe’s Honorary Consul in Israel Mr Ronny Levi Musan said the special prayer event seeks to connect Zimbabwe to the Holy Land.
“As a sign of solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe, I decided to hold a unique event. I will release into the sky of Jerusalem 40 balloons in the colour of Zimbabwe’s flag as a symbol of Zimbabwe’s 40 years of independence.
“Also, a white dove will be released as a symbol of peace and Zimbabwe’s release from sanctions.
“We will carry a prayer and be connected in hope with the people of Zimbabwe on this important day.”
Mr Musan said he will hold meetings with Israeli government officials and other diplomats to continue to lobby for the immediate and unconditional removal of sanctions.
“Due to the limitations caused by the coronavirus, we are holding a closed event
for a small staff of the consulate in Israel. We will hold talks with various officials. We want to show the people of Zimbabwe that we are here for them.”
In an interview, patron of the Zimbabwe Amalgamated Churches Council (ZACC), Bishop Jimayi Muduvuri, said a series of prayer sessions will be held today.
“It is highly significant that this year’s Anti-Sanctions Day falls on a Sunday, which is a day of prayer. Our churches are going to embark on massive prayer sessions in all ten provinces to rally for the lifting of sanctions.
“God has shown favour to Zimbabwe by limiting the number of Covid-19 cases.
“We believe that this was achieved because of prayer after we held a well-attended prayer session at State House earlier this year. So we have faith that sanctions can be removed by the power of prayer,” he said.
In a statement, president of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe (SCIAZ), Sheikh Ismail Duwa, said the Muslim community stands shoulder to shoulder with Zimbabwe in its push to have the sanctions removed.
“We commend SADC’s stance to conduct actions in its member countries to vigorously work towards the removal of illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe.
“SCIAZ’s stance is that sanctions have been an impediment to Zimbabwe’s economic growth through cutting off the country’s foreign trade.
“This has resulted in the shortage of foreign currency, which compromises Government’s ability to acquire life-sustaining necessities such as medicines in the face of the pandemic, water purification equipment, heavy industrial equipment, fuel and many other necessities. Sanctions literally kill,” he said.