DNA showing solidarity with Palestine

A call to action came from the senior learners at our school. They too wanted an opportunity to show support and solidarity  with Palestine and the oppressed. They were determined to be seen raising their Palestinian flags and placards, to be  contributing in a small way to ease the plight of their bretheren who live under a violent occupation.So, on Friday 21st May 2021… the day that a “cease” fire was declared between Israel and Hamas, we took our 2nd stand. 
What does a cease fire mean, I asked my learners when we met in class later that day. 
“No more bombs”, one of them offered.”No more shooting”, said another.”No more war”, declared another. 
Yes, that is true, I told my learners.. the open violence, terror and aggression has temporarily ceased, but the occupation and devastation continues. 
It was important for the learners to understand that the cease fire hasn’t brought about any changes in the lives of Palestinians living under occupation, it has merely given the Palestinians a small reprieve. 
Hardly had the cease fire been in effect, when Israeli soldiers stormed Al Aqsa and fired tear gas and rubber bullets at worshippers on Friday. 
This action, I told my learners is a clear indication of Israels lack of respect for Palestinians and international law. It was also evidence of how fragile and volatile the situation is.
With emotions high amongst the learners and their awareness improved on the situation in Palestinian, I asked them what we could do to change the situation… to help the Palestinians? 
●”Pray”.. was the 1st answer shouted out.Yes, I said. Definitely! Prayer is powerful and is the weapon of a believer. 
What else can we do, I encouraged… 
●”Raise awareness of the situation”, “use our social media platforms”… were other suggestions.The learners, being generation Z, understand the the destructive potential of social media, however they are fully aware of its power, influence and the opportunities it creates to influence positively and spread the truth. 
●”We can raise money and donate”, proposed a very compassionate young learner.The importance of financially supporting people in need is an integral part of our faith and it is beautiful to see young people having that consciousness and willingness to serve. 
●”boycott companies and goods that support Israeli oppressive policies”, was another important offering. 
We must be responsible and selective of how and where we spend our money.Buying power can change regimes as we saw with South African Apartheid policies. 
These young learners who will one day enter the world of work need to be consciousness of how they will spend their hard earned money. 
Boycotting certain products and companies was a topic that caused some unease, as the learners became aware to the fact that many of their favourite brands had Palestinian “blood” on their hands. 
These companies and products were not confined to food and clothing, but to the entertainment industry too.The movies, music, pop culture and even influencers are deeply connected to the support of Isreal and it’s oppression. 
“Are we prepared to sacrifice our pleasures to support the Palestinian cause”, I asked them?I left them to reflect on that… 
Lastly, I wanted them to understand that all of the suggestions they had made, as wonderful as they were, would have no impact if we did not change our actions and behaviour. 
As Muslims, I told them, our actions impact the environment and people around us… good actions bring good conditions and vice versa. Crying and protesting for Palestine will be in vain if we do not take care to live according to the beautiful principles of our faith.It is through good actions that we earn Allah’s pleasure, forgiveness, mercy and help… Alhamdulillah.”And is the ummah not in need of Allah’s help now more than ever?” 
The conversations in my lessons on Friday morning were powerful, meaningful thought provoking, confrontational and reflective. I was so acutely aware of the intelligence and thoughtfulness of these young people who have huge potential masha Allah.Their show of solidarity, raising funds and awareness as well as their sacrifice of their pleasures, if done with the correct intentions, will contribute towards bringing change insha-Allah… I encouraged them… and perhaps, just perhaps, they will be the generation that lives to see the change….Allahuma āmīn.
Amīna Bagus-du Toit Headmistress 🌷
#dnaunity #ummah #dnagratitudejourney #Palestine #Aqsa #savesheikhjarrah