Bengaluru Unites: Multi-Faith Meet for Palestine Marks Human Rights Day
In a powerful demonstration of solidarity, leaders and followers from diverse faiths—including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Sufism, and atheism—gathered at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park to support Palestine on International Human Rights Day. Titled Bridging Faiths for Palestine, the event was organized by Bengaluru for Justice and Peace and drew around 200 participants.
The gathering featured prayers from various religions and a call to action urging the Indian government to impose an arms embargo on Israel and suspend diplomatic ties. Religious leaders criticized recent statements by Union Minister S. Jaishankar defending arms support to Israel, arguing such actions contradict principles of justice.
Reverend Vinayraj of Marottamma Church emphasized that justice for Palestine aligns with Christian teachings. “Faith and justice go hand in hand. Palestinian liberation is a cause all religions must embrace,” he said, joined by other Protestant leaders.
Shia scholars Maulana Qaim Abbas and Maulana Ali Baqar condemned the attacks on Palestinians as an affront to humanity, while Jewish educator Marcy Newman recited a Hebrew prayer for Gaza, highlighting global Jewish advocacy against Israeli policies.
Sufi saint Vali Ba and Lingayat leader Guru Basawa linked the Palestinian struggle to India’s anti-colonial legacy. Buddhist monk Bhante Tashi, a transgender activist, underscored the universal nature of justice, stating, “Palestinian rights align with Buddhist and queer values.”
Participants collectively denounced attempts to frame Palestine’s fight as a religious conflict, asserting it as a human rights issue. Organisers condemned ideological overlaps between Hindutva and Zionism, urging moral opposition to Israeli policies.
The event concluded with a pledge to uphold human rights, equality, and global solidarity, underscoring the power of shared values to resist oppression.
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