Fundraising Event For Palestine in Ankara

IHH (The Foundation For Human Rights And Freedoms And Humanitarian Relief) Volunteers in Ankara, the capital of Turkey, have organized a fundraising night called “To Gaza Onboard”. A call to aid for Palestine was made during the heavily attended event.

22.04.2010 - Fundraising Event For Palestine in Ankara

Thousands of volunteers have attended the fundraising event for Gaza in Kocatepe Cultural Center, Ankara. The center was packed with city dwellers who participated the event together with their families. Bulent Yildirim, President of IHH, Ahmet Faruk Unsal, President of Mazlumder (The Association of Human Rights and Solidarity for Oppressed People), Mahmut Kacar, President of Saglik-Sen, Mursel Turbay, President of Bem-Bir-Sen, representatives of political parties and members of NGOs have also attended the event. One of the guests has won the chance to go to Gaza onboard, determined by a draw at the end of the event.

The event program started with a recitation of parts from the Holy Quran by a Palestinian, Abdullah Fukaha, followed by a screening on Palestine and an opening speech by Hanifi Sinan, a volunteer from Ankara. Sinan said that they will embark on their journey to ease the pain of Palestinians, added “We broke the Israeli embargo on Gaza three months ago through the land, now it is time to do it by the sea.”

Bulent Yildirim, President of IHH, referred to Palestine as “the heart of the earth”. Yildirim noted that nations who had the control over Jerusalem also held the political leadership of the world throughout history. He said “If you happen to wonder who the ruler of the world is, you should take a look at Jerusalem. Whoever reigns in Jerusalem, it is whom the world is ruled by. It has always been this way throughout history.”

Yildirim mentioning that there is so much blood and tears in all Muslim countries today, added “Now, on one side of the world people are dying all the time and the imperialist powers kill Muslims on the other side. Zionism is the main source of the crimes against humanity.”

A screening of a video recording of Khaled Mashal’s address to the guests of the event followed Yildirim’s talk. Mashal, the leader of Hamas, said “Turkey is doing what is expected of her by sending us humanitarian aid by the sea. We are expecting the same from all Muslim countries.”

Mashal stated that Gaza has been turned into the biggest prison in human history by Israel and criticized other Muslim countries for not paying attention to this. Reacting against the closing of Rafah crossing by Egypt, Mashal said “Our brother Egypt is keeping its borders shut. 500 people have died because of these closed gates, while trying to get out.”

The event program ended with prayers for Palestine.