The Islamic University of Gaza held a press conference on Sunday, February 12, 2023, to express solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria, who have endured tremendous pain since the recent earthquake that caused thousands of victims in both countries.
In the solidarity rally, Dr. Muhammad Al-Aklouk, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Islamic University, said, “A Muslim stands beside his fellow Muslim, supports him, and assists him in all his affairs,” indicating that the Islamic University, with all its staff, stands with and supports the Turkish and Syrian people who have been rocked by the devastating earthquake.
Dr. Al-Aklouk also sent a message of support, approval, help, patience, and prayers to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the government, and the people of Turkey, who have stood by the Palestinian people through all of their troubles, as well as to the state of Syria during this tragic event.
Professor Dr. Nasser Farhat, President of the University, expressed his sympathy and solidarity with the Turkish and Syrian peoples, saying that the earthquake is a tragic and difficult event that has claimed the lives of thousands and that the people of Gaza know very well the pain, suffering, and groans that accompany such disasters. He added that the Islamic University of Gaza sends a message of solidarity and empathy to both peoples.
Prof. Farhat also acknowledged the favor shown by the Turkish people and government towards Palestinians and the Islamic University as they stepped in to build the Turkish hospital. He prayed for the mercy of the martyrs and the healing of the wounded and hoped that the affected citizens would be compensated for their losses.
Dr. Saeb Al-Awaini, head of the employees’ syndicate, on behalf of the employees at the Islamic University in Gaza and on behalf of all Palestinians, offered the two brotherly peoples of Syria and Turkey his deepest condolences for the thousands of victims of the recent earthquake. He emphasized that this tragedy is a shared burden for all Muslims and that they stand in solidarity with and support the two brotherly nations. He also said that in Islam, people who died in the destruction are called martyrs.
The student council at the Islamic University of Gaza also expressed solidarity with the Turkish and Syrian people after the recent earthquake that caused many casualties. They prayed for the deceased and for the healing of the injured, and they also extended their condolences to the Palestinians who lost their lives in the earthquake.
During the solidarity stand, a large crowd of employees and students at the university raised slogans affirming the solidarity of the Palestinian people with the Turkish and Syrian people, including: “With sincere fraternal feelings, we turn to Allah to have mercy on the victims of the earthquake and to grant healing to the injured, and to compensate the Republic of Turkey and its great people with goodness.” “We stand in solidarity with Turkey, a dear nation to Palestine and its people.” “May Allah help and protect Turkey’s President, government, and people as they continue to be a symbol of progress and prosperity.” “A Solidarity Stand with the Turkish and Syrian People, may Allah have mercy on the martyrs of the rubble in the Republic of Turkey and the Syrian Arab Republic, and grant a speedy recovery to the wounded and injured”.
