Aidi Yursal, Medan – In a massive rally to defend the rights of Palestinians, thousands of supporters of the Islamic-based Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) protested here on Sunday, calling for the eradication of all kinds of colonization and the liberation of the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
The masses marched from Al Maksum Grand Mosque at Jalan Sisingamangaraja to Jalan Dipenegoro, demanding that the struggle against Israel's occupation of Palestine continue and that Palestinian civilians be allowed to observe their religious duties at Al Aqsa Mosque.
The rally participants were mainly PKS supporters from villages and cities surrounding Medan. They carried banners condemning Jews, and professing "Love for Palestinians."
Along the way, the masses shouted for Palestine's freedom and the destruction of Israel.
"We as Muslims in Indonesia should not remain silent. We must resist the Zionists' barbarity against the Palestinians, and we must rescue Al Aqsa Mosque, which is now in danger of destruction," a man screamed through a megaphone.
His speech was greeted by even louder roars from the masses who cried, "Destroy Israel!"
The protesters included men and women of all ages, as well as teenagers and schoolchildren. Mothers nursing or carrying their babies were also among the crowds.
"I cannot leave my baby at home, and I feel secure and at peace to join this demonstration to support Muslims in Palestine with my baby with me," Zalia, 30, said while she marched with her baby in her arms.
"This is just part of our solidarity to the Palestinians, who are always attacked by the Israelis," said demonstrator M. Maidin, as others collected cash donations to help the Palestinian cause.
The masses maintained public order by walking on only one side of the road. The rally closed with a prayer delivered by Al Ustaz Surianda Lubis. He asked God to curse the Jews who had been tormenting the Palestinian people, and to rescue Al Aqsa Mosque.
Similar rallies were held by PKS members in other parts of the country.
In Bandung, PKS supporters on Sunday gathered at the West Java People's Struggle Monument on Jalan Dipati Ukur from where they later marched to Bandung City Square via Jalab Teuku Umar and Jalan Dago or Jalan Juanda.
Their rally also opposed Israeli aggression against the Palestinians and raised funds from PKS sympathizers and passers-by to help Palestinians.
The rally prompted the Bandung city police to tighten security at a number of locations, including Jalan Ir. H. Juanda, Jalan Merdeka and Jalan Asia Afrika.
In Padang, West Sumatra, money raised during a rally on Sunday exceeded Rp 145 million ($15,950), said Trianda Farhan, chairwoman of the West Sumatra PKS headquarters in Padang.She said the money was meant to help Palestinians overcome suffering due to Israeli oppression.
[With additional reporting by Antara.]