Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Zimbabweans yesterday joined the global community in commemorating the 78th anniversary of the Nakba, with solidarity messages and prayers for peace dominating proceedings at a commemorative event held in Harare.
Speaking during the Nakba Day commemorations, World Day of Prayer Zimbabwe president Ms Sylvia Marowa said Christians around the world continued to stand with the people of Palestine amid decades of suffering and conflict.
She said the occasion was a moment to pray for peace, compassion and justice for Palestinians, particularly women and children affected by the conflict.
“Today, we stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, especially on this commemoration of their 78 years of conflict. We pray for the women, the children and the men who have endured suffering throughout those years,” said Ms Marowa.
She said Christian women across the globe have continued to advocate for love, unity and peace through prayer.
“Their voices continue to call us to compassion, unity and prayerful energies,” he said.
“We pray for comfort, protection and strength for the women who carry every burden and wisdom for leaders and peacemakers throughout the world.”
Ms Marowa urged the international community to embrace peace and justice, saying prayers should inspire humanity to work towards ending conflict.
“We pray for peace for Palestine because blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God,” she said.
Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Zimbabwe, Dr Tamer Almassri, described the Nakba as a continuing tragedy that began in 1948 with the displacement of Palestinians following the establishment of the State of Israel.
“Today is the 78th anniversary of the Palestinian Nakba, meaning the catastrophe, when the apartheid State of Israel was established in May 1948 on the Holy Land of Palestine, displacing innocent Palestinian people and destroying our civilisation,” he said.
Ambassador Almassri accused Israel of continuing what he termed atrocities against Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, saying the destruction of homes, hospitals and refugee camps had worsened the humanitarian crisis.
“The Palestinian catastrophe unfortunately continues because the Israeli occupation is increasing its crimes day by day,” he said.
The Ambassador said Palestinians remained steadfast despite the challenges and continued to seek justice and international solidarity.
“We did not raise the white flag and the Palestinian flag has now become a sign of solidarity and justice everywhere in the world,” he said.
Drawing parallels between Palestine and Zimbabwe’s liberation history, Dr Almassri said Zimbabweans understood the pain of oppression and colonialism due to their own historical experiences under colonial rule.
“We know the Zimbabwean people can tell the world about their suffering and the high cost they paid under colonial oppression,” he said.
He also commended Zimbabwe and local churches for standing in solidarity with Palestine.
“I want to thank you for your solidarity and also pay back solidarity on behalf of the Palestinian people and Palestinian churches with the great Zimbabwean people, leadership and churches,” said Dr Almassri.
