Jurnal iLubnan: 6 April

6th April 2012: Journey to Beirut, Lebanon

Our main delegation, which comprised of 7 members departed from London Heathrow at 12:40pm, while 3 members of the delegation departed from Cairo, Egypt.

The main delegation’s journey was halted suddenly when thick fog covered Beirut’s sky, preventing any flights from landing in Beirut. Therefore, our flight was diverted to Cyprus.

After 2 hours of waiting, Alhamdulillah, our flight resumed its journey and we arrived in Beirut at 10:00 at night. Despite arriving later than our plan, we took the opportunity to refresh and purify our intentions.

Meanwhile, the delegation from Cairo faced similar problems. Their flight was initially delayed for a few hours. At 9:00pm, however, the crew announced that the aeroplane would only fly tomorrow and passengers were to sleep at a nearby hotel.

They arrived at the hotel at around 11:30pm, only to be woken up at 1:00am, as the flight was scheduled for 3:00am. Alas, the flight only departed at about 4:00am. But Alhamdulillah, they finally arrived in Beirut at 7:00am just in time to join the rest of the team.

This experience taught all of us patience, and was a good opportunity to remind ourselves of Allah’s power, as He mentions in Surah Ali-Imraan, verse 54:

“And they planned and Allah (also) planned, and Allah is the best of planners.”

10 delegasi Israa ke Lubnan

Assalamualaikum wrt. wbt.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Israa Institution under IKRAM UK & Eire continues to play a major role in contributing towards the Palestinian issue. Alhamdulillah, various activities and projects have been carried out for the past 18 months since our first visit to Beirut in October 2010 - leading to a total collection of £18,700 plus €4,600 (jazaakumullahu khairan katheera to all generous donors).

The donation will be handed over to several Palestinian organisations in Beirut during the visit, namely, Humanitatian Relief for Development, Al-Zaytouna Centre for Studies & Consultations (Bookshelf Project), Takaful for Child Welfare (Hope for Orphans Project, HOPE), Al-Quds International Institution, and Witness Association for Human Rights.

10 representatives from the UK and Ireland are scheduled to visit Beirut on 6th-11th April 2012, inshaallah.The delegation consists of:

1. Yusuf Johari (Sheffield), Chef de Mission

2. Mus'ab Shaharom (Leicester)
3. Muhammad Nazmin Yaapar (Sheffield)
4. Ahmed Zolkepli (Sheffield)
5. Anas Pauzi (Manchester)
6. Aiman Mukri (Dublin)
7. Abg Ashmirul Abg Abu Nawas (Kent)
8. Dr Wan Maisarah Abd Rahman (Leicester)
9. Dr Amirah Mohammad Razali (Leicester)
10. Aliyyah Mohammad Khuzaini (Bristol)

In conjunction to the visit, the representatives will also be undergoing a short course on the Palestinian history and issue under Al-Zaytouna Centre.

We thank you for your support and generous contributions, baarakallahu feekum.

Wassalam.

Abu Zayd
iLubnan Chef de Mission

Perutusan Pengarah Israa Institution Sempena GM2J 30 Mac 2012

Assalamualaikum wbt,

Israa Institution mengajak warga Malaysia yang berada di UK dan Eire untuk sama-sama menyertai Global March to Jerusalem (GM2J) yang akan berlangsung serentak di seluruh dunia pada hari esok, 30 March 2012. Di London, protest akan diadakan di hadapan kedutaan Israel pada jam 5 pm. Aktivis dari 80 buah negara juga akan berkumpul dan bergerak menuju ke sempadan 'Israel' melalui Jordan, Lubnan dan Mesir.

Kita mahu menyampaikan mesej kepada Israel bahawa masyarakat seluruh dunia tidak kira bangsa dan agama, mahukan segala bentuk kezaliman ke atas rakyat Palestin dihentikan dan hak2 mereka dikembalikan. Dengan popularnya pelbagai media alternatif seperti facebook dan blog, masyarakat antarabangsa sudah terdedah dengan lebih banyak maklumat dan tidak lagi mudah tertipu dengan propaganda2 zionist yang disampaikan melalui media arus perdana antarabangsa yang dikuasai mereka.

Israa Institution menyeru agar setiap daripada kita yang cintakan keamanan dan menghormati prinsip hak asasi manusia supaya berganding bahu dan memainkan peranan masing2 untuk menyemarakkan lagi kempen kesedaran dengan menyertai perhimpunan global ini.

Abdul Rahman Mohmad
Pengarah Israa Institution
Palestine in our heart

Global March to Jerusalem, London Protest - 30 March 2012

Jerusalem is a pivotal city to all three monotheistic faiths. Shared worship in the city has been an essential part of its history and this plurality is facing increasing threats as Israeli policies on the ground continue to undermine all non-Jewish claims to the city.

Archeological digs have shown complete disregard for any Muslim or Christian legacies in the city. For the past three years, Israel has been digging in the Arab Silwan area of Jerusalem attempting to prove historic rights to this area (‘The city of David), however any evidence of Palestinian claims found in the digs are believed to have been covered up or disregarded.

The sacred Masjid al-Aqsa has faced numerous threats from extreme right wing Israelis who have attempted to storm the compound. These extremists have been escorted onto the sacred area by Israeli police and the result has seen clashes which have left many Palestinians wounded. Israel continues to impose restrictions on Palestinians wishing to pray within the holy sites.

Palestinian residents of Jerusalem continue to face the constant threat of having their homes demolished, and some have faced the nightmare of illegal Israeli settlers moving in to their homes. The result is abject misery for all the adults and children of the household.

“Under Israeli occupation in the last few decades, the Muslim and Christian Palestinian heritage in the Holy City of Jerusalem has been undermined and threatened. Israel has deliberately orchestrated changes to the facts on the ground to ensure that there is Jewish majority in the city at the expense of Muslim and Christian citizens. Ancient heritage sites are being wiped out and Palestinians are helpless against the assaults of local police and army personnel. They can no longer protect or guard historic sites and documents, and it is up to us to ensure that their plight is brought to the world’s attention,”stated Ismail Patel, Chair of Friends of Al-Aqsa.

The situation in Jerusalem cannot be ignored. Israel is physically changing the city beyond recognition leading to social and economical isolation from the rest of the West Bank. Palestinians who live outside of Jerusalem have almost no access to their city.

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Dear Brothers and Respected Sisters,

Assalaamu alaikum wa rahmat Ullahi wa barakaatuh,

I hope you are all well and in good health.As you may be aware the coming Friday (30/3/2012) is the day for the Global March to Jerusalem.

This is a global day full of global activities.We hope that everyone can participate in their own way; but moreso, those who deliver khutbah to use this occasion to remind the congregation about the Quds and its status in the hearts and eyes of Muslims and those who are able to attend the protest in London, please do so.

And may Allah bless you all in your efforts.

Regards and Salam.

Omer El-Hamdoon

President

Muslim Association of Britain (MAB)

124 Harrowdene Road, Wembley,

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United KingdomOffice: +44 (0) 208 9089109

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Website: www.mabonline.net