Why Should UK Arabs Gather.. and is Now the Right Time?

4 October 2024

Since my earliest days in the 1970s, I’ve heard Arab politicians say: “We are going through a critical period, a historical turning point.” It felt like this statement became a constant backdrop to my life. We’ve had to adapt, accepting the turbulence of history without surrendering or waiting passively. History may swing us as it pleases, but in the end, we will be held accountable for our actions and decisions as individuals, not for the unpredictable turns of history, no matter how painful or inspiring they may be.

Yet there is a growing feeling, shared by many, that this current moment is truly different and uniquely significant. Only time and the course of events will prove that, but what is required of us now is to take a stand we are responsible for before God and history.

While we may not be able to stop the onslaught on Gaza, or now on Lebanon, we can certainly make our rejection heard and join others in taking positive action against those responsible for the ongoing aggression, especially as they act with impunity.

Yes, from where we stand, with our modest means, we may not be able to prevent mass destruction, but we do have the power to hold the perpetrators accountable. We Arabs may have our disagreements, even conflicts over many issues, but Jerusalem unites us, as does the call to support Gaza, Palestine, and the rejection of occupation. This unity extends to our solidarity with the oppressed in Lebanon and other regions, which remains a priority in our conscience based on the severity and impact of the events.

Bringing British Arabs together under one roof, through gatherings such as the Al Arab in UK Gala Dinner, will facilitate collaboration and coordination, strengthening the bonds of solidarity and advancing the just causes that unite us. It is a goal worth overcoming obstacles for, clearing the path, and dedicating our time, effort, and resources toward.

Each person’s contribution is determined by their circumstances and capabilities—some have the energy for activism and outreach, some have financial resources, others possess technical and artistic skills, and there are also social media influencers. Combining these efforts will lead to significant, positive, and fruitful action.

Despite the harsh conditions and numerous challenges, I firmly believe that uniting us Arabs in Britain, whether residents or visitors, is crucial. By coming together, we can set an example of unity for our communities, overcoming the political divisions of our home countries, and discussing ways to support Gaza and Lebanon, as well as strategies to expose and halt this aggression.

The uniqueness of Palestine doesn’t solely arise from the suffering of its people or the criminality of its occupier, nor just from the religious significance of the cause. What’s even more critical is that Palestine represents an imperialist project aimed at sowing division and humiliation in our region. Haven’t we seen how those who have oppressed, killed, and looted from us over centuries have come together to support the aggressor, despite its actions? This has turned Palestine into a central issue for the Arab and Islamic world across all political and ideological movements.

For all these reasons, I call on every Arab in Britain, or visiting on the 21st of October 2024, to stand with us without hesitation. Join our Arab community in London, and in Britain at large, so that together we can create a better future for Arabs in the UK and beyond. Nations are uplifted when they stand for justice, and they are fragmented when injustice is tolerated and met with silence in the face of aggression.

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