About
International Day of Al-Quds is an annual event opposing Israel’s control of Jerusalem, (Al-Quds in Arabic: القـُدْس). Anti-Zionist demonstrations are held on this day in most Muslim and Arab countries and by Muslim and non-Muslim communities around the world, including the United States. It is held each year on the last Friday of Ramadan. Jerusalem Day is not an Islamic religious holiday but a political event open to both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
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FAQ
What is Al-Quds Day?
Al-Quds is Arabic for Jerusalem and its environs, the Holy Land. Yawm Al-Quds or Al-Quds Day is a day of solidarity with the oppressed Palestinians in their struggle against the Zionist-Apartheid system of Israel. Al-Quds Day also extends beyond Palestine to support all oppressed people in their struggles across the world. All over the world seminars, rallies and marches are held on this day, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadhan in order to pledge solidarity with those seeking peace through justice.
When is Al-Quds Day typically held?
It is usually the last Friday of the month Ramadan which is a Holy Month when Muslims fast and are in a spiritually heightened state. This day is designated for all, Christians, Jews and Muslims, to join in these rallies and show their solidarity with the Christians, Jews and Muslims who are oppressed.
Who organizes this event?
Since Al-Quds Day serves as an international day of solidarity, the event is held in cities across the world including many cities across the U.S. and Canada. This includes a national committee (Al-Quds Committee) which coordinates this effort across many different cities in the US.
What connections do you have with foreign groups?
We do not have any affiliation with any foreign group or nation whatsoever.
These events must cost money, who finances these events?
In general, we are funded through many small, individual private donations within the U.S. and Canada.
Who attends these events?
Generally the intended audience for these gatherings are local Muslim youths and families, although in recent years attendees have expanded to include students as well as anyone supporting justice for the oppressed Palestinians, whether from a human rights perspective or a Christian or Jewish scriptural perspective.
What kind of speakers are invited?
In past years we have had a very diverse lineup of speakers including:
Imams of local mosques
Leaders of Muslim organizations
Muslim activists
Spoken word artists and poets
Christian Ministers and activists
Jewish Rabbis and activists
Human rights activists
And many others
What is the purpose of these events?
Generally the main focus for the Al-Quds Day events is to educate and do our fareedhah(obligation). More specifically we focus on promoting the consumer boycott of companies that support oppression of innocent civilians by Israeli Apartheid as a part of the larger Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Why boycott companies that support Israel?
We must sever all forms of support for the apartheid economy of the Zionist state. We recognize that around the world and particularly in the US there is an ever-expanding boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against the racist State of Israel and its corporate supporters. One facet of this movement is a consumer boycott of those American companies that decide to dirty themselves with their connection to the Apartheid State. These companies are being educated about how their close relationship with the Zionist Apartheid state is a liability. Part of this education requires participants of the boycott to contact the companies and inform them of why you are boycotting.
Do these boycotts work?
Yes, a good example of one of the companies hardest hit by the boycott is McDonalds. McDonalds is a “major corporate partner” of the Jewish United Fund. In its own words, the Jewish United Fund “works to maintain American military, economic and diplomatic support for Israel; monitors and, when necessary, responds to media coverage of Israel.” Also, McDonalds’ chairman and CEO Jack M. Greenberg is an honorary director of the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Since the start of the boycott, McDonalds has just announced it is closing down its operation in the middle east due to loss of revenue as a direct result of the boycott (Oct 2002), and several of McDonald’s franchises have closed due to lack of business.
Will this event or my participation in this rally change anything for Jerusalem or the Palestinian people?
It is our responsibility to stand up for the oppressed people and show our solidarity by expressing our disapproval with the ongoing injustice, and educating people. This is the minimum that one can do and the results are in the hands of the Al Mighty.
Is Al-Quds Day only for Muslims to participate?
It is not only for Muslims to participate but for all people to support the oppressed in Palestine and elsewhere in the world. We have had people from other religions including Jews and Christians who actively participate in these events and support this cause.
What’s the difference between Al-Aqsa and the Dome of Rock (as-Sakhrah Mosque)?
Al-Aqsa Masjid and the Dome of the Rock are two distinct entities, though they are part and parcel of the Haram Ash-Shareef area in Jerusalem. There is often a misrepresentation of Al-Aqsa with the picture of the Dome of Rock. It is reported that Israel is even already selling or distributing for free, in Western as well as Islamic countries, a picture of the Dome of the Rock with the words “Al-Aqsa mosque” under it so that when they plan to destroy it, they can show the Dome of the Rock and claim that Al-Aqsa is intact.
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