10-16-2023 6:16pm

The Muslim Community of Nassau County Organizes Pro-Palestine Rally in Mineola

Samantha Hespos Editor

On Sunday afternoon, the Muslim Community of Nassau County hosted a pro-Palestine rally in Mineola.

According to the event organizer's statement to News 12, the rally's objective was to promote peace in Gaza and amplify the voices of Palestinians affected by the conflict.

The rally commenced with a prayer held on the Nassau County Executive Building's lawn. Demonstrators emphasized that the Israel-Hamas conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis and advocated for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza. Additionally, they urged an end to efforts that seek to create divisions between Muslims and Jewish people.

Abdul Aziz Bhuiyan, representing the Muslim Community of Nassau County, stated, "We aspire to coexist peacefully, in accordance with our religious teachings."

The demonstrators emphasized the importance of hearing all perspectives from all sides. Many of them expressed their commitment to continue praying for peace in Gaza.

The rally was just one of several demonstrations that occurred both locally and across the country this week, reflecting the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 2,450 Palestinians have lost their lives, and 9,200 have been wounded since the conflict began, surpassing the casualties of the 2014 Gaza war, which endured for over six weeks. This marks the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for both sides involved.

Hamas' assault on October 7 resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 Israelis, with the majority being civilians. Additionally, an estimated 150 individuals, including children, were captured by Hamas and transported into Gaza. This marks the deadliest conflict for Israel since the 1973 war with Egypt and Syria.