Diyarbakır’s Nevruz Park became a vibrant hub of youthful solidarity and resilience as the HÜDA PAR Youth Branch hosted the final event of Youth Week, themed “Youth and Gaza: We Walk with Our Values.”

Against the backdrop of ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza, the gathering saw hundreds of young people, families, and community leaders unite under a common cause: to reaffirm their commitment to Islamic values and to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The event, one of many held across Turkey, highlighted themes of justice, unity, and a collective responsibility toward global struggles.

The event opened with a recitation of the Holy Quran by Cebrail Dedeoğlu, setting a solemn yet hopeful tone as attendees reflected on the struggles of the Palestinian people and the broader Islamic ummah. The words of the Quran filled the air, offering both comfort and a call to action, underscoring the sense that standing with Gaza is not merely a political act but a moral and spiritual obligation.

Murat Günaydın, Head of the HÜDA PAR Youth Branch, delivered an impassioned opening speech in which he addressed the challenges facing today’s youth. Günaydın emphasized that the event’s theme, “Youth and Gaza: We Walk with Our Values,” reflects the importance of solidarity with Palestine and the significance of maintaining moral integrity in the face of injustice. “Youth were the first to believe in all prophets who came with the message of Tawhid (monotheism),” he reminded attendees, pointing to a historical lineage of youthful dedication to faith, justice, and truth. His words resonated with the crowd, reinforcing the need for young people to take up the mantle of responsibility in the ongoing struggles that define their world.

Ömer Çelik, President of the Martyrs Caravan Platform, recounted stories from asr-ı saadet (the time of the Prophet Muhammad and his Companions) as well as contemporary resistance in Gaza. He pointed to the parable of Ashab al-Kahf (the Companions of the Cave) as an example of unwavering faith, resilience, and dedication. “These young men believed in their Lord,” Çelik quoted, illustrating the power of conviction in facing oppression.

Emphasizing the potential of youth to catalyze change, Çelik spoke about the Companions of the Prophet who stood firm in the early days of Islam. “When we think of the life of the Companions, mature men often come to mind. But when we look closely, we find Hazrat Ali at 10, Musab bin Umayr at 17, and Hazrat Ja’far, who was sent as an envoy to Abyssinia, at 17.” By recounting the stories of young Companions, Çelik reminded attendees of the critical role youth play in advancing justice and promoting unity, no matter the odds.

Central to the event was a call for resistance against oppression and a show of solidarity with the people of Gaza. A poignant theatrical performance depicted the indifference of modern rulers toward Gaza, highlighting the moral imperative for action. Batman MP Serkan Ramanlı, speaking on the importance of unity and responsibility, captured the spirit of the gathering. “Palestine is our bleeding wound, Gaza is our unbearable pain. As the Islamic world, we are experiencing the humiliation of not being able to fulfill our responsibilities toward Gaza,” he began. Ramanlı’s speech struck a chord with attendees as he expressed a deep sense of shared suffering and a resolve to change the status quo.

Addressing the complexities of resistance, Ramanlı called on youth to adapt their methods to the times. “Our enemies are the oppressors, those who wage war on Islam,” he stated. “We know our enemies and our friends, and we must make this knowledge clear.” Ramanlı urged young people to be flexible, emphasizing that the form of resistance may vary depending on context. He reminded them that while some battles may call for the pen or the microphone, others may require direct action and sacrifice. “One day, if enemies come to our door, those who wield pens and microphones will know how to take up arms, as was done in Gaza, in our War of Independence, and in the face of occupations elsewhere,” he declared. Ramanlı’s words underscored the resilience of the Islamic community and the vital role youth play in confronting injustice.

Ramanlı spoke with passion about the enduring unity of the ummah, a bond that transcends borders and stands strong in the face of adversity. “Today, our hearts burn for Gaza, for Palestine, and for the oppressed across the world,” he declared. He emphasized that the Sykes-Picot borders drawn by colonial powers a century ago cannot confine the values of justice and brotherhood. “For us, Halabja, Gaza, Rohingya, Sarajevo—they are the same. We do not ask who the oppressor is; the oppressed are our brothers, and we stand with them.”

His statement that “borders cannot divide our conscience” resonated powerfully with attendees, many of whom had traveled from different regions to participate. Ramanlı underscored the concept of a universal community, united in faith and purpose. His words were a reminder that while political boundaries may separate them, their dedication to justice remains undivided.

After the speeches, attendees participated in an interactive charity bazaar area, where they could learn more about Gaza’s history and its current struggles through exhibitions, quotes, and images of key figures in the Palestinian resistance. The bazaar included “Who am I” animations and visual displays on the life and sacrifices of Palestinian martyrs, allowing participants to engage deeply with the historical context and current realities in Gaza.

Concluding the event, Ramanlı urged attendees to embody the values of unity and compassion in their daily lives. “Today, our duty is to remind Muslims of Muslims. We must bring our brothers and sisters back to the path of justice,” he said. He encouraged the youth to uplift those around them, awakening them to the shared struggles and fostering a collective awareness.

As the event drew to a close, the final words spoken echoed a sense of duty, unity, and purpose that resonated deeply with those present. “As long as we demand truth, speak it, and work for it, know that victory will be ours,” Ramanlı declared. His speech marked a powerful end to an event that had, throughout its duration, emphasized not only the immediate plight of Gaza but also the broader values of justice, faith, and unity that underpin the struggle of the Islamic community worldwide.

The day concluded with hymns and melodies celebrating the spirit of resistance, with participants exchanging thoughts and reflections as they left. The gathering in Diyarbakır was not only a show of solidarity with Gaza but also a reminder of the unbreakable bonds that unite the Islamic ummah—a testament to the strength and resilience of youth, standing tall with their values, no matter the challenges ahead. (ILKHA)