President says Gaza needs donations not jihadists

Jakarta, NU Online
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called on the public Saturday to provide donations “in whatever form”, as besieged Gaza residents remain in dire need of basic necessities, such as food, medicine and electricity.

He reminded the public, however, that sending jihad fighters to the conflict area was not what the Palestinians needed.<>

“I’ve talked to Middle East leaders, to the Palestinian ambassador to Indonesia, to the UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia…and [the conclusion is] additional weaponry, bombs, rockets, tanks, or air power are not what the Gazans need.” Yudhoyono said.

“What they badly need are food, medicines, electricity and medical equipment, so let’s channel our solidarity and jihad by giving them what they need to survive. That is the way to save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Palestine.”

The president reiterated his disappointment with the UN’s “slow” action in handling the conflict, which he called an “outrageous tragedy to humanity that the world cannot let continue”.

He praised the initiative by Baznas, the state charity collector, to amass donations for Palestinians.

Baznas chair Didin Hafidhudin said they had raised Rp 500 million (approximately US$45,000) during the Saturday event for Gaza people. It has also set up bank accounts to take in deposits for humanitarian relief. (jp/dar)