“Just be around. You don’t have to bring food or money. Just be around”
This heartfelt request came from a Filipino-Palestinian refugee to Assistant Professor Darwin J. Absari after they were relocated from a dormitory on the UP Diliman campus to their temporary residence in Rizal. This plea underscored a profound truth: for those who have lost almost everything, human presence often means more than material assistance.
Asst. Prof. Absari, representing the UP Institute of Islamic Studies, facilitated humanitarian aid with the support of the University of the Philippines Diliman. Reflecting on the refugee’s words, he realized that “money is not important, but the presence of people who are helping them; money is only secondary.”
In line with this understanding, the UP Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS) remains committed to providing ongoing support to these families as part of its extension project. A recent fundraiser event held May 19, 2024, at the 2nd Floor Plaza, Virata Hall, UP Diliman campus exemplified this dedication, featuring a series of engaging activities designed to foster community and solidarity.
The morning events began with the “Little Gaza Bazaar”, a vibrant display of Palestinian culinary skills and craftsmanship. Featuring Mediterranean cuisine and handmade products, the bazaar has become a vital source of livelihood for the refugees. Delicacies like Maqluba and Biryani, along with traditional Keffiyehs, attracted customers from various UP units, neighboring communities, and other barangays in Metro Manila.
The afternoon session took a more intimate turn with Filipino-Palestinian families sharing their poignant stories of war, love, family, and career development. The session opened with a warm welcome from Dr. Henelito Sevilla, Dean of the UP Asian Center. He stressed that true support goes beyond mere assistance; it requires a deep understanding of the Palestinian people’s history and struggles. This theme resonated throughout the activity titled “Stories of Fil-Palestinian Families.” Rather than focusing solely on the trauma of Gaza, the refugees shared personal stories of resilience and love. They spoke of surviving prolonged conflicts and how their affection for their Filipino spouses and families gave them strength. These narratives also highlighted how Gaza, despite its turmoil, has provided them with education and opportunities, with many having completed higher education and some holding advanced degrees. This nuanced portrayal presented Gaza not just as a war zone but as a place capable of nurturing its people’s aspirations and talents.
The event concluded with a powerful solidarity walk, where hundreds of individuals joined in a show of support, rallying behind the hashtag #PagkakaisaparasaPalestine. The atmosphere was overwhelmed with unity as participants held placards and chanted, “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free.”
This fundraiser event drew nearly a thousand supporters, fostering a profound sense of community and solidarity. It highlighted the shared humanity and resilience of Filipino-Palestinian refugees, while also drawing attention to the broader Palestinian community’s ongoing struggles.
The event was a collaborative effort, organized by the UP Institute of Islamic Studies and the Moro-Palestinian Cooperation Team, with contributions from the UP Muslim Students’ Association, PTV4 Salam Radyo, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos-Bureau of Muslim Economic Affairs, the Muslim Inter-Organizational Meeting (MIOM), Thinking Ummah, Mubaarak Fresh Food, Taha Foundation, Salam Pilipinas, and Performance Alliance for Palestine.
One reply on “UP IIS and Partners conduct Solidarity and Support for Filipino-Palestinian Refugees through a Fundraiser Event”
[…] Photo from iis.upd.edu.ph […]