The Palestinian community in Limkokwing University commemorated the 65th anniversary of the ‘Nakba’, which was attended by the Palestine ambassador Abdul Aziz Abughoush and well-renowned Palestinian fine artist and poet, Marwan Al Alan.
Nakba, which means catastrophe in Arabic, is a commemoration of the displacement of more than 800,000 Palestinians that preceded and followed the Israel declaration of independence. The Nakba day is observed annually by Palestinians all over the world to honour unified Palestine Identity and the right to return home for refugees.
Drawings and paintings showing the land of the Palestinians, depicting their plight for their land, adorned the plaza, and culture rich Palestinian music and dance performances kept the audience entertained.
Speaking at the event, Palestinian student representative, Sherif Salem said the Palestinians were grateful for Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing and Limkokwing University for the continued support towards Palestine. He said, “We would like to thank Tan Sri Lim Kok Wing and the University for their support. Tan Sri Lim has done a lot to make the world aware of the Palestinian plight, and he has always supported us.”
He continued to say that Palestine still needs much help in reinstating Palestinian refugees and war prisoners back to their homeland. He said what Tan Sri Lim has done for Palestine will forever remain in their hearts because it has brought them more support from the world.
“Tan Sri Lim has made our plight known to the world, we will always remember what he did for us, and we will always be grateful,” he said.
Tan Sri Lim has worked hard to bring awareness to the horrors faced by the Palestinians, and to garner support towards stopping the atrocity and rebuild the nation. He set campaigns, one in 2004, named ‘Plight of the Palestinians, A Nation Denied A Homeland’ and the 2009 ‘Plight of the Palestinians: From Grim to Bleak.’ The campaign raised funds which were used for medical support in Palestine.
The event continued with an Arabic poem about rebuilding Palestine, by Marwan Al Alan, and more student performances, including the Palestinian folkloric ‘Dubka’ dance, and a fascinating and intricate Palestinian martial arts show.