REPUBLICA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian children of six faiths, Islam, Christianity, Catholics, Hindus, Buddhists, Khonghucu pray for Palestinian children who are victims of the conflict in Gaza, Palestine. The prayers were extended during the event “Prayers and Poems for Palestine” held by the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Ministry of Religious Affairs) at Usmar Ismail Building, Jalan HR Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, Tuesday (2/1/2024) evening.

Alternately, the children looked special' reciting prayers based on their respective religious beliefs. In front of hundreds of audience members, they read the prayer aloud while standing.

“O God, our Lord, accept this simple prayer. Indonesian children's prayers for our friends in Palestine,” said the white-veiled daughter, Zhafira Askadinna Riesky as she ended her prayer, which was then answered “amen” by the other children.

In addition to praying for Palestinians, in this event there was also a handover of donations for the Palestinian people. First, a donation of Rp 3,381,888,260 was handed symbolically by the United Women's Dharma Adviser (DWP) of the Ministry of Commerce, Eny Retno Yaqut Cholil Qoumas. Secondly, a donation of Rp 41,520,207,987 was submitted by the Minister of Religious Affairs, Yaqut Cholil Qoumas (Gus Yaqut).

Yaqut said that a total of Rp 44.8 billion will be channeled to Palestine through Nahdlatul Ulama Zakat Institution (Lazisnu) and Zakat institution of Muhammadiyah (Lazismu). “The assistance we are delivering tonight is a form of concern for the extended family of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, including the DWP Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for the pain currently felt by our brothers in Palestine,” Yaqut said.

Also witnessing the handover of the aid, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair Al Shun. Gus Yaqut hopes the aid channeled can benefit the Palestinian people.

“We are very concerned about what is happening in Palestine. It's been more than 80 days of war going on there, and we hear of our brothers starving in Palestine. Hopefully this little bit of aid can relieve the Palestinian people,” explained Gus Yaqut.

This strand of Prayer and Poetry for Palestine is the opening of the 78th Bhakti Charity Day (HAB) series of the Ministry. In this event, Indonesian literati also recited beautiful verses for Palestinians, such as Mustofa Bisri (Gus Mus), Zawawi Imron, Sutardji Calzoum Bachri, Sosiawan Leak, Ine Febriyanti and Olivia Zalianty.

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