Kastamonu University Theology Undergraduate Completion (ILITAM) students supported Jerusalem and Palestine. The event started with Hüsamettin Akyüz's recitation of the Holy Quran and Mustafa Şanlı's prayer. Afterwards, Mehmet Yılmaz made an impressive speech and prayed for the end of the suffering of our Palestinian brothers and sisters and peace in Jerusalem. The Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, the Deputy Deans, Prof. Dr. Ali Albayrak and Çiğdem Gülmez, and the faculty members of the Faculty of Theology were present at the occasion.
Jerusalem: A Symbol and a Test
Yılmaz stated that the Palestinian cause is not only the cause of Arabs or Muslims but of everyone who has humanity and compassion in their hearts. “A humanity that leaves food even for animals on the streets so that they do not starve cannot be expected to remain silent on this cause. We will carry water to the fire of Prophet Abraham like an ant so that our side will be clear,” he said, calling for support for Palestine on behalf of humanity.
Emphasizing that it is not possible to continue daily life without reacting, Yılmaz reminded us that even countries with different religious beliefs do not remain silent on the Palestinian issue. “We have gathered here with you, our brothers and sisters who are students of knowledge, to be able to say, ‘Oh God, this is what I did; I did not keep silent about the oppression, I shouted out, I did not support the Zionists’”, he said, giving a message of unity and solidarity.
Heartfelt Prayers and Support for Palestine
Yılmaz emphasised the importance of praying for our Palestinian brothers and sisters after every prayer and said, “If we say, 'Lord, make me feel the pain of our brothers and sisters in my heart so that I can pray to you sincerely, we can be at peace. It means we have protected this cause as much as possible.”
He concluded his speech by saying, “May my Lord grant us the opportunity to address ‘Yâ eyyetuhâ-nnefsu-lmutme-inne(tu) Irji'î ilâ rabbiki râdiyeten merdiyye(ten) Fedḣulî fî ’ibâdî Vedḣulî heavenî' together with our Palestinian brothers. Thank you very much for listening to me. God willing, insha'Allah", Mehmet Yılmaz gave the participants emotional moments.
