“If that is true, what kind of God is that? Choosing a people that massacre civilians? Of course, that is not true.”
This was the call out of Islamic Studies Students Association (ISSA) to Israeli amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, during the forum called “A Call for Humanity” last February 28.
Prof. Isnira Baginda, JD, one of the speakers of the said event, stressed the use of religion for inhuman acts.
"You cannot kill civilians and say to the word that you are the chosen people. The Israelis cannot kill Palestinian civilians and say “Hey, we are the chosen people of God,” she said.
"If we [will] not take an action, mangyayari at mangyayari ang lahat ng bagay na iyan because there will always be forces of evil and the forces of good in this world."
She added that the conflict is a test to humanity and it's not all about quarrel across religion but a fight for the right.
Meanwhile, Rev. Gadner Salazar Compasion, a Christian pastor, which he talked about the importance of unity between different faiths, believes that the interfaith engagement ignites people across faith and ideological lines.
On the other hand, Mr. Shiekh Abdurrahim Abtahi, also one of the speakers of the aforementioned event, points up the international relativity of Muslim MSUans to the people affected in the said dispute
"Well this kind of advocacy, yung nga ganitong klaseng mga event is nakakareflect ito sa mga students such as mas natatranslate yung itong klase ng program na mas lalong nakikita ng isang Muslim ang kanang mga kapwa niya Muslim, ibang bansa mn ito, maging ditong klase ng mga forum," Abdurrahim added.
Limited Time
Students gave their insights from the event, saying that the time allotted for the program is not enough for the in-depth discussions and explanations between themselves together with the guest people.
One of them was Frances Arron Odog, a 2nd year Sociology student, saying that there should be more in-depth topics to talk about but the time was not enough.
"I could have expected a more in-depth discussion on the role of religion and the conflict of Israel-Palestine but I'm kind of like sufficed man ang mga answers nila, I could have expected like siguro gi whole day ang discussion because it's really a way for MSUans to be open about the seeming complex issue," he said.
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