Palestine Matters #1: Why Every Malaysian Should Care About Palestine (Even If You Think It’s Not Your Problem)?

A Palestinian boy holds a Palestinian flag, 29 December 2017 [Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency]

As a parent, there’s nothing more heart-wrenching than seeing a child suffer. The sight of a young boy in a Gaza hospital, gasping for his last breath, shattered me. He looked slightly older than my 3-year-old son, and at that moment, I felt a profound sense of helplessness and rage. This isn’t just about religion or politics; it’s about the basic human instinct to protect the innocent.

“Rest in pieces, baby killer!” I angrily tweeted at a Zionist trying to defend the Zionist regime’s genocidal actions. This is not me. This is not who I am. I work for a respectable regional think tank based in Malaysia. I write policy-oriented articles. This was not my finest moment. Why did I do that? Because I was overwhelmed by the horror of what I had just witnessed. Watching these videos, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like if it were my own children. The thought paralysed me—how do you explain to your child that the world has abandoned them? This is why I care so deeply about Palestine. It’s not just about a distant conflict; it’s about our shared humanity.

41,000 Palestinian Lives Lost: This Is Genocide

The numbers are staggering, almost incomprehensible: over 41,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed in Gaza. This isn’t a religious conflict – it’s genocide. The roots of this violence lie not in religious differences but in colonialism and the systemic theft of Palestinian land. The situation in Gaza, where millions are trapped under a relentless blockade, is about power, land, and survival.

The word “genocide” carries heavy historical baggage. We’ve seen it in Rwanda, in Bosnia, and now, we’re witnessing it in Gaza, live on our social media feeds. As Malaysians, we cannot turn a blind eye. Since its Independence, our nation has always been a vocal champion of the Global South, standing up against injustices and atrocities worldwide. Malaysia has always taken a stand from our peacekeeping missions in Congo in the 1960s to our support for the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. Supporting Palestine is a continuation of this legacy, a testament to our nation’s commitment to justice.

A Personal Story: Ahmad Alhamadin

Let me introduce you to Ahmad Alhamadin, a 24-year-old Palestinian medical student currently studying at Mansoura University in Egypt. Due to the Gaza genocide, Ahmad has limited contact with his family and is facing an extremely difficult economic situation.

My father has supported his education since 2022, covering his tuition fees and other expenses. He will continue to do so for Ahmad’s final practical training, which he must pay for as a Palestinian. Right now, I am raising funds to support Ahmad’s daily expenses to ensure he can complete his education and achieve his dream of becoming a doctor.

Ahmad’s story is one of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. His family, once middle-class and highly educated, is now torn apart by war. Their beautiful house, 2 km from the northern border, has been destroyed. Ahmad’s mother and siblings live in tents in southern Gaza, while his father and other family members are in a school in northern Gaza. They struggle to find clean water, living in conditions that no human being should have to endure.

Ahmad’s dream is to finish his medical training and return to Gaza to help his people. But without support, his years of hard work will be wasted. This is why I’m fundraising for him: his story is not just about survival – it’s about hope, resilience, and the belief that even in the darkest times, we can make a difference.

Addressing Criticism: Why This Is Different

I understand that some of you may feel that the focus on Palestine is disproportionate compared to other global or local issues. I’ve heard the arguments: why not speak out more about the Rohingya or the violence in Sudan or the Congo? Why not focus on discrimination faced by non-Muslims in Malaysia?

These are valid concerns, and they deserve attention. But the situation in Gaza is different. This is not just another conflict – it’s a systematic, ongoing genocide. Babies and children are being murdered, and to trivialise this by comparing it to other issues is to deny the humanity of those suffering. As Malaysians, we are better than this.

Our history as a nation has been one of standing up for the oppressed, regardless of religion, race, or geography. From our peacekeeping missions to our vocal support for global justice, Malaysia has always balanced domestic concerns with a global perspective. Our support for Palestine does not detract from the challenges we face at home. Instead, it reinforces our commitment to justice, both locally and globally. This is our legacy, and we must continue to uphold it.

Moving Beyond Rhetoric: What Can We Do?

So, what can we do? Start by learning more about the situation, not just from social media but from credible sources. Support policy changes like the ratification of the Refugee Convention, which could offer a lifeline to those fleeing violence. Donate to trusted organisations that provide aid directly to the people of Gaza. Each small action contributes to a larger movement for justice.

I’m not asking you to join protests or boycotts, though that helps. I’m asking you to care, to read about the issue, to ask questions, and to engage with the reality of what is happening in Gaza. Many non-Muslims in Malaysia are already doing this, and I applaud you. But we can do more.

Caring about Palestine does not mean ignoring the challenges faced by our fellow Malaysians. It’s about recognising that justice and human rights are universal values. They apply to the people of Gaza just as much as they do to the people of Malaysia.

Conclusion: Advocating for Justice

The Israel-Palestine conflict is not a religious war; it’s a struggle against colonialism, oppression, and genocide. My support for Palestine, even when expressed in anger and frustration on social media, comes from a belief in justice. This does not diminish my concern for the rights of all Malaysians. Speaking out against the atrocities in Gaza is about standing up for what is right, no matter where it is needed. We must continue to speak out, resist attempts to silence us and work towards a world where justice prevails for all.

I refuse to live in a world where some people are allowed to murder babies without any consequences. If someone murdered your son, daughter, niece, or nephew, you wouldn’t just stand by. So, don’t stay silent now. Standing up for Palestine means standing up for what we believe in.