Bengaluru: Multi-faith leaders gather to celebrate Human Rights Day

Bengaluru: "Bridging Faiths for Palestine", a multi-faith prayer and solidarity programme, was organised by the coalition 'Bengaluru for Justice and Peace' in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

This event is part of a nationwide campaign calling for parliamentary action to impose an arms embargo on Israel and suspend all ties with the country.

The programme brought together leaders and followers from various faiths, including Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Sufism, Judaism, and atheism, to stand in solidarity with Palestine and mark International Human Rights Day.

The gathering featured participation from several religious leaders, including Protestant leaders Reverend Vinayraj, Rev Chitra, Rev Sophy, and Rev Immanuel; Shia scholars Moulana Qaim Abbas from Masjid al Qaim and Maulana Ali Baqar, an Indian Lebanese; Jewish educator Marcy Newman; Lingayat leader Guru Basava; Buddhist monk Bhante Tashi; Sufi saint Vali Ba; and Maulana Wahid, secretary of Jamat-e-Islami-Hind.

The leaders expressed their solidarity with Palestinians, linking their liberation to faith, justice, and human dignity. They condemned Israeli human rights violations and called for a united global stance against occupation and genocide.