Indonesia raises Rp767 mln for Palestinians at solidarity night

Jakarta, Aug 14 (ANTARA) - The National Alms Agency (Baznas) and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Parekraf) raised Rp767 million (approximately US$49,000) during the Palestine Solidarity Night on Tuesday.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Baznas head Noor Achmad said the event was organized to provide a platform for people to come together and contribute to the aid of Palestinians suffering from the ongoing Israeli invasion.

Besides donations, the event, which was attended by Parekraf Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, also featured an auction that was expected to boost the total funds raised for Palestinians.

"Mr. Sandiaga personally invited 250 guests and colleagues from Malaysia, Singapore, and Palestine here," he added.

The official then expressed the hope that the charity event would help build people's awareness about the urgent need for taking action to ease the burden of the oppressed Palestinian people.

"I hope that we all can provide aid while strengthening our solidarity to push for an end to the tragedy happening in Palestine," he said.

Meanwhile, Minister Uno lauded Baznas for collaborating with his ministry to organize the charity event, noting that such synergy serves as a testament to the government's commitment to helping those in need, both at home and abroad.

"As a nation known for its high level of solidarity and compassion, Indonesian people share a moral responsibility to help and strengthen others. Through this event, we can send a message that Indonesia is poised to fight for justice and humanity," he stated.

The Palestine Solidarity Night began with the Charity Run for Palestine in the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium complex. A book entitled BACA: Our Heart Speaks by Palestinian author Fatma Noor was also launched on the occasion, according to Baznas' Instagram post.