Quds Day: A symbol of global unity and the pursuit of justice

Alie Komape

Quds Day, observed annually, is more than just a symbolic event. It is a moment for freedom-loving people around the world to unite in opposition to injustice and to amplify the voices of the oppressed. Although Quds Day was established in 1979 by Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, it has in many ways grown into a global emblem of unity and the pursuit of justice—values deeply rooted in South Africa's own struggle for liberation.

Palestine, with its rich history and culture, has long stood as a symbol of resistance against occupation and oppression. Al-Quds (Jerusalem) holds special significance for many around the world—not only as a holy site, but as a centre of historic and moral importance. The illegal occupation of this land by the Israeli regime (at the expense of the local Christian, Muslim, Jewish indigenous population) is not simply a political dispute; it is a moral and humanitarian crisis that the global community cannot ignore.

Quds Day transcends religion and geography. It is not only for one group or another. It is a day that brings together Muslims, Christians, Jews, and people of all faiths and ideologies who are committed to justice and human dignity. It serves as a reminder that the fight for Palestinian freedom is part of a broader struggle for universal human rights.

Since its revolution, the Islamic Republic of Iran has kept the Palestinian cause and the liberation of Quds at the centre of its foreign policy. Progressives view the Israeli regime as an occupying and illegitimate force, and the Palestinian resistance as the voice of a people facing ongoing oppression. The initiation and continuation of Quds Day as a day of resistance against oppression also serves as a rejection of unequal deals like the Oslo Accords and the so-called "Deal of the Century."

One of the proposals is a democratic solution to the crisis: a national referendum involving all original inhabitants of Palestine—Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike—to determine the future of the land. This idea, supported by Iran and others, aligns with democratic principles and international legal standards, and serves as a rational alternative to endless violence and displacement. This Quds day it should be considered again.

South Africa, given its own history of resistance against racial segregation and apartheid, has a moral responsibility to support oppressed people everywhere. Our past teaches us that injustice can be overcome through international solidarity, persistence, and resistance. Just as the global anti-apartheid movement played a crucial role in our liberation, we now have the opportunity to be that same voice for Palestine.

Our government’s decision to bring Israel’s crimes in Gaza before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is a courageous step that reflects this responsibility. Despite efforts by some to undermine or distort this action, South Africa’s stance remains grounded in the universal principles of human rights and justice.

Quds Day carries a clear message: silence in the face of oppression is complicity. It calls on all people of conscience to raise their voices in support of the Palestinian cause and to actively oppose injustice. Al-Quds is not only a city—it is a symbol of hope, resistance, and the human spirit’s refusal to submit to tyranny.

As Nelson Mandela famously declared, "South Africa’s freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians." This is not a slogan; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that justice for one is justice for all.

Let us, the people of South Africa, use Quds Day and other similar international initiatives. as a time to reflect on our shared struggles and to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine and all oppressed peoples. Let us honour the legacy of leaders like Oliver Tambo, who said, “The fight for freedom must go on until it is won."

Quds Day invites us to act out of a deep and shared commitment to justice and humanity. May all freedom-loving people, including the proud citizens of South Africa, seize this opportunity to stand united for a more just and peaceful world.

Quds Day is marked this year on March 28. 

**Alie Komape is an activist with #Africa4palestine

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