On the first anniversary of Israel’s genocide against Palestine, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University held a press statement on October 7, 2024, in front of the School of Foreign Languages building. The statement was delivered by Furkan Çavdar, a third-year student of the Faculty of Theology. The event was attended by Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil, Vice Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Ali Güneş, Secretary-General Dr. Hüseyin İlter, representatives from various NGOs, academic and administrative staff, as well as students.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Furkan Çavdar highlighted that after one year of ongoing brutality, thousands of children, women, elderly, and young people have lost their lives due to Israel's attacks. He emphasized that international silence over the year has legitimized Israel's inhumane massacres, allowing Israel to continue its occupation and oppression in Palestine. Çavdar stated:
"Palestine has become a symbol of resistance that echoes worldwide. A call must spread from resistance to resurgence. Palestine’s pain should not be seen as its own alone. Every heart that trembles and every voice that cries out must encourage our Palestinian brothers and sisters. We must fulfill our duties toward them. Our most powerful weapon against the murderous Israel is economic sanctions. We must use this weapon wisely by boycotting specific products and services. Until the whole world recognizes Palestine as a free state, we will continue to shout out this cause. Victory is near, and victory belongs to the believers."
Following the press statement, prayers were said for Palestine. Rector of KAEU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kasım Karahocagil emphasized that Israel would be held accountable for the genocide both in this world and the next, and expressed his gratitude to all who showed sensitivity and supported the press statement.
Press Statement on Palestine:
The international silence over the genocide that has persisted for a year only legitimizes Israel’s inhumane massacres. The murderer Israel has intensified its occupation and oppression in Palestine, continuing its terror and barbarity. This "murderous spirit" spills the blood of innocent people in Jerusalem, Gaza, and the West Bank, trampling on human dignity. With no moral values, Israel is conducting its massacres "state-sponsored," attacking indiscriminately, regardless of age or gender, day by day. Many countries, responding with "silent answers" to the cries coming from Gaza, are declaring themselves accomplices in this barbarity. The "civilization masks" worn by Western countries, who claim to defend human rights, overlook these massacres and protect Israel either directly or indirectly.
Palestine has become a symbol of resistance that resonates with people worldwide. From resistance to resurgence, a reaction must spread across the globe. Palestine's pain should not be seen as Palestine’s pain alone. Every trembling heart and every crying voice should embolden our Palestinian brothers and sisters. Today should mark a new beginning for our Palestinian brothers and sisters. Let us all unite under the banner of Islam in the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
We must fulfill our responsibilities toward our Palestinian brothers and sisters. Our most powerful weapon against murderous Israel is economic sanctions. Therefore, we must use this weapon wisely and choose to boycott specific products and services. Although alternatives are scarce, we must strive to produce all the goods and services ourselves that we boycott. Their only strength lies in exploitation and deceit. Like during the time of the Prophet, let us stand with truth and against falsehood. These forces are only as strong as what we give them! We will strike them with their own weapons and give no passage to their tyranny.
This voice will strike down the oppression that encircles the world like a hammer of justice. Until the entire world recognizes Palestine as a free state, we will continue to shout out this cause. October 7th is not the end but rather the beginning of a new world.
My brother, remember that with every step you take, you get the strength of Jerusalem. Victory is near, and victory belongs to the believers. We will die once but rise a thousand times! The bombs will cease, the cries will stop, and from the river to the sea, a free Palestine will emerge!
Do not be sad! The owner of this cause is Allah. Victory is certain in a cause that is true.
May hell be the eternal home for tyrants!