The forum, held by the National Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) in Jakarta, saw the attendance of prominent figures, including BAZNAS Chairman KH Noor Achmad, Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta and House of Representatives Commission VIII Chairman H. Marwan Dasopang.

Delegates from international partners also took part in the forum, including Sahar Nasr from Bayt Zakat wa Shadaqat, Amr Mamdouh Sayed of the Misr El Kheir (MEK) Foundation, Hamed Ibrahim Hamed Abdelmonem of Shuna’a al-Hayah, Wesam Nizar Odeh Aisaka from JHCO, Madeleine el-Sallag of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation, Abdullah Ay from Hayrat Yardim and Jan Patrick Schnell of the United Nations relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

"As we gather here, we bear a shared responsibility, not just to acknowledge the profound wounds of our family in Palestine but [also] to actively participate in healing them," minister Nasaruddin said in his opening remarks on Nov. 19, 2024.

The recent conflicts had contributed to the suffering of the Palestinian people, which stemmed from decades of injustice, displacement and generational hardship, he said.

"Standing together today, we must draw strength from their resilience. We must honor it by ensuring our words and actions align with the dignity and justice the Palestinian people deserve."

The minister also called on all stakeholders to unite as global citizens, driven by the belief that peace is achievable.

"This is not a time for passive sympathy. It is a time for active support and collective action. Healing begins when we voice justice, amplify the cries of the oppressed, demand acknowledgment of violence and occupation and affirm that all people deserve to live with dignity, freedom and security."

The BAZNAS chairman echoed this call, citing President Prabowo Subianto’s firm stance on realizing an independent Palestinian state.

"As an example of Indonesia’s commitment, BAZNAS has provided aid to 400,525 people in Gaza through the [agency’s] Washing the Wounds of Palestine program. The initiative has surpassed its fundraising target, collecting Rp 305 billion [US$19.2 million], well above the initial target of Rp 250 billion," said Noor.

He underlined that the BAZNAS International Forum served as more than a gathering, and that it was a platform to consolidate resources, share experiences and integrate the best efforts of global humanitarian organizations.

"We aim to ensure this forum fosters strong synergy among all participants, resulting in a broader and more meaningful impact for those in need," he said.

Noor also expressed gratitude to all participants and institutions involved in humanitarian efforts for vulnerable peoples around the world.

"Your presence and contributions to this forum are a testament to our collective commitment to addressing global humanitarian challenges. May Allah SWT bless our efforts and grant us the strength to fulfill this significant mandate," he said.

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