Sri Lanka businesses raise funds for war-ravaged Gaza: ‘Palestine’s victory awaits’ : Analysis

In Colombo, Sri Lanka, the Dolci Falasteen restaurant is usually quiet, offering an escape from the busy city life. However, on a Sunday afternoon, the restaurant becomes a bustling hub of activity as young entrepreneurs gather to raise funds for Palestine, following Israel’s recent assault on Gaza. Aisha Altaf, a 24-year-old entrepreneur, organized the fundraiser through her foundation, LURE, and invited other businesses to participate by setting up stalls and donating a portion of their proceeds to Gaza. The event has received support from the Africa Muslims Agency, which will use the funds to provide aid, including hot meals and winter jackets, to the victims of the conflict.

At the fundraiser, 14-year-old Mumina Hilmy sells crocheted bracelets and key tags with the colors of the Palestinian flag, while visitors like Miquelaa Fernando come to show their support for the cause. The event offers a variety of products for sale, including cosmetics, food, perfumes, toys, and stationery, and serves as a symbol of solidarity with Palestine. Entrepreneurs like Sajida Shabir, who sells homemade food, see the fundraiser as an opportunity to contribute more than just money and make a meaningful impact.

The political and historical context in Sri Lanka plays a role in shaping the perception of the conflict. Sinhalese nationalist groups, who share similar ideas to Zionism, see the Gaza Strip tragedy as an opportunity to highlight perceived hypocrisy by Western powers, who showed favoritism towards Israel while calling for investigations into alleged war crimes committed during Sri Lanka’s own civil war. Sri Lankan Tamils, who see parallels between Israel’s assault on Gaza and their own experiences during the civil war, have also taken part in demonstrations calling for an end to the attacks.

Overall, the article presents a first-person account of the fundraiser, highlighting the motivations of the organizers, participants, and visitors. It emphasizes the solidarity and empathy towards the Palestinian cause felt by these individuals and the impact they hope to achieve through their efforts. However, it’s important to consider the potential biases in the article, given that it was published by Al Jazeera, which is owned by the government of Qatar, a country that has been supportive of the Palestinian cause. It’s also worth noting that the article does not provide any perspectives or quotes from individuals who may hold different views or opinions on the conflict. As with any news article, it is crucial to seek multiple sources and perspectives to form a well-rounded understanding of the situation.

Source: Aljazeera news: ‘Palestine will win’: Sri Lanka businesses raise funds for war-ravaged Gaza