Indonesian Humanitarian Activist Acknowledged for Commitment to Palestinians in Gaza
Abdillah Onim, an Indonesian humanitarian activist, was recently honored for his unwavering dedication and contributions to the people of Palestine in the besieged Gaza Strip. The Muhammadiyah University of Prof.Dr. Hamka (Uhamka) presented him with a lifetime achievement award, recognizing his efforts in assisting the Palestinians.
Onim, who is a graduate of Uhamka’s Faculty of Islamic Studies, shared his experiences as a humanitarian worker at an event commemorating Uhamka’s 66th anniversary. He recounted the brutality he witnessed during the recent Israeli-Palestinian conflict that erupted on October 7.
Having worked as a volunteer for the Medical Emergency Rescue Committee (MER-C) in Gaza since 2009, Onim considers Palestine his second home after Indonesia. He expressed his deep connection to the Palestinian cause and highlighted the suffering endured by the people of Gaza, regardless of their religion.
Onim and his family, including his Palestinian wife and three children, were successfully evacuated from Gaza with the assistance of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry and Embassy in Egypt. They crossed the Rafah border crossing in Egypt on November 3, escaping the dire conditions caused by Israel’s ongoing bombardment.
Grateful for the support, Onim emphasized the need for continued donations and efforts to educate the Indonesian public about the true history of Palestine. He firmly believes in the values of humanity and advocates for the abolition of all forms of colonialism, aligning with Indonesia’s 1945 Constitution.
During the recent conflict, President Joko Widodo expressed Indonesia’s solidarity with Palestine and its support for the Palestinian people. He urged the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to unite and work towards resolving the Gaza crisis. President Widodo also conveyed these sentiments when meeting with US President Joe Biden and at the 30th Asia Pacific Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
The war in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over eleven thousand Palestinian civilians and triggered a humanitarian crisis in the region. International recognition and acknowledgment of individuals like Abdillah Onim highlight the importance of humanitarian work and the need for global efforts to bring lasting peace to Palestine.
As the world continues to navigate these challenging times, it is crucial that individuals and nations prioritize compassion, understanding, and support for those affected by conflicts and humanitarian crises, recognizing that we are all part of the same humanity.
