‘Plant a Tree Save a Life’ Mombasa edition for Nov. 8

The awe-inspiring awareness and fundraising programme for Gaza last week at Uhuru Park in Nairobi has injected enthusiasm into the drive to support the Palestinian cause.

Inspired by the Nairobi event, various religious and community leaders in Mombasa have set the ball rolling for a similar programme in Mombasa planned for November 8 with the venue being the sea front location of Mama Ngina Drive.

The ‘Plant a Tree Save a Life’ event will be held under the auspices of the Voices For Palestine in partnership with the Mombasa-based Al Haajar TV and the Mombasa County government.

In a joint announcement on Friday, Sheikh Yusuf Abdo urged Mombasa residents to turn up in large numbers and participate in the programme as a show of support towards the cause for Gaza. “We share their pain and suffering and appreciate that in the spirit of humanity, people around the world have come out to show their solidarity with the people of Gaza, and it will be our turn to express our unwavering support,” the Mombasa-based scholar said.

The Chairperson of the Pwani People's Religious Leaders Forum, Sheikh Abu Qatada, said the event at Uhuru Park demonstrated that by standing together, Kenyans can play an important role in alleviating the suffering of the people of Gaza who are in the midst of an unprecedented genocide undertaken by the Israeli occupation.

“We were extremely happy about the organization of the Nairobi event where thousands turned up to show their solidarity for the people of Gaza, and this serves as a motivation for us to stand and support our brothers and sisters in Gaza” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Mombasa county government, Dr Kame Mbwarali, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education and Vocational Training, stressed that the local administration was committed to the programme will provide all the necessary support to ensure its success. “This is not about Muslims but humanity. Globally, people from all faith backgrounds have risen up to show their solidarity for the people of Gaza and condemned the excesses being committed against the Palestinians,” he said.

The chairman of the Voices For Palestine, Ahmed Sharrif said the tree planting programme will be an opportune moment for Mombasa residents to contribute towards funding urgent medical and humanitarian efforts for the people of Gaza. “We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Gaza. We will be launching a tree planting programme as well as fundraising for the people of Gaza. It remains our collective responsibility and obligation to help the people of Gaza,” he said.

In his remarks, the station manager for Al Hajaar TV, Muhammad Hateeb said a target of Sh30 million has been set for collection for Gaza, a figure almost double the Sh17 million raised during the Nairobi event.

He said the media house will work with other agencies in creating awareness and mobilizing residents to turn up in big numbers for the event.

Other partners in the programme include Al Khair Foundation, which was represented by the country director Muhammad Tariq and Al Yateem Project Group under the chairmanship of Sheikh Muhammad Obbo.

Contributions towards the cause for Gaza can be made through Mpesa paybill number 150770, Account Tree4Gaza.