TEHRAN- The last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan marks International Quds Day, a day dedicated to showing solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle against Israeli occupation.

This annual event was first initiated by the late Imam Khomeini, founder of the Islamic Republic, in 1979 as a way to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians and to call for the liberation of Quds.

During the Pahlavi era, the United States controlled the majority of Iran's industries and capital, endangering the freedom and independence of the Iranian people. In response, Imam Khomeini voiced his opposition, sparking a movement that culminated in the Islamic Revolution.

The Islamic Revolution, led by Imam Khomeini, aimed to secure Iran's independence and freedom from American and Israeli influence in the region, which controlled Iran's resources.

Under the Pahlavi regime, Israel, much like the U.S., wielded significant control over Iran's resources and wealth, with many vital projects falling under the Zionist regime's purview without hindrance. 

The Shah's unwavering support for the U.S. and Israel further entrenched their dominance, evident in how Zionists leveraged profits from Iranian projects to reinforce their occupation of Palestinian territories and suppress the downtrodden Palestinian people.

Imam Khomeini's leadership during the Islamic Revolution not only led to the expulsion of American and Israeli nationals and advisors from Iran but also stripped them of their grip on the country's wealth and resources. With foresight and wisdom, he emphasized the core principles of the Islamic Revolution and reinstated its sacred revolutionary objectives by assigning significance to key days in the Iranian calendar to honor the principles of the Islamic Revolution and its martyrs.

Moreover, his support for oppressed peoples worldwide, particularly the Palestinians, transcended borders, leading him to call on Muslims globally to observe Quds Day in solidarity with the Palestinian cause following the Israeli bombing of southern Lebanon in 1979.

Imam Khomeini believed it was the duty of all Muslims to support the Palestinians and stand up against injustices inflicted by the Israeli regime. He saw Quds Day as a way to unite Muslims from around the world in a common cause and to show that they were not alone in their struggle against occupiers.

Since its inception, Quds Day has grown to become an important event for Muslims and supporters of the Palestinian people, with millions participating in rallies across the world to call for an end to Israeli occupation.

The legacy of Imam Khomeini and his dedication to the Palestinian cause continues to inspire people to stand up for justice and to speak out against oppression. His vision of a world free from tyranny and injustice is one that resonates with people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Today, as Quds Day unfolds amidst the ongoing Israeli genocidal attacks on Gaza with support from its Western allies, particularly the U.S., the importance of demonstrating solidarity with the Palestinian people is more vital than ever. 

The global community is called upon to stand united against the injustices faced by the Palestinians, who continue to struggle against occupation and violence. The observance of Quds Day serves as a poignant reminder of the need for collective action to uphold justice and advocate for the rights of all oppressed communities in the face of aggression and persecution.

SAB/PA