MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, JAKARTA — Muhammadiyah plans to build a museum dedicated to documenting the suffering of Palestinians under Israeli occupation.
“We have been planning for eight months to build a museum similar to the Holocaust Museum, but focusing on the victims of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people,” said the Muhammadiyah Chairperson Syafiq Mughni in the National Coordination Meeting and Grand IKADI Award 2024 conducted at Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel, Jakarta on Friday to Sunday, November 1-3.
“We have been planning for eight months to build a museum similar to the Holocaust Museum, but focusing on the victims of Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people,” said Syafiq, who is also a professor of Islamic studies.
Initially, Muhammadiyah had secured a location in Jakarta for the museum, but the plan fell through due to unforeseen circumstances.
“We had found a location in Jakarta, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out. So, we are currently searching for an alternative,” Syafiq explained. He added that the organization is open to considering locations outside of Jakarta if necessary.
Syafiq called on the participants of the conference, including religious leaders, to support the museum project.
“It doesn’t have to be in Jakarta; it could be anywhere. This will serve as a powerful reminder of the injustices committed against the Palestinian people,” he said.
The museum, expected to be a center for education and remembrance, aims to raise awareness of the Palestinian misery and the importance of human rights and peace in the Middle East. This initiative shows international solidarity and aligns with Muhammadiyah commitment to the concept of Islam as a religion of peace and mercy to all (rahmatan lil ‘alamin).