AN Imam that has served the Aberdeen community for almost two decades has lost more than 30 members of his immediate family during Israel's assault on Gaza.
The Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre (AMIC) confirmed the news online that Ibrahim Alwawi and his wife lost several direct relatives – including many children – in 24 hours over Hogmanay as bombing reportedly escalated.
At least 156 people were killed in Gaza on January 1, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health. Since the October 7 attacks, 21,000 people across Gaza have been killed.
The AMIC also published a statement thanking the community for their support in the Press and Journal.
The statement said: “He has lost many immediate family members in the Israeli bombing in the last 24 hours. In total over 30 persons in his and his wife’s immediate family have been murdered by occupying forces of Israel.”
READ MORE: Israel to defend itself at UN court over genocide claim
“We would like to thank everyone for the kind support shown to Imam Ibrahim, his family and all other Palestinians in Scotland and around the world at this difficult time. We pray that Allah brings ease to those injured and suffering, those who have lost family members and also those who have been displaced by the continued Israeli bombardment on a civilian population.
“Despite attempts in the general mainstream media to downplay what is happening in Palestine we feel that the general public is now able to see more clearly the genocidal and indiscriminate bombing that is taking place in Gaza at the hands of the Israeli Defence Force.
“We urge the Government and local politicians to endorse a complete ceasefire to be implemented without delay.”
READ MORE: Hamas official killed by Israeli drone in Lebanon
A member of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign and the AMIC said the Iman is “in a place of very deep pain”.
Yasmin Mahdi said: “Along with the deep personal pain, he has to carry on and continue his role of being there for the community. Despite how personal this issue is to him, he has been attending the mosque and his duties and doing his best.
“It’s a horrible time for him.”
She added: “People are just in very deep pain and there is a feeling of hopelessness, as we don’t see what the world is doing to stop this.
“There is a real feeling of sadness as we can see our children in the children in Gaza.
“We are campaigning for a ceasefire. People are now starving so if they don’t die in the bombing, they would die of starvation.”
Mahdi, 38, was born in Egypt and has lived in Aberdeen for 20 years.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel