Today’s Earnings for Gaza” Campaign Launch Event H...

The launch event for the “Today’s Earnings for Gaza” campaign, organized under the leadership of Pendik Municipality to support Gaza, was held at Yunus Emre Cultural and Arts Center. Mayor Ahmet Cin announced that the revenues from municipal social facilities for three days, along with one day’s earnings from local Pendik businesses, would be donated to Gaza. Activist Ayçin Kantoğlu from the Sumud Fleet also joined the event live by phone, asking Pendik residents for their prayers.

The event was attended by Mayor Ahmet Cin, District Governor Mehmet Yıldız, AK Party Pendik District President Özer Sarıkaya, PESİAD (Pendik Industrialists and Businessmen Association) Chairman Cüneyt Battal, and representatives from numerous NGOs. It was announced that local businesses in Pendik would donate their earnings from one day between October 10–12 to Gaza.

Mayor Ahmet Cin: “Our social facilities will donate their three-day revenue to Gaza”

Speaking at the event, Mayor Ahmet Cin emphasized that Pendik has always been a district with a strong sense of solidarity:

“There is so much to say, but words fail us; so much to do, yet so little we can. From this point, we decided to build a bridge of hearts from Pendik to Gaza, to support our brothers and sisters there. I extend my gratitude to everyone supporting this platform.”

He added:

“We have 11 social facilities in Pendik. For three days, we will donate all our revenue to Gaza. It may not be enough, but it will be a meaningful show of solidarity. Just as a mosque was built in Taksim despite doubts, just as the chains of Hagia Sophia were broken, the chains of Al-Aqsa will also be broken. Palestine will be free, and Muslims will prevail there. This is the faith that drives us.”

President Erdoğan’s UN speech moved the audience

The event began with Quran recitation and prayers, followed by the screening of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s UN speech. A photograph of a baby shown during the speech particularly moved those in the hall.

Activist Ayçin Kantoğlu: “Pray for us”

Activist Ayçin Kantoğlu from the Sumud Fleet joined the event live by phone and said:

“We are determined to break the blockade. We’re tired, but excited. We can already feel the faith-filled scent of Gaza. The risk of intervention has become more serious, but we know that such an intervention would be a crime. We are not afraid, and we won’t be. Your prayers and your noble stance against this brutality are like the wind filling the sails of our fleet. I know our mayor and valuable NGOs are there. Please pray for us.”

District Governor Mehmet Yıldız: “This is the most valuable collaboration”

District Governor Mehmet Yıldız congratulated all participants, stating:

“Pendik has shown outstanding solidarity in the past during disasters and aid efforts. Now, one of the most meaningful collaborations will take place. I congratulate all our brothers and sisters for their contribution.”