Eid message from Jerusalem: A call for mercy, peace, and dignity

On the occasion of Eid al-Adha 2025, Dr. Rafat Husseini, Director of the Jerusalem Branch of the International Organization for Human Rights and the Defense of Freedoms, issued a heartfelt message combining spiritual reflection with a strong call for unity, justice, and social responsibility.

In his message, Dr. Husseini emphasized the enduring values of monotheism, peace, and compassion as the foundation for collective renewal and moral guidance. 

Drawing from Islamic principles, he highlighted the festival’s significance as a moment of selflessness, deep reflection, and human solidarity.

“The land never rejects the seeds of good, nor does society ever lack space for a gesture of kindness,” he wrote. “Each act of giving sows hope, and every soul in pain is a call for mercy and action.”

He called on communities to extend their compassion to the sick, the imprisoned, the poor, and the displaced — encouraging not only prayers but tangible acts of service. The message aligns with the broader vision of the organization he represents.

The International Organization for Human Rights and the Defense of Freedoms is a global NGO committed to promoting human dignity, legal justice, civil liberties, and peaceful coexistence. 

With branches in various countries and regions, including Jerusalem, it engages in advocacy, legal support, community outreach, and public education on issues such as freedom of belief, the rights of prisoners, gender equality, and protection of minorities.

The Jerusalem office, under Dr. Husseini’s leadership, has played a central role in documenting violations, facilitating dialogue between communities, and providing platforms for humanitarian and interfaith initiatives, especially in areas marked by long-standing political and social tensions.

In his Eid message, Dr. Husseini reaffirmed the organization’s mission: to uphold truth, compassion, and accountability, while urging the public to continue the path of service, ethics, and peaceful activism.

“We ask God to protect you and your families, to bless your deeds, and to guide you on the path of justice, peace, and mercy,” he concluded.

The message is a reminder that Eid is not only a time of celebration, but also a chance to renew collective commitments to social justice, community care, and spiritual resilience.