KARACHI: Like most couple, Ismail Talha and Hamna Hamayun had made numerous plans to make their engagement memorable, though they decided to abandon them in the wake of Israel’s war in Gaza to express solidarity with the people of Palestine in a unique way.
As the guests started arriving at the Tulip Banquet Hall in Karachi on Friday night, they adorned Palestinian keffiyehs in keeping with the new plan. The hosts served them carefully cooked food and delectable desserts.
Instead of adhering to the tradition of presenting “salami,” a cash gift for the couple, however, the guests put the money into a Gaza fund donation box, symbolizing solidarity with the victims of Israel’s ongoing military campaign in the Palestinian territory.
“We also had our desires,” Talha told Arab News, remembering how he and his fiancée discussed ideas of how to make their engagement ceremony memorable. “But when we saw the injustices being done to our Muslim brothers and sisters, mothers, and children in Palestine, we said how could we [implement all those plans].”
“We thought why not create awareness about Palestine,” he continued, explaining the decision of incorporating the Palestinian cause into the engagement ceremony.
While the idea was unconventional for all guests, it left a lasting impression on some, Junaid Tariq being one of them.
“Usually, when we attend such ceremonies, we witness music and new themes being planned,” he told Arab News. “But what I saw at this ceremony felt very good. They remembered the Muslims of Palestine.”
“I found the concept very impressive,” he added.
Talha’s father, Shaikh Muhammad, captured the sentiment of the ceremony, pointing out it was not possible to overlook the plight of Palestinians even in moments of joy.
“This is an occasion of joy, everyone [we know] is gathered here, food and drinks are being served, but our sorrow [over the situation in Gaza] on this occasion of happiness is overwhelming,” he said.
A successful entrepreneur in the travel industry, he emphasized his desire to convey the message of solidarity to the Palestinian people, assuring them that Pakistan would continue to firmly stand with them in their struggle.
“Our hearts can’t rejoice because of the situation in Palestine, the oppression and atrocities committed by Israel, the way they bombarded women and children and the way they are committing crimes against humanity,” Talha’s father said.
“Our hearts beat with them,” he said, before presenting a keffiyeh to a guest in an expression of solidarity and support for Palestine.