Day of Arafah

 Today is one if the most sacred and significant days for Muslims—the day of Arafah: a day of mercy, a day of forgiveness, a day of sacrifice and charity and a day for hearts to return to Allah.

Today, many will be fasting from sunrise to sunset, while others perform Hajj in scorching heat, standing in prayer and devotion. Tomorrow, many countries will celebrate Eid ul Adha together and for others, Eid will be day after. Eid arrives at a time when Muslim communities across the world are feeling especially vulnerable, fatigued, anxious and heartbroken. With hate crimes on the rise, the continued suffering in Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, Congo to name a few alongside the recent bomb blast in Pakistan, all against the backdrop of fragile peace deals, broken ceasefires and growing anti-Muslim sentiment, it has been difficult to hold joy without also holding grief. Oppressors continue to go unchallenged, while those speaking up for justice and humanity are constantly placed under scrutiny. So yes, for many of us, Eid has felt heavy for years now. As we celebrate, it is impossible not to think of those mourning devastating losses of loved ones, homes, safety and peace. Sending prayers and love to everyone celebrating. Wishing you health, safety, peace of mind and comfort.

What is a Arife Day

 In Turkish culture, many people visit cemeteries on the eve of religious holidays, known as "Arife Day" (the day before the holiday). 🌙🤍

Families pray for their deceased loved ones, clean the graves, leave flowers, and read verses from the Quran. This is both a spiritual tradition and a moment of remembrance, respect, and connection across generations. 🕊️

This meaningful tradition reflects the importance of family ties, gratitude, and honoring those who have passed away before the holiday celebrations begin.

Have you ever visited a cemetery the day before a holiday?

 Are there similar traditions in your culture? ✨

#ArifeDay #Holiday #TurkishCulture #HolidayTraditions #Turkey #CulturalHeritage #FamilyTraditions #SpiritualMoments #Respect #Remembrance #IslamicCulture

Israel Fires Military Lawyer

Israel Fires Military Lawyer for Exposing Abuse of Palestinian Detainees

On May 26, 2026, the IDF Chief of Staff formally dismissed former Military Advocate General Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi.

Her only “crime” was authorizing the leak of a video showing reservist soldiers severely abusing a Palestinian detainee at the Sde Teiman base.

The detainee suffered serious injuries: a perforated intestine, broken ribs, and lung damage.

When the soldiers were detained in 2024, violent protests erupted. Ministers and demonstrators stormed military bases demanding their release.

They defended the soldiers as “heroes” and called any investigation treason.

Despite the evidence, all charges were dropped in March 2026.

Tomer-Yerushalmi was threatened with prison, accused of “blood libel,” and is now officially dismissed. The whistleblower is punished instead of the perpetrators.

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, in her March 2026 report Torture and Genocide, documents systematic torture including sexual violence reaching genocidal thresholds.

This aligns with B’Tselem’s Living Hell report (January 2026), which describes Israeli prisons as a network of torture camps with systematic abuse and starvation.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have repeatedly raised concerns about arbitrary detention and lack of accountability at facilities like Sde Teiman.

Punishing those who expose abuse raises serious concerns under the Convention Against Torture and Geneva Conventions.

References

B’Tselem. (2026). Living Hell: The Israeli prison system as a network of torture camps. 

Albanese, F. (2026). Torture and genocide – Report of the Special Rapporteur (A/HRC/61/71). United Nations Human Rights Council. 

Amnesty International. (2026). Israel/OPT: Decision to drop charges against soldiers accused of abuse of Palestinian detainee disgraceful. 

Human Rights Watch. (2024). Israel: Detainees face inhumane treatment.

Bodies of Children Found With Hands Bound in Gaza Mass Graves

Bodies of Children Found With Hands Bound in Gaza Mass Graves

Palestinian civil defence teams unearthing mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis have made a discovery that has horrified international observers: among the hundreds of decomposed bodies recovered, rescuers found the remains of children and infants with their hands bound by zip ties. More than 390 bodies were pulled from three separate grave sites within the hospital compound following the withdrawal of Israeli forces in April 2024, with Civil Defence officials reporting gunshot wounds to the head, patients still buried in hospital gowns with IV cannulas in their skin, and signs consistent with field executions. The head of Civil Defence evidence, Dr Muhammad Al-Mughair, confirmed that 78 of the recovered bodies were children.

The Geneva-based Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor has documented over 130 mass grave sites across Gaza since October 2023, spanning hospital courtyards, schools, mosques, and residential neighbourhoods. The UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk described the findings as "horrifying," calling for independent international investigators to be granted immediate and unimpeded access to all sites. The UN Security Council followed with a formal statement demanding comprehensive, transparent. 

investigations into the circumstances the Council described as potential violations of international law. To date, no independent forensic investigation has been permitted to enter Gaza.

Haj 2026

Today marks the first day of Hajj, and with it, the pilgrims begin their journey in Mina. a quiet valley that transforms into a sea of white garments and sincere hearts.

Even from afar, this moment invites reflection. Mina is not just a location. It’s a symbol of intention of preparing oneself mentally, physically, and spiritually for the days ahead. It reminds me that in both faith and professional life, intention matters. What we carry in our hearts shapes what we bring to the world. While I’m not among the pilgrims this year, my heart is with them. As they begin their stay in Mina, in quiet prayer and reflection, I’m reminded of the importance of pausing, of setting aside time to realign our purpose with our values. Whether in law, leadership, or life, the first step is always the most powerful one. It may not be loud or visible, but it’s rooted in sincerity. May the spirit of Mina inspire us all to lead with humility, to prepare with integrity, and to walk our paths with clear purpose. To everyone performing Hajj this year, may your journey be accepted and your prayers answered. And to the rest of us; may we reflect, reset, and renew our own journeys.

Gaza Flotilla Update

 🚨🇵🇸 Gaza Flotilla Update Following my letter to the Foreign Secretary earlier this week, I raised the appalling treatment of detained British nationals including one of my North Cornwall constituents who were aboard the Global Sumud flotilla.

Families deserve answers, and British citizens detained in international waters deserve urgent protection and transparency from the Government. 

I pressed Ministers on when they will finally introduce a full arms embargo on Israel and stop trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank. 

International law must be upheld and the UK Government cannot continue sitting on their hands while Israel’s Government break law after law. I will keep pushing Ministers to act urgently and to secure the safety and wellbeing of every British citizen detained. Failure to act will leave our Government on the wrong side of history.