Schools, considered to be relatively safe havens, are used as shelters by the displaced population. The Israeli army frequently targets such shelters and later uses it for military action. Ironically, temples of learning have been turned into military bases, torture cells and detention centers. The echoes of beautiful innocent poetry recitations have been replaced by the supplications and cries of the persecuted.

Bodies of dead children lie buried beneath the debris of school buildings in which they laughed, played and studied. Nourishing learning experiences have turned into witnessing mass murder, rapes and torture of their near and dear ones.

Which value systems approve and endorse the killing and incapacitating of thousands of innocent lives? Which social, political and legal system accepts bombing of children and babies? Which world order allows committing heinous crimes with impunity?

Gross violations of human rights and non-adherence to any international humanitarian laws, norms or guidelines, is being witnessed by the entire international community. Targeting education is an insult to the very essence of civilization.

The unprecedented attacks on the education sector are aimed to systematically destroy the foundations of Palestinian society. Gaza had almost 97% literacy. Its population viewed education as a mode of liberation and a means to rebuild their displaced lives. Sanctuaries of learning and growth have been reduced to rubble, crumbling the dreams and aspirations of an entire generation.

Deliberate efforts to destroy years of learning, knowledge building and research are a cause of shame for educators all over the world and for humanity at large.

Though events at Gaza are heart-wrenching, the children there hope to rebuild their schools even today. Their resilience calls for immediate positive intervention. We call upon capable and prominent Muslims to combine efforts in rebuilding and empowering the Ummah. The message of the Quran is to strive for steadfastness in duty and faith and for unity among mankind. Unjust suppression of fellow humans and false conduct take man away from the Grace of the Almighty. Vision 1453 aims to create a unison between various groups of the Muslim Ummah so that it gets actively engaged in bringing about meaningful change.