This content originally appeared on Radio Free Asia and was authored by Radio Free Asia.
This post was originally published on Radio Free.
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This content originally appeared on Radio Free Asia and was authored by Radio Free Asia.This post was originally published on Radio Free.
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Many gathering before dawn, more than 17,000 people were in attendance at a New York area sports arena to offer prayers for the long life of the 89-year-old Dalai Lama, who said he expected to live past 100.
The Tibetan spiritual leader recently completed over six weeks of physiotherapy in Syracuse, New York, where he was undergoing his recovery and resting after knee replacement surgery on June 28.
The Dalai Lama also spoke about the need for religious harmony and emphasized the principles of secular ethics — an ethics system that appeals to religious and nonreligious alike and is based on the cultivation of genuine compassion.
The Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
People line up to hear the Dalai Lama preside over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
The Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
The Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
The Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
Attendees listen as the Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
Attendees gather as the Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
Attendees receive kata prayer scarves as the Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
Some attendees pray as the Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
Attendees celebrate as the Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
Children sing as the Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
People line up to enter before the Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
People line up to enter before the Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
People line up to enter before the Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered at the UBS Arena in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) 
People enter UBS Arena before the Dalai Lama presides over a prayer ceremony, addressing more than 17,000 people gathered, in New York, Aug. 22, 2024. (RFA Tibetan) Photos edited by Eric Kayne
This content originally appeared on Radio Free Asia and was authored by By RFA Tibetan.This post was originally published on Radio Free.
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This content originally appeared on Blogothèque and was authored by Blogothèque.This post was originally published on Radio Free.
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WITNESS: By Ordinary Tongan Lives
It happened so quickly and so suddenly that we were completely unprepared.
We were going about our Saturday chores when I heard one grandchild from the beach crying out:
“Nana! There’s a wave coming all the way to our wild hibiscus tree!
“It’s coming, Nana! It’s here!”
At first you’re confused but you quickly snap out of it and yell, “Run! Come, let’s run!”
- READ MORE: Other witness accounts of the volcano eruption and tsunami at Ordinary Tongan Lives
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We gathered all the grandkids and ran to higher ground with my children. Some of their parents are overseas for fruitpicking while I care for them.
My husband was still inside the house when we ran. He later came looking for us.
Talaiasi Seni’s house was our first place of refuge as it’s on elevated ground. Many other mothers and children from the village joined us there.
When the first explosion sounded, we had already seen big waves crashing in the middle of the village, taking our houses with it.
Heading to the bush
We decided to run further to even higher ground. That meant heading to the bush. I tell you, the cries and echoes of prayers from mothers and children were heard throughout.“Jesus, please save us. Oh Jesus, let us live.”
That was repeatedly called out that evening into the night. Even I could no longer be quiet as I cried out in prayer.
When everyone settled on higher ground in the midst of a manioke plantation, I asked if we could all say a prayer.
I said, “We have nowhere else to run now. If it’s God’s will that we die, we will do so gratefully. But let us call on Him first.”
And so we sat down in the midst of the bush. Some held onto trees and some hid in the bushes. But every single one of us uttered our most sincere prayers to God for our lives.
This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.
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By Kizzy Kalsakau and Jason Abel in Port Vila
The interim President of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) provisional government, Benny Wenda, has condemned Indonesia for the arrest and torture of eight students, and appeals to Melanesian countries to support their plea.
The eight West Papuan students were arrested by Indonesian police for peacefully demonstrating with banners and hand-painted Morning Star flags in Jayapura, capital of the Indonesian-ruled province of Papua, on 1 December 2021.
They have been charged with treason, and may face 25 years in prison.
- READ MORE: Papuan students charged with treason for raising Papuan flag
- Interim president: Immediately release eight peaceful student demonstrators
- 60,000 flee as West Papua conflict deepens, poses questions for region
In an interview with 96.3 Buzz FM, Wenda said that this happened when West Papua celebrated its 60th year anniversary, which is significant for all West Papuans.
“The event is celebrated globally. Official celebrations took place in Netherlands, in United Kingdom, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu,” he said.
“The university students peacefully raised their flags, marched and chanted withdrawal of the military and demanded self-determination.
“Just last month, I asked the Indonesian government to allow my people to express themselves because we always respect their independence on August 17 annually,” Wenda said.
‘Call for respect and release’
“We have called for respect and are not happy with this arrest.“We are also asking the international community to monitor the situation.”
Amnesty Indonesia has already called for the immediate release of the students. These students have been fed up with the military operations, internal displacements, murders and bombings.
Wenda also said that recently an elderly woman, Paulina Imbumar, who leads prayers, was arrested, and a request had been sent to the police station to release her.
The chair of the Vanuatu West Papua Association, Job Dalesa, said it was very sad to hear such actions taken.
He added that it was an independent human rights flag and the students were portraying their stand.
Dalesa called on the people of Vanuatu to unite in prayer for the people of West Papua.
“We will appeal to Indonesia to stop such actions,” he said.
The Vanuatu Daily Post contacted the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) headquarters in Port Vila for comments on the situation. However, there was no immediate response.
Kizzy Kalsakau and Jason Abel are Vanuatu Daily Post reporters. Republished with permission.
This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.
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Asia Pacific Report newsdesk
West Papuans will peacefully mark the 60th anniversary of the birth of West Papua next week — on Wednesday, December 1.
It is also the first anniversary of the formation of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) provisional government.
“To my people back home and around the world: this is a very significant and important day for us to remember,” said interim president Benny Wenda in a statement today.
“When the Morning Star [flag] was raised by the New Guinea Council on December 1, 1961, they formed the embryo of the nation.
Interim president Benny Wenda during the launch of the Green State Vision policy during COP26. Image: ULMWP “I call on everyone to celebrate this day through peaceful prayer meetings. To our international solidarity supporters, please use your freedom to show your support for our struggle, wherever you are.
“Special flag raising ceremonies coordinated by the provisional government will take place in PNG, Vanuatu, the Netherlands, and the UK. I also invite Indonesian solidarity and all Indonesian citizens to pray for us and respect our national day, as we have respected your independence day.”
Wenda said that on that day “we will remember people in the bush, particularly the thousands displaced by Indonesian military operations in Intan Jaya, Nduga, Puncak Jaya, Maybrat and Oksibil”.
“We remember the two year old baby killed at the hands of the Indonesian government last month,” he said.
Plea for ‘watchful eye’
Wenda called on the world to keep a watchful eye on any human rights violations in West Papua on December 1.“There is often bloodshed carried out by Indonesian military and police. We do not want this – we will be celebrating in a peaceful way,” he said.
“There is no need to harass, intimidate or attack those who are peacefully praying. I call on the Indonesian government and President to leave us alone on our national day. Our time is coming, and one day we will stand side-by-side as good neighbours.
“We will also be celebrating the announcements and progress we have made in the last two years, with our constitution, provisional government, cabinet, and recently our Green State Vision for the nation.
“The ULMWP provisional government has consistently recognised all proclamations made in the history of our struggle by West Papuan leaders before us.
“With these important steps we have made, I encourage my people to come together in one spirit to celebrate and move us closer to our goal of independence and self-determination for all.
“We wish peace on West Papua, on Indonesia, the region and the whole world.”
This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.
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Christchurch’s Muslim community will today hold private prayers to remember the 51 people killed in the terror attacks on the Masjid Al-Noor and Linwood mosques two years ago today.
Hundreds of people attended the official commemorative services marking the second anniversary on Saturday.
The imam of Masjid An-Nur Gamal Fouda said today’s prayers will be held at both mosques to remember those who lost their lives.
“Families will remember their loved ones in different ways, many will pay their respects today by visiting the graves of those who died.
“Saturday’s service went very well, it was great to see so many families coming together again, the wider community provided so much support,” he said.
Gamal Fouda at the national remembrance service on Saturday. Image: Mark Tantrum/RNZ Gamal Fouda said messages, flowers and cards from all over the world had helped families get through a very hard week.
“All we can do is repeat our message that only love can heal us and make the world greater for everyone.
‘Sad and peaceful’
“Today I feel sad and peaceful at the same time, sad for those who have left us but grateful that we can all come together again to remember our loved ones and friends.”Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said it took a while for the full horror of what had happened that day to sink in.
“I was at a student protest in the square when we were first told something had happened, by the time we got back to council a staff member came up to me and said the police have said there’s been a shooting and at least 20 people have been killed.”
Dalziel said she was close to the Muslim community through her history as Immigration Minister and as a mayor who presided over citizenship ceremonies.
“I know some of the families personally so it’s been difficult coming to terms with what’s happened,” she said.
“Some of them came here as refugees and the essence of refugee status is offering people a level of protection they can’t get in their own country but we couldn’t protect them from the behaviour of a extremist, someone who was motivated to carry out a terrorist attack on innocent people as they were praying.”
She said it was sad that New Zealand still had some way to go to get rid of Islamophobia from our society.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
This post was originally published on Asia Pacific Report.
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Police outside Al-Noor Mosque in Christchurch on Saturday as people gathered to remember the attacks two years ago. Image: RNZ/AFP
Christchurch’s Muslim community will today hold private prayers to remember the 51 people killed in the terror attacks on the Masjid Al-Noor and Linwood mosques two years ago today.
Hundreds of people attended the official commemorative services marking the second anniversary on Saturday.
The imam of Masjid An-Nur Gamal Fouda said today’s prayers will be held at both mosques to remember those who lost their lives.
“Families will remember their loved ones in different ways, many will pay their respects today by visiting the graves of those who died.
“Saturday’s service went very well, it was great to see so many families coming together again, the wider community provided so much support,” he said.
Gamal Fouda at the national remembrance service on Saturday. Image: Mark Tantrum/RNZGamal Fouda said messages, flowers and cards from all over the world had helped families get through a very hard week.
“All we can do is repeat our message that only love can heal us and make the world greater for everyone.
‘Sad and peaceful’
“Today I feel sad and peaceful at the same time, sad for those who have left us but grateful that we can all come together again to remember our loved ones and friends.”Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel said it took a while for the full horror of what had happened that day to sink in.
“I was at a student protest in the square when we were first told something had happened, by the time we got back to council a staff member came up to me and said the police have said there’s been a shooting and at least 20 people have been killed.”
Dalziel said she was close to the Muslim community through her history as Immigration Minister and as a mayor who presided over citizenship ceremonies.
“I know some of the families personally so it’s been difficult coming to terms with what’s happened,” she said.
“Some of them came here as refugees and the essence of refugee status is offering people a level of protection they can’t get in their own country but we couldn’t protect them from the behaviour of a extremist, someone who was motivated to carry out a terrorist attack on innocent people as they were praying.”
She said it was sad that New Zealand still had some way to go to get rid of Islamophobia from our society.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
This post was originally published on Radio Free.
