Music connects people and there is no better way to send messages of peace and hope than through songs.

Messages of goodwill for the Palestinians resounded at the Heal The World fund-raising concert organised by Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

The charity gig was part of the institution’s humanitarian effort themed Plight of the Palestinians: From Grim to Bleak.

It was aimed at drawing the world’s attention to the Palestinians’ predicament, raising funds for medical supplies for those affected by the war in Gaza and promoting world peace.

International students who took part in the fund-raiser event at the Cyberjaya campus could not hide their emotions when speaking about the destruction of Palestine and the devastating effects of war on innocent lives.

Kotryna Stankute from Lithuania says, “When people from different cultures and religions studying (in Malaysia) can become friends, why not neighbouring countries such as Israel and Palestine who can benefit from one another?

“Instead, people are out there destroying each other for the sake of controlling a piece of land. It’s sad to hear political conflict and war can cause so much anguish to the human race,” adds the 23-year-old Graphics Design student.

Twenty-year-old Jonah Sithole from Zimbabwe was aghast at the atrocities of war.

“I have a friend from Palestine and when I hear the stories of innocent civilians and children killed, it makes me wonder how greed and power can belittle a human life,” says the Sound and Music Design student.

Special guest Palestinian student Sulaiman Saleh Alzamly, touched by the Limkokwing’s efforts to raise funds for the people of his homeland, gave an explicit account of life in the Gaza Strip.

Although the situation has quietened down a little, the trauma of the war is still felt from day to day.

“During those 22 days, I couldn’t leave my house. I sat with my family waiting for death because we could not find a safe place to protect ourselves.

“We are still wounded people, physically and mentally. We still live in fear although the situation has calmed down,” he adds.

The Ambassador of the State of Palestine, Abdelaziz Abu Ghoush, who graced the event, was touched by the response from Limkokwing students and their amazing efforts to bring harmony to the world.

“We are still waiting to implement the peace initiative that the Palestinian people and our leadership have agreed upon,” says Abdelaziz.

Abdelaziz also received a mock cheque of RM20,000 collected from the various charity events by the university.

The massive fund-raising concert saw performances of speech, song, dance and poetry from 35 performers from more than 30 countries.

It kicked off with the Limkokwing choir singing the theme song Let’s Heal the World.

Rap group The Rebel Scum, inspirational-rock band Melodica and budding talents from Limkokwing such as starlet Ernie, as well as special performances by Noraniza Idris, Malaysian Idol runner-up Dina and songstress Karen Kong entertained the audience.

“We are very lucky not to face war and we shouldn’t take peace for granted,” says Dina, praising the Limkokwing initiative.

“I’m saddened by the thought of war-torn countries, specifically of what is happening in Palestine. I hope the concert will raise awareness (of peace) among people of the world,” says Kong.

Malaysian-based American band Common Culture was also invited to perform alongside other independent acts such as neo-funk band SAA and rock and roll band Blister.

Other performers included Love Me Butch, Hujan and Ghetto Republic.