Dr Abeer Zayyad at the picket held by learners at Islamia College in Lansdowne, Cape Town
South Africa – Abeer Zayyad’s, archeologist and historian specialising in Masjid Al-Aqsa, “Message from Al-Aqsa” tour is all about raising awareness about the plight of Palestinians and the escalating situation in Al-Aqsa. Last weekend Zayyad touched down in Cape Town to talk about her childhood, the Israeli government’s plans to build a synagogue on the Al-Aqsa compound and destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as the violence faced by Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli government.
From left to right: Dr Abeer Zayyad, Cllr Fawzia Peer and Rev. Ntuthuko Nkosi at the Al-Ansaar Hall Photo Ponty Moletsane
Rev Ntuthuko Nkosi speaking about what it is like being Christian in Palestine Photo Pony Moletsane
Dr Faisal Suleman, who heads SAMNET Photo;: Ponty Moletsane
The crowd at the Al-Ansaar Hall Photo Ponty Moletsane
On Friday night, 12 May, Abeer Zayyad was joined by Reverend Ntuthuko Nkosi and the head of South African Muslim Network, Dr Faisal Suliman at the Al-Ansaar Hall in Durban. Zayyad spoke about the plans the Israeli government have for the Al-Aqsa compound which includes building a synagogue in the compound and destroying Al-Aqsa Mosque. They have already begun digging tunnels underneath Al-Aqsa. Rev. Nkosi spoke about the violence Christians face at the hands of the Israeli government who seek to eradicate every religion but Judaism from the country.
SMread: Abeer Zayyad – A timeline of the Message from Al-Aqsa tour
Zayyad speaking addressing the Arab community in Landsdown, CapeTown
Zayyad speaking addressing the Arab community in Landsdown, CapeTown
Zayyad addressing a gathering at Al-Jameah Masjid in Claremont, Cape Town
On Saturday, 13 May, Zayyad touched down in the Mother City with her first stop in Landsdowne, Cape Town. She addressed a special gathering of the Arab community and then headed to Al-Jameah Masjid in Claremont, to talk about how each and every one of us is responsible for protecting Al-Aqsa. She also touched on the relationship between Muslim and Christian Palestinians. In a way, the attacks against both have brought them together and made them one. The Muslims protect the churches from the Israeli government and the Christians defend Al-Aqsa and other masjids.
On Sunday, 14 May, a heartfelt welcome was extended to Zayyad as she arrived at the Darus-Salaam Masjid and Madressah in Mitchells Plain. Following that, she attended the Muslimat li-ajlil Quds High Tea at Barrons Estate, Ottery. Zayyad focused on her childhood, the media and the brutality of the occupation. The Israeli government controls the media indirectly and it needs to stop. When they want to make major changes to Al-Aqsa, they bomb Gaza and thus redirect the media’s focus.
This trip to South Africa has shown Zayyad the immense love South Africans have for Palestine while also providing South Africans with in-depth knowledge of what is happening in Palestine and Al-Aqsa. Today Zayyad joined picketing learners at Islamia College in Lansdowne, Cape Town before heading to Gqeberha for her final event on 16 May.
For more information email, info@salaamedia.com or contact Ponty Moletsane: 081 569 9770
