Zayyad with students from Nelson Mandela University
South Africa – Abeer Zayyad, archeologist and historian specialising in Masjid Al-Aqsa, embarked on a transformative expedition to Gqeberha with a steadfast commitment to enlighten and inspire. In a captivating discourse, Zayyad delved into the intricate history of Israel’s formation, unearthing a narrative of displacement and injustice.
Anner Zayyad and senior presentor, Inayet Wadee at Malabar Community Centre where she addressed the Alexander High School students.
On Tuesday, May 16, Zayyad travelled to Gqeberha (Formerly Port Shepstone). Her first stop was the Malabar Community Centre where she addressed the Alexander High School students. Zayyad spoke to them about the formation of Israel. How the British gave away the land of the Palestinians to the Jews after World War II. They did this by helping the Zionist with immigration, money, military support as well as destroying the Palestinian villages and their economy. Zayyad also spoke on how South Africans can support Palestine by doing what other countries did when the National Party was in power.
Zayyad at Nelson Mandela University
Zayyad addressing the students at Nelson Mandela University
Zayyad with students from Nelson Mandela University
From there, Zayyad went to Nelson Mandela University to address the students. She reiterated how Israel came to be, how the British gave them the land and that this was not a war about religion. She also spoke on how one can learn about the occupation by listening to Israeli politicians. Former and current politicians and members of parliament have boldly announced their hatred for Palestine and its people. One doesn’t need to study history, but they can look at the present and see the hatred the Israeli government has for Palestine. What was of interest was when she spoke on how shocked she was at seeing children playing soccer during the night and not being harassed when she visited Jordan for the first time. Living under the occupation, she did not understand that her life wasn’t normal, and it was only when she travelled outside of Palestine did, she truly understand how vastly different the lives of Palestinian kids are to those everywhere else.
SMread: Abeer Zayyad – Message from Al-Aqsa delivered in Cape Town
The final leg of the ‘Message From Al-Aqsa’ tour will be today, 17 May. Nelspruit shall stand as the grand finale, the crowning jewel, where her tour culminates. Nelspruit was added as a last-minute addition, and she was eager to visit the city when she was told about it. The final meeting will be hosted at the Madrasa Islamia Valencia Park.
