Johannesburg – Across the planet, people have tirelessly worked to shed light on the genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, stressing their dire and catastrophic circumstances in Gaza and other occupied, hostile, and dangerous territories.
Various community groups and solidarity organisations have continuously raised awareness for the Palestinians and advocated for a ceasefire which would bring a much-needed end to their suffering. This plea, however, has been repeatedly ignored and hindered by the United States.
Nevertheless, activist Ruwaydah Akbar asserts, against the backdrop of over 18 000 Palestinian deaths at the hands of Israel, the current situation demands concrete action rather than mere rhetoric from world governments, institutions and people.
The time for diplomacy is over. Now is the time to act.
“We passed the point of awareness. There’s not a single person, I think, that is not aware of what’s happening on the ground in Palestine. So now the main purpose is [to do something].”
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How Can Ordinary Citizens Help the Palestinians?
Indeed, it is a valid question. As individuals driven by humanity and Ubuntu, we have explored every available road to assist the Palestinians, and to them we say, our efforts will persist.
One avenue pursued concerns fundraising and channelling those funds to humanitarian aid agencies operating in Palestine. Notably, South African communities have consistently seized every opportunity to contribute to this cause for as long as memory serves.
To facilitate donations, the Robertsham community, in collaboration with the Wings of Mercy Foundation, will host a market day dedicated to Palestine on 16 December. All proceeds generated from this event will be allocated to support the Palestinians.
Beyond being a day for families to enjoy themselves, Ruwaydah highlights two primary purposes for the event. The first is to provide local entrepreneurs with a platform for their businesses and support South African communities in need. The second is to gather funds for Palestinians.
She encourages everyone to participate in the event, emphasising that their presence and contributions will serve a noble and just cause.
“Please come and join us. The people of the South, let’s show Gaza. Let’s send them our love and our contributions. It’s not an effort of a few ladies. It is a community project. We need all the help and all the contribution [we can get].”
