Dr Abeer Zayyad, a distinguished archaeologist and tour guide at the Al Aqsa Mosque, is scheduled to return to South Africa for a nationwide tour from 4 to 17 September.
This marks her third visit, following successful tours in 2017 and 2023, organised to update South Africans on the current state of affairs in Jerusalem and to reinforce the connection between the two communities.
In an interview with Salaamedia, Dr. Zayyad conveyed her eagerness for the upcoming visit. “I’m very excited to be back in South Africa and very excited also to deliver all the news about Jerusalem, about all the changes that’s happened in the last few years in Al-Aqsa Mosque and in Jerusalem,” she stated.
The primary objective of her tour is to ensure people abroad can “understand exactly what is happening here now” and to cultivate a “clear awareness about the situation.”
The tour is expected to be a significant event, building on the strong relationship South Africans have with the Palestinian cause.
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Strengthening connections and encouraging visits
A central theme of Dr Zayyad’s tour will be to reconnect with individuals from her past visits and to advocate for more South Africans to travel to Jerusalem. She emphasised the importance of these personal connections and the broader goal of Muslim solidarity.
Dr Zayyad also highlighted the shared responsibility of the global Muslim community in maintaining the sanctity and presence at Al Aqsa, noting that attendance has dwindled.
Coordinated by Mariam Mia, the tour will cover various cities and towns, presenting opportunities for direct engagement and dialogue. The return of Dr Abeer Zayyad is anticipated to be a vital moment for fostering global unity and providing firsthand information to the South African public.
Image: Dr Abeer Zayyad addressing a gathering at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) during her 2023 visit to South Africa. [Credit: Salaamedia]
