South African activists receive a hero's welcome after Israeli detention
An emotional Hajar Kagiso Al Thaira Ahjum Mathee chants 'Free Palestine' at O.R. Tambo International Airport, embodying the spirit of resilience and solidarity after enduring harrowing experiences during the Gaza flotilla mission.
Image: Timothy Bernard/Independent Newspapers
Upon their return from a traumatic detention in an Israeli prison, South African activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) received a warm welcome at O.R. Tambo International Airport.
A wave of emotion and determination filled the air on Saturday as the six delegates shared their harrowing experiences, while the government indicated it would review the debrief reports.
As they shared details of their experience, 22-year-old Masters student, Hajar Kagiso Al-Tha'irah Ahjum-Mathee, said that she was very grateful for the men who were alongside her as they took care of her the whole way.
She said that they were shoved around and that it was a terrifying experience, but one that she knew was for a greater purpose.
“I had to drop my phone in the ocean. Even in that moment, I was petrified, and my heart was shaking, and pounding with an anxiety that I can't describe to you. Even in that moment, I knew that this is a mission that is so incredibly important, and it's a mission that I will do again and again and again and again.”
Ahjum-Mathee said that if she had to go the day after, she would just put ointment on her bruises and “definitely go again because we go at the request of Palestinians”
While she did not want to go into details, Ahjum-Mathee said that they “went through various levels of assault”.
“It was physical, there was psychological, there was sexual violence. There was every sort of violence because these, these monsters, these monsters, all they know how to do is to take away your dignity.”
Radio presenter, Gadija Ahjum, the mother of Hajar, said that she is elated to have her back. Ahjum said that it has been difficult to navigate the desire to protect her daughter from harm while also giving voice to the greater good for which her daughter undertook the journey.
“If you are a person of faith, or if it is about humanity, then death is not the end of something; it is about living your truth,” Ahjum said.
Radio presenter, Gadija Ahjum, is the mother of 22-year-old Master's student, Hajar Kagiso Al-Tha'irah, who has also been detained by Israeli forces, said that it is about the bigger cause.
Image: Supplied
Dirco’s Director-General, Zane Dangor, said that while the GSF is not government action, they have been doing their part to provide the duty of care for the South African activists.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Hajar Kagiso Al Thaira Ahjum Mathee is embraced as she arrives at O.R. Tambo International Airport, after her traumatic experience of detention during the Gaza flotilla mission.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
Dangor said that they did have a minor debrief with the South Africans who had returned from Israeli detention to know the scope of the harm they had faced.
“If the assaults were of a nature that may require further action,” he said.
The director-general said that they had heard from one of the South Africans that he had been beaten due to South Africa’s ICJ case, but said that this is broader than the ICJ case.