From the left are: Haji Yunus Allie from Al-Quds,
Qari Ziyaad Patel from the Al-Imdaad Foundation,
Shaykh Ihsaan Hendricks from Al-Quds and
Waseem Ismail from the Muslim Student
Association UFS.
Photo: Johan Roux

“The plight of the Palestinians is not a Jewish problem, it is not a Christian problem, it is not a Muslim problem. It is a problem for humanity!”

These were the words of Shaykh Ihsaan Hendricks, the National Director of the Al-Quds Foundation, during the Israel Apartheid Week (IAW) public lecture held at the University of the Free State (UFS). It was the main event of the Muslim Student Association (MSA) during the IAW which took place from 6-12 March 2017.

Fight against injustice throughout the world

Qari Ziyaad Patel, from the Al-Imdaad Foundation, spoke about the situation on the ground in Palestine. He used first-hand experiences and heart-wrenching videos to illustrate the horrors and atrocities faced by Palestinians on a daily basis. The Al-Imdaad Foundation is an international humanitarian relief organisation that specialises in emergency relief.

Dr Kennedy Mahlatsi, a representative from the office of the Free State Premier, Ace Magashule; who was unable to attend, addressed the audience. He quoted Nelson Mandela, who said: “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians”. He said South Africans must always fight against injustice throughout the world.

Raising awareness of Palestinian conflict

Dr Mahlatsi suggested that similar events be held during the year, so awareness of the Palestinian conflict could be raised. Messages of support were given from the South African Students Congress, the ANC Youth League and the Progressive Youth Alliance. The evening ended with a bake sale, with all proceeds given to the Al-Imdaad Foundation to be used for their relief operations in Palestine.