“Appreciate the Truth”: Palestinian Asylum Seeker Breaks Silence on Why He Fled to SA, Sparks Debate
- A Palestinian man, arriving at O.R. Tambo International Airport on November 13, gave a powerful, emotional explanation for choosing South Africa, citing shared values and principles
- The video of the passenger was shared on TikTok, garnering significant views and comments from viewers who were shocked to learn that the passengers knew that they were coming to SA, but warmly welcomed him
- Social media users were moved by the man's gratitude, noting that support was found in Mzansi when it was lacking in the closer neighbouring countries
Source: Facebook
A video of a Palestinian man’s arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport became a symbol of solidarity, showcasing the deep historical and political ties between the two nations.
The powerful interview, shared on TikTok by @user17098249828698, captured the attention of social media users, who were moved by his words, and some who joked about South Africa being closest to Palestine.
The video starts with the man holding his baby at O.R. Tambo International Airport being interviewed by a journalist upon landing from Palestine. The flight, carrying 153 passengers, arrived in South Africa amidst political controversy, and Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola voiced suspicion that the movement was part of a ploy to cleanse Palestinians out of Gaza and the West Bank. Despite this complex context, the passengers' arrival was focused on survival and finding refuge.
The man explains why he chose SA
In the TikTok video shared by @user17098249828698, the man argued that the two countries share similar issues, noting a shared struggle against injustice, discrimination, and occupation, affirming that they share the same principles and values. He emphasised South Africa’s unwavering political support, noting that Mzansi was one of the first countries to recognise Palestine in the United Nations and recently issued a Security Council resolution, condemning Israel for the war.
The father concluded emotionally, saying they did not get support from their closest neighbours, but they found it from Mzansi. South Africa recognised the State of Palestine in 1995 as part of its post-apartheid foreign policy of supporting oppressed peoples.
Source: UGC
Mzansi Opens Its Doors to the Palestinians
The clip garnered massive views and comments from a social media audience that was moved by the man’s statement. Many viewers extended a warm welcome to the group, wishing them safety and a happy stay in the country. The controversial arrival also sparked a light-hearted exchange.
Some users joked about the man’s claim that Mzansi was one of the closest countries to Palestine, humorously pointing out the vast geographical distance and the many other nations they must have flown over to get here. Others were stunned to hear that passengers on the Palestinian flight knew they were coming to South Africa, as previous reports alleged that they had no idea of where they were flying to.
User @USDavids
"Welcome, come to Cape Town, Gabibi."
User @Farouk Rahim507
"You're right, we humans here care about human rights for all our people."
User AbubakerO commented:
"South Africa stands for justice, and as Nelson Mandela famously said, 'our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians'."
User @Mirriy 🇿🇦 joked:
"Hebana, closest? The map changed overnight 🤣."
User @thehype asked:
"So they knew where they were going. If many people are here, who is guarding the kingdom of Palestine?"
User @Tsaki Ngobz said:
"I appreciate the truth since all the others were told to say they didn't know where the plane was going."
Watch the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News articles about Palestinians
- A group of Palestinians seeking refuge was stranded at the OR Tambo International Airport upon landing in the country, and received assistance from a local NGO.
- ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, shared that there had been a communication delay from the Department of Home Affairs regarding the 153 Palestinian asylum seekers to the public.
- On September 23, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged the International Court of Justice to rule that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza while speaking at the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
Source: Briefly News
