NOVANEWS
The Jerusalem Fund for Education and Community Development is saddened by the loss of the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela. Mandela, 95, died after a long battle with illness.
Nelson Mandela was an inspirational and transformational figure who dedicated his life to the pursuit of freedom, justice and reconciliation for the people of South Africa. Mandela, who served 27 years as a political prisoner in the jails of the Apartheid state only to become its triumphant President a few years thereafter, was a recognized and respected leader among liberation movements around the globe.
He had long been a friend to the Palestinian people and a supporter of Palestinian liberation. In 1997, speaking on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Mandela said “we know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinian people”. He went on in the same address to say to other world leaders, “all of us need to do more in supporting the struggle of the people of Palestine for self-determination.”
Mandela’s perseverance and dedication to the pursuit of justice, even in the most trying times, is an inspiration to Palestinians everywhere. He said, “in extending our hands across the miles to the people of Palestine, we do so in the full knowledge that we are part of a humanity that is at one.”
As Palestinians and lovers of freedom worldwide continue to struggle against Apartheid today, they will not forget the example, solidarity and universalist message Nelson Mandela extended to them.
Even as we offer our condolences to the Mandela family and the people of South Africa, we also celebrate and commemorate the achievements of one of history’s true giants. May he rest in peace.
