Ambassador Tamer Almassri
By George Swarei
Harare, Zimbabwe — On Friday, the Palestinian Embassy in Harare hosted a significant commemoration of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
The event, directed by Sympathy Sibanda, founder of the Women Writers Support Network-Africa, brought together diplomats, government officials, clergy, civil society leaders, and artists in a resounding expression of solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Observed annually on November 29, the International Day of Solidarity stems from the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 181 (II) in 1947, which proposed the partition of Palestine. While Israel achieved statehood, the vision of an independent Palestinian state remains unrealized, making this day a vital platform for advocacy and international solidarity.
Sympathy Sibanda set the tone for the event by emphasizing the critical role of women in championing justice. “Women are uniquely positioned to amplify the voices of the oppressed. Today, we stand with the people of Palestine and reaffirm our commitment to justice and humanity,” she said.
The program featured solidarity messages from several clergy members, who drew on themes of peace and compassion in their calls for an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people. The spiritual reflections underscored the moral responsibility of the global community to advocate for justice and peace.
Palestinian Ambassador Tamer Almassri delivered a powerful keynote address, highlighting the ongoing devastation in Gaza. “Israel has dropped 87,000 tons of bombs on Gaza. This surpasses the destruction of Hiroshima,” he said.
He detailed the destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship, emphasizing the human cost of the conflict. “Entire families have been wiped out. Children are dying of hunger. Universities and schools have been reduced to rubble, and over 187 journalists have been killed. Gaza is an open-air prison,” Almassri stated.
Quoting UN findings, he described the destruction in Gaza as exceeding any devastation inflicted on civilian populations in modern history. The ambassador drew parallels between Palestine’s ongoing struggle and Zimbabwe’s fight for liberation, underscoring the shared commitment to justice. “Zimbabwe and Palestine are bound by a common history of resisting oppression. We stand united in our pursuit of sovereignty and freedom,” he added.
The event was enriched by a series of poetry recitals from various groups, whose verses captured the pain, resilience, and hope of the Palestinian people. The artistic contributions included a moving impromptu performance by Zimbabwean artist Pax Gomo, who used music to bridge the struggles of Palestine and Zimbabwe. “Art connects us deeply—it reminds us of our shared humanity,” Gomo said.
A photographic exhibition organized by the Women Writers Support Network-Africa provided a vivid depiction of the human toll of the conflict, sparking profound reflections among attendees.
Placards bearing messages such as “Israel is a Terrorist State” and “This Is Not a War, It’s a Genocide” amplified calls for justice and accountability.
Zimbabwean officials reaffirmed the nation’s solidarity with Palestine, drawing on the shared history of liberation struggles. “Zimbabwe’s experience has taught us the value of justice and resilience. We will continue to stand with Palestine in their pursuit of self-determination,” a senior government representative said.
Ambassador Almassri closed his address with a resounding appeal: “The Palestinian people will not be silenced, and we will not give up. We urge the world to stand with us—not only in words but through decisive action for justice, peace, and freedom.”
The commemoration was a powerful reminder of Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, with solidarity messages, artistic expressions, and calls for justice resonating throughout the event.
