Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of the renowned African aid agency Gift of the Givers, has become the target of pro-Israel criticism due to his unwavering support for Palestinians amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Despite the backlash, Sooliman insists his work is purely humanitarian and not political, reports Al Jazeera.
In October 2023, at a rally in Cape Town’s Sea Point promenade, Sooliman addressed thousands of protesters enraged by what they termed Israel’s genocide in Gaza. He passionately described the devastation experienced by his team in Gaza, who had lost family members during the assault, emphasising the 75-year struggle for Palestinian justice.
“Zionists have always acted with arrogance and impunity, accusing critics of anti-Semitism to silence them. But I say to them: find a new narrative. That excuse is dull, boring, and outdated,” Sooliman declared, drawing thunderous applause from the crowd.
The Al Jazeera report says that Sooliman,a trained medical doctor, founded Gift of the Givers in 1992 after a spiritual journey to Türkiye inspired him to serve humanity. Over the last three decades, the organisation has grown into South Africa’s most prominent aid agency, operating in 47 countries and addressing crises ranging from natural disasters to armed conflicts.
The organisation, funded by corporate donors and private individuals, employs 600 people and has distributed aid worth over 6 billion South African rand ($319 million). Their work spans regions such as Palestine, Somalia, Yemen, and Syria.
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