Weeks after returning to Cape Town following her detention by Israeli authorities, Hajar Kagiso Al-Tha’irah Ahjum Mathee recalled the psychological and physical toll of her humanitarian mission to Gaza to People’s Post.

The 22-year-old Ottery resident and University of the Western Cape (UWC) postgraduate, who is pursuing a Master’s degree in Bioscience at UWC.

She was the only woman among her fellow flotilla activists on their boat, who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led humanitarian initiative that aimed to deliver aid to Gaza (“Hajar gets hero’s welcome” People’s Post 26 May).

In an in-depth interview with People’s Post, Mathee spoke on what she learnt during her mission.

She said every step of this expedition reignited her courage.

“It was a reminder that we aren’t going as individuals with our different labels or in different boxes but as a group of people united against oppression, occupation and injustice. From boarding the plane in Johannesburg to arriving in Marmaris, attending to trainings, meeting at the port the first time, standing with people from all over the world, packing the boats with humanitarian aid. Every step of the way pushed me to keep going,” she recalled.

Despite the terror of the interception at sea, Mathee said a overwhelming sense of courage calmed her that moment.

“Seconds before interception there was a little fear, sure, but mostly calm filled with courage, something I learn from Palestinians,” she said.

Her homecoming at the airport “had its challenges” but she says she is grateful to be home again.

“We all come back with various levels of trauma but we have been receiving all the necessary help that we need. I’ve been quite fortunate to have had various platforms welcome me to speak, such as delivering the pre-Khutbah talk at the Ahlul-bayt mosque in Ottery,” she said.

Mathee says it’s important to continue to receive these platforms and keep talking about the Palestinian struggle.

Fear, uncertainty

“What we need people to take home from this mission is that our struggles are interconnected and that we all have a duty to stand and keep talking about the oppressed and dispossessed. We must recognise how the imperialist, capitalist, oppressive system harms us all,” she said.

Speaking at UWC on Tuesday 2 June alongside her mother, Gadija Ahjum, Mathee described the experience as one marked by fear, uncertainty and intimidation after Israeli forces intercepted the flotilla in international waters in May.

“It’s an experience where you are constantly on edge because you never know what is going to happen next,” she said.

The flotilla, carrying humanitarian supplies including baby formula, water and medical aid, was intercepted about 268 kilometres off the Gaza coast. Activists onboard were detained and transported to Israel before later being deported to their home countries following international pressure.

Mathee, one of only six South Africans on the mission and reportedly the youngest activist involved, said many passengers were restrained with cable ties and subjected to harsh treatment while in custody. She alleged that soldiers tightened restraints, forced detainees to remain in uncomfortable positions for extended periods and subjected them to psychological intimidation.

“Hearing a soldier say things like, ‘I feel like killing someone today’, really affects you psychologically,” she said. Mathee also claimed that soldiers tore her headscarf and confiscated the hijabs of several Muslim women during the operation.

Tears of joy

Despite the ordeal, she said she has no regrets about participating in the mission. “Palestinians have been crying out and pleading for assistance for decades while facing oppression. Give me some ointment for my bruises, and I would go again tomorrow,” she said.

Mathee explained that her decision to join the flotilla was motivated by her beliefs and values. “Every part of my identity was telling me that I needed to stand up for global justice. I couldn’t continue watching the atrocities that are happening. I felt I needed to take a more hands-on approach.”

Her public comments come shortly after an emotional homecoming at Cape Town International Airport, where family members, supporters and members of the public gathered to welcome her and fellow South African activists home.

Her mother previously described the reunion as overwhelming, saying the family shed tears of joy when Mathee emerged from the airport arrivals hall.

Ajhum said she remained proud of her daughter’s courage and conviction. “When she told us she was going on the flotilla, it was a statement from her side. She didn’t require permission from us as parents,” she said.

“It is that expression of commitment to values such as justice, human dignity, kindness and compassion that I marvel at.”

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