The University of the Western Cape (UWC) has voiced strong support for postgraduate student Hajar Kagiso Al–Tha’irah Ahjum–Mathee following reports that she was recently detained after an Israeli interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in the Mediterranean Sea.
Ottery resident Ahjum–Mathee is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Medical Bioscience and serves as chairperson of the UWC Palestinian Solidarity Association student movement.
University support
People’s Post spoke with UWC spokesperson Gasant Abarder who said the university officially became aware of the flotilla’s reported interception on Monday 18 May and has since relied on academics close to Ahjum–Mathee for updates on her situation.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a historic civilian-led maritime initiative. Organised by a coalition of grassroots movements, its primary mission was to sail ships across the Mediterranean to break Israel’s naval blockade of the Gaza Strip, deliver emergency humanitarian aid, and establish a permanent sea corridor.
Abarder emphasised that Ahjum–Mathee travelled in her personal capacity and not as an official university representative.
“As you can imagine, it is rather difficult to make contact directly with the student at the moment,” said Abarder.
“There are academics on campus who are close to her and who have provided us with the most recent information we sent out and who will continue to keep us updated about the situation.”
Flotilla incident
UWC issued a statement regarding’s Ahjum–Mathee’s participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla today, stating that the flotilla was part of an international humanitarian initiative aimed at challenging the blockade of Gaza by delivering humanitarian aid.
The vessel Vincovolo, on which Ahjum–Mathee was travelling, was reportedly “intercepted by Israeli forces earlier this week while crossing the Mediterranean Sea”, the statement read.
“UWC stands in solidarity with Hajar, her family and friends, and all those participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla,” the statement read.
“We join the international call for the safe and immediate release of all detained participants and reaffirm our commitment to human rights, dignity, and global justice.”
Academic aid
Professor Kelly Gillespie from UWC’s Department of Anthropology described Ahjum–Mathee as a deeply committed activist and student leader.
“I have worked with Hajar in the context of the UWC Palestine Solidarity Coalition,” said Gillespie.
“Hajar is one of the most committed, principled and joyful students I have ever met. She feels solidarity with oppressed people very deeply, and works very hard to express that solidarity in real, tangible actions.”
Gillespie said Ahjum–Mathee played a leading role in a 2024 boycott resolution campaign that resulted in UWC implementing a full boycott of Israeli institutions and products.
She also recounted the moments before contact with the flotilla was lost.
Recent wherabouts unknown
“I saw a video of Hajar on the Vincovolo when they had just seen the Israeli naval ships coming to intercept the boat, and then her communications went down, so we knew she had been arrested,” Gillespie said.
She added that Ahjum–Mathee’s parents had spoken to her via satellite phone shortly before Israeli forces approached the vessel.
“Hajar’s parents are obviously very concerned about where she is right now, and how she is being treated. As are we at UWC,” she said.
At the time of publication, there was no confirmed information about Ahjum–Mathee’s whereabouts, although supporters believe she may have been taken to an Israeli detention facility, added Gillespie.
Gillespie said uncertainty remained over how long detainees might be held.
“We hope our government and all people of conscience will put pressure on the Israeli government to release Hajar and all of the other detainees as quickly as possible,” she said.
People’s Post reached out to Ahjum–Mathee’s mother, Gadija, for comment, but could not get a response before the time of publication.
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