South African Humanitarian Imtiaz Sooliman Under Fire for Palestine Support
Johannesburg, South Africa — Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, founder of South Africa’s most prominent humanitarian organization, Gift of the Givers, is facing criticism from pro-Israeli groups over his outspoken support for Palestine. Despite the backlash, Sooliman maintains that his work is purely humanitarian, transcending political divides.
The 62-year-old humanitarian was a featured speaker at an October rally in Cape Town’s Sea Point promenade, where thousands gathered to protest Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Wearing his signature green T-shirt emblazoned with South Africa’s flag and the name of his organization, Sooliman addressed the crowd with fervor, highlighting the devastating toll of the war in Gaza on both civilians and aid workers.
“Every time we protested, the Zionists were too clever; they were arrogant, acted with impunity,” he said. He criticized the use of accusations of anti-Semitism to silence dissent, calling it a “dull, boring, and stupid” narrative. The crowd erupted in cheers as his passionate speech resonated with many present.
The Gift of the Givers’ Humanitarian Mission
Founded in 1992 after a spiritual journey to Türkiye, Gift of the Givers has grown into an international aid agency with operations in 47 countries. From disaster relief to community upliftment projects, the organization has distributed aid valued at over 6 billion South African rand ($319 million) over the past 32 years.
Headquartered in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, the NGO employs 600 people and has a presence in countries such as Somalia, Yemen, and Palestine. Its funding comes from a mix of major South African corporations and individual donors.
While the organization is renowned for its global disaster response, it also addresses local crises. Recently, in South Africa’s Karoo region, Gift of the Givers launched a containerized kitchen in Touws River, a struggling railway town where most residents live below the poverty line. The kitchen provides hot meals to hundreds of children daily, many of whom rely on it as their sole source of nutrition.
Sooliman’s commitment to humanitarian work extends beyond South Africa’s borders. In Syria, the organization is setting up a refuge center for women and children while continuing to distribute food to displaced families. In Mozambique, it has provided meals to those stranded at border crossings due to post-election violence.
Pro-Israeli Criticism Over Gaza Advocacy
Despite the widespread admiration for his work, Sooliman’s vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza has drawn ire from pro-Israeli groups. Following the bombing of al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza in October 2023, he condemned Israel’s actions in multiple media interviews, describing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “the worst situation in the world because there is no exit.”
This stance has placed him in the crosshairs of Zionist organizations, which accuse him of politicizing his work. Sooliman, however, remains unwavering, asserting that his priority is alleviating human suffering.
“I don’t mince my words because I don’t look at conflicts from a political point of view. I look at it from the humanitarian point of view,” he told Al Jazeera from his home in Pietermaritzburg.
Continued Advocacy and Humanitarian Impact
Sooliman’s philosophy is simple: human need knows no borders. Over the decades, Gift of the Givers has consistently provided aid in some of the world’s most challenging environments, from earthquake-stricken regions to war-torn areas like Gaza.
The organization’s efforts in Gaza have spanned decades, but the current crisis has been particularly devastating. Teams on the ground have lost family members, yet they persist in delivering aid amidst bombings and blockades.
Back home, Sooliman’s schedule is a whirlwind of logistics and outreach. While preparing for the Touws River kitchen launch, he also coordinated relief efforts for Western Cape fire victims and drafted statements for his organization’s social media platforms, ensuring every project receives visibility.
Humanitarianism Amid Controversy
Despite mounting criticism, Sooliman remains steadfast in his mission. For him, humanitarianism is not a political act but a moral obligation. “The world needs people to act, not just talk,” he says.
While his stance on Gaza has ignited controversy, his impact on global humanitarianism is undeniable. For the communities he serves, from South Africa to Syria and beyond, Sooliman’s Gift of the Givers remains a beacon of hope in times of crisis.
Source : Swifteradio.com
