After spending six days detained by the Israeli army, Dr. Zaheera Soomar has returned to Sharjah, worn out but unwavering in her mission. The South African activist, who participated in the Global Sumud Flotilla to challenge Gaza’s blockade, shared with Khaleej Times that her experience has only fortified her commitment to advocating for Palestinian rights and freedom.
The Sharjah-based mother of three was deported to South Africa on Monday and arrived back in the UAE by Tuesday morning. Unlike other activists who were deported via flights, Soomar mentioned that she and fellow South Africans were held back and were the last group to leave Israeli detention.
“We were the final group to be held. We were anxious about still being there on October 7, uncertain if we might be made an example of,” she recounted.
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The group was finally released the following day. Soomar explained that unlike the others who flew directly out of Israel, they were left just over the border in Jordan, where consulate services had to retrieve them. She arrived in South Africa the next day, reuniting with her mother and siblings.
Israeli Interception
During her six-day detention, Soomar described being held in “overcrowded cells, sometimes without access to consular officials, and experiencing aggressive treatment by guards.”
“There were moments of fearing for my life,” she stated. “Even when your body is under assault, your mind must remain resilient.”
Initially, when Soomar announced her intent to join the Global Sumud Flotilla, her mother was not supportive. However, as the activist embarked on the mission, her mother came to terms with it but faced challenges during the interception by Israeli forces. “There was no communication, leaving us unverified—alive, well, or otherwise. Those days were likely the hardest for [my family],” she noted.
Dr. Zaheera Soomar before the Gaza flotilla set sail. Photo: Instagram
Prior to this mission, Soomar had been advocating for Palestinian rights for years. “I have been involved in the Palestinian movement for over a decade and grew up under apartheid in South Africa, which ingrained a deep commitment to justice, freedom, equality, and equity. This commitment is central to my professional work,” she expressed.
A business executive and professor, Soomar divides her time between the UAE and Canada, where she previously resided.
Despite the impact of her work, results have been slow, prompting her to join hundreds of other activists on the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is a civilian maritime mission comprised of international activists, which set sail in late September to deliver humanitarian aid and challenge Israel’s Gaza blockade. The flotilla was intercepted in early October by Israeli naval forces before reaching Gaza.
Ceasefire Concerns
Despite a ceasefire announcement last week, Soomar remains doubtful. The ceasefire agreement, signed by Hamas and Israel and brokered by US President Donald J. Trump, stipulates all fighting should cease and significant aid should reach the starving Gazan population.
However, on Tuesday, Israel announced restrictions on aid, stating that no fuel or gas supplies would enter the strip.
