‘Solidarity with Palestine’: Tanzanian divers draw attention to war on Gaza

By Lulu Angelo Sanga

ZANZIBAR, Tanzania (AA) - Jamal Amoul Abdallah, a content creator known for his diving skills and promoting positive messages and peace, has released a compelling video in solidarity with Palestinians.

Collaborating with a group of fellow divers and South African travel influencer Candice King, they displayed Palestinian flags as they jump into the waters.

The video, which captured the attention of many, including international media, featured several Tanzanians saying "Free Palestine."

It was recorded off the coast in the Indian Ocean near Forodhani, one of East Africa's famous food markets in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

In a powerful display of solidarity, King said she and her husband, Jonty King, were inspired by Jamal's work and decided to partner with him to tell the world that the youth of Zanzibar want Palestine to be free.

“My husband and I have been advocating for Palestine since 2016, ---After we visited the West Bank---we were touched --. Few days ago we visited Zanzibar, and --my husband Mr. Jonty King wanted to collaborate with Jamal and bring a message about Palestine because we knew that a lot of people in Zanzibar stand with Palestine, but the goal is to let the world know that it’s not just Arabs that are united with Palestine but even people from a remote island,” she said.

Candice, who was born and raised in South Africa, has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian freedom.

Speaking to Anadolu, she said she wants the world to know that Africa has a big heart and is a beautiful place with incredible people who stand with Palestine.

"I want the world to know Africa has incredible people who stand with Palestine, and the only way to do that was to collaborate with Jamal," she added.

The video, which was primarily shared on Instagram by Jamal, who is popularly known as Yess Jamal, has garnered 11,100 shares and over 1,000 comments.

Jamal says Candice and her family sought him out for a collaboration because they had seen his previous videos on Palestine, Kenya, Sudan and other topics.

"I am a person who loves peace and happiness, and I have been making videos like this from time to time because I believe everyone deserves to be peaceful and happy. I have made videos about Ukraine and Russia, Sudan, and many other places. As for Palestine, I made a few videos before, but this current video has received a great response from people all over the world," Jamal said.

Asked if it is important to use social media to raise awareness on issues like Palestine, Jamal highlighted its significance.

"It's not about Palestine only; it can be Kenya, Sudan or any country. I will always be vocal for peace. And it would be nice if influential people used their social networks to spread love and peace. I know many are concerned about the effects of being criticized or losing followers, as people take sides. But it will be better if everyone uses their networks to spread these kinds of messages of peace about Palestine, the DRC, Kenya and elsewhere," he added.