AMP mourns the passing of Nelson Mandela

(CHICAGO) – The American Muslims for Palestine is deeply saddened by the passing of a giant in human rights activism, Nelson Mandela, who not only sacrificed decades of his own liberty in his attempts to end South African Apartheid but who also worked consistently to bring justice to other peoples around the world, especially Palestinians. AMP offers our most sincere condolences to the South African people.

Yet, while we are sobered by the death of such a respected and beloved historical figure, AMP also celebrates the many accomplishments of a man who risked everything to gain everything. As soon as he was released from nearly 30 years in prison, Mr. Mandela immediately made clear that he would move forward in reconciliation, always seeking justice but never retribution for those who oppressed the majority South African population for so long.

Mr. Mandela set an example for us all, especially those of us working for justice in Palestine. He was a man of peace to be sure, but he never compromised his values of self-determination, liberty, and justice while seeking that peace.
“Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians,” Mr. Mandela said in 1997.

Mr. Mandela helped to lead the African National Congress for many years as it sought freedom and justice for the indigenous majority population of Apartheid South Africa. Even when the US government designated it as a terrorist organization and its leader Mandela as a terrorist, he did not waiver in his belief of creating a homeland where peace and harmony existed among all people. He did not shy away from the hardships for fear of his own safety or comfort. He did not put his own ambition or personal pursuits ahead of the greater goal of ending apartheid. We should all learn from this.

In his 1997 address on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people, he said, “The temptation in our situation is to speak in muffled tones about an issue such as the right of the people of Palestine to a state of their own. We can easily be enticed to read reconciliation and fairness as meaning parity between justice and injustice…” Mr. Mandela wanted us all to take on the issue of Palestine boldly and not with weak or compromising positions.

Mr. Mandela languished for 27 years in prison, then later won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and became the president of South Africa in 1994.

AMP looks to Mr. Mandela as a source of inspiration and hope. While the world has lost a great man and enormous advocate for justice, we recognize we are all richer because he lived and fought for human dignity, human rights and self-determination.