Oakland Marcher Returns After Egypt Blocks Humanitarian March to Gaza
Adil Jakvani, a participant in the Global March to Gaza, returned to San Francisco after authorities in Egypt halted his group’s plans to march for humanitarian aid. Jakvani expressed frustration at the detention of marchers and urged the U.S. to reconsider financial support to foreign nations, advocating for local needs instead.
In a recent development, an East Bay resident, Adil Jakvani, returned to San Francisco from Egypt after participating in the Global March to Gaza. This march aimed to advocate for humanitarian aid to Gaza, but tensions in Cairo abruptly halted their plans. Jakvani, who described his commitment to the cause as immediate, shared, “I went to get aid into Gaza,” upon his arrival at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
The Global March to Gaza is a significant civilian-led initiative, uniting over 4,000 volunteers from more than 80 countries. The organizers aimed to march from Cairo to the Rafah border to urge governments to facilitate the entry of much-needed aid into Gaza. However, Jakvani’s hopes dimmed after he and others faced violent confrontations with Egyptian authorities, who reportedly sought to deter their efforts.
Jakvani’s experience took a turn for the worse when, despite their peaceful intentions, Egyptian paramilitary forces interfered, reportedly throwing water bottles at participants during a sit-in. “It got tense and violent as marchers were forcefully detained,” he recounted. The situation became increasingly perilous, prompting leaders within the group to advise participants to leave Egypt as authorities threatened deportation and possible disappearances.
He explained that approximately 250 American organizers, including himself, were compelled to change their travel plans. Originally slated to return on Saturday, Jakvani expedited his departure, reflecting on how the escalation of confrontations forced many to abandon their mission. Now back in Oakland, he is advocating strongly against U.S. financial support to Israel, emphasizing urgent domestic needs.
“There’s plenty of unhoused folks in Oakland. There’s plenty of unhoused folks in San Francisco. Those tax dollars should be used here and not in Gaza and not in Iran,” Jakvani stated. Although the initial goal of their march was unattainable, he remains proud to have raised awareness and hopes to continue amplifying voices for those in need.
Adil Jakvani’s experience during the Global March to Gaza underscores the complexities of humanitarian activism in politically volatile regions. While his mission to deliver aid to Gaza was thwarted by Egyptian authorities, his advocacy now focuses on redirecting U.S. taxpayer dollars to support local issues rather than foreign conflicts. His plea highlights ongoing challenges faced by activists in tumultuous political climates.
Original Source: www.ktvu.com
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