CELEBRATING THE HERO, MUHAMMAD ALI (1942-2016)
PRESS STATEMENT
Celebrating the hero, Muhammad Ali (1942-2016)
04 June 2016 The human rights and Palestine solidarity organisation BDS South Africa joins the peace-loving peoples of the world in mourning the loss and celebrating the life of boxing legend and activist, Muhammad Ali.Ali is an inspiration for those us fighting for justice – be it in the struggle against racial injustice, economic exploitation or Israeli Apartheid.
According to news reports, in 1984 already, the former heavyweight boxing champion told a press conference in Beirut, that “the United States is the stronghold of Zionism and imperialism.” On a later visit to two Palestinian refugee camps Muhammad Ali is quoted as saying: “I declare support for the Palestinian struggle to liberate their homeland.”
In 1985 the boxer even travelled to Israel in an attempt to secure the release of Lebanese and Palestinian priosners held by the Israeli regime.
Ali’s determination and commitment to civil rights, anti-imperialism and social justice motivated many of our people (and our international allies) in the anti-apartheid movement. Today Ali inspires many Palestinians (and us their international allies) in the struggle and boycott of Israeli Apartheid.
Muhammad Ali – our champ, the peoples champ, the champ
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