A detained Birmingham activist has been called 'one soul in a trillion' by his proud father. Hasnain Jafer, originally from Balsall Heath, was on board the Global Sumud Flotilla, which intended to sail to Gaza to deliver aid including food, school supplies, and medicine.
On Monday, May 18, the 22-year-old was on international waters when the flotilla was intercepted by Israeli forces. Reuters reported on Friday evening, May 22, that some detainees have alleged Israeli abuse, including rape. After days of detention and international backlash, the flotilla was sent to Turkey on Thursday, May 21, with hundreds freed. Jeffrey Jafer, Hasnain's father, has not yet heard news about his son but praised his 'unbelievable' heart.
Father's tribute
Speaking to BirminghamLive, Mr Jafer said: 'I'm extremely proud of him. I was initially distraught, but after seeing the international reaction, this has woken the world up. He is unbelievable. It takes one soul in a trillion to do something like this. Whatever they have gone through is a separate issue, with the physical and mental torture.'
He added: 'It's been a tough five days for me, I've barely slept and eaten. My voice has gone and I've made a million phone calls. After this week, I can't tell Hasnain what to do, he's his own person. He's a very humane person and he cares about everyone, not just family and friends.'
Education and pride
'I'm so proud of him. He went to the best schools in Birmingham, including King Edward's in Edgbaston and King's College in London. He was educated at King's Schools, and now he's a King to me, a King of humanity,' Mr Jafer said.
Israeli minister controversy
Israel's Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, arrived on the flotilla and controversially mocked detainees. One video showed Ben-Gvir waving an Israeli flag over people whose hands appeared to be tied. The actions were criticised worldwide, including by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said it was 'not in line' with the country's values.
Speaking about Ben-Gvir, Mr Jafer added: 'What kind of human being can do this to someone? The international bodies and governments have to do something about this.'
