Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
The Embassy of the State of Palestine in Harare and the Johanne the Fifth of Africa International Church yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening solidarity and cooperation between the Palestinian people and Zimbabwean churches.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held in Harare, Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri said the agreement was anchored on the long-standing relationship between Palestine and Zimbabwe, which dates back to the liberation struggle.
Ambassador Almassri said the two nations shared a common history of resisting oppression.
“We fought alongside Zimbabwe against the apartheid regime in South Africa just as Zimbabwe stands with us against the Israeli apartheid regime.
“The Palestinian-Zimbabwean relationship is built on moral pillars, the first being solidarity,” he said.
Ambassador Almassri said official revolutionary relations between Palestine and Zimbabwe began in 1970 and have continued to grow, with Zimbabwe consistently expressing support for the Palestinian people, particularly during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
He said the Palestinian Embassy also enjoyed strong relations with Zimbabwean civil society, including churches, universities and the broader public.
He commended the founder of the Johanne the Fifth of Africa International Church, Archbishop Andby Makururu, for his unwavering support for Palestine.
“Archbishop Makururu has played a significant role in expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, especially since the Israeli offensive in Gaza began in October 2023.
“He has also stood firmly with Zimbabwe in opposing illegal sanctions and has consistently championed the dignity, independence and sovereignty of his country,” he said.
The ambassador described Palestine as the Holy Land where Jesus Christ was born and said the MoU marked the beginning of closer cooperation between Palestinian and Zimbabwean churches.
“This is the first Memorandum of Understanding between the Embassy of the State of Palestine and a Zimbabwean church,” he said.
“It will open a new chapter of cooperation between Palestinian churches and Zimbabwean churches.
“We believe the voice of Zimbabwe should be heard in Bethlehem and throughout Palestine.”
Ambassador Almassri said in 2021, Bethlehem’s Church of the Nativity held special prayers in solidarity with Zimbabwe against sanctions.
“Today we are proud to sign this agreement which demonstrates our commitment to working together and strengthening our friendship,” he said.
Archbishop Makururu expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa, the Government of Zimbabwe and the people of Palestine.
He reaffirmed his church’s solidarity with the Palestinian people and condemned the humanitarian suffering caused by the ongoing conflict.
“As Christians, we stand with the people of Palestine and pray for peace,” Archbishop Makururu said.
“Palestine is a Holy Land, and we believe peace must prevail there. We urge churches across Africa to continue praying for Palestine and supporting its people during this difficult time.”
Archbishop Makururu said the MoU would strengthen cooperation between churches in Zimbabwe and Palestine while promoting peace, unity and mutual support.
He also called on African nations to remain united in supporting justice, peace and the rights of oppressed people.
“We are one family. Our prayers are with the people of Palestine and we will continue to stand together in the pursuit of peace, justice and human dignity.”
The agreement is expected to facilitate closer collaboration between churches in Zimbabwe and Palestine through faith-based exchanges, solidarity initiatives and humanitarian cooperation.
