Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy has dedicated its 2025 graduation ceremony, held on Friday last week, to the people of Palestine, with speakers condemning the Israeli apartheid and genocide in Gaza.
Speaking at the event, Palestinian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Tamer Almassri called for stronger global action to end the occupation.
Ambassador Almassri praised Zimbabwe’s solidarity and drew parallels between Palestine’s plight and Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“We cannot say that it is a conflict because we are talking about oppressed people,” he said.
“The Palestinian people have suffered from the last occupation of the 21st century, one that repeats in detail the apartheid regimes that collapsed in Zimbabwe in 1980 and South Africa in 1990.
“But today, the Israeli apartheid regime has developed its abilities to make the occupation and racism worse and worse.”
Ambassador Almassri said more than 200 000 Palestinians had been killed since October 2023 and accused Israel of deliberately targeting civilians through starvation, bombings and attacks on hospitals.
“We are finishing month 22 of this genocide. Even if it stopped tomorrow, the consequences will continue with us,” he said.
He also thanked Zimbabwe for donating US$500 000 to Gaza at the onset of the war, despite its own economic sanctions.
“This amount, maybe it is not too big, but it is significant when it comes from a country that suffers under sanctions,” Ambassador Almassri said.
The institute’s chairperson Mr Vivo Chikanda said dedicating the graduation to Palestine was fitting as the institution equips future diplomats to advocate for peace.
“These students are learning how to get humanity out of people,” he said.
“They will work in foreign ministries, embassies and international organisations, applying diplomacy — the art of diving into a pool without making a splash — to create peace and sustainability in our world.”
One of the graduates, Ms Molly Chuma, a grooming and etiquette coach, said the course had been transformational.
“I attended this protocol and diplomacy course to improve myself and develop further in my area of work,” she said.
“It has really been impactful and empowering. I feel confident enough to face the world after this course.
“I liked that we had practical sessions with actual diplomats, learning from their lives and experiences. I am really grateful, and I hope this course will take me to greater heights.”
Diplomats, Government officials and families of the graduates attended the ceremony.
Online Reporter