Al-Qalam 
By Azra Hoosen
In Cape Town, solidarity with Palestine is being expressed in fresh and inspiring ways, not just through marches or social media campaigns, but on mountain trails, sports fields and at community gatherings. These youth-led initiatives are drawing young South Africans into spaces that are both healthy and purposeful, uniting them around a cause that reaches far beyond their own communities.
At the forefront of this movement is Youth for Al-Quds (Y4AQuds), a youth-led organisation dedicated to raising awareness about the genocide in Palestine and the struggle for a free and liberated Masjidul Aqsa. Their most recent hike, held in partnership with Hikers for Humanity, was more than just a walk in nature; it was a chance for young people to come together, bond and show solidarity.
Maryam Mobara Rinquest, the organisation’s media and social media coordinator, told Al-Qalam that the hike is a Y4AQuds initiative to bring youth in and around Cape Town closer to the Palestinian cause by partaking in activities that youth enjoy. “When we organise hikes with Hikers for Humanity, we aim to include youth groups and youth with free time to join to show their solidarity while in nature,” she added.
For Maryam, the work is as much about empowering young South Africans as it is about amplifying Palestinian voices. Leading the social media team, she has seen first-hand how youth with little to no prior media experience gain confidence and skills while using their platforms to highlight the plight of Palestine.
What stands out about these initiatives is how they affect young people on a deeper level. Beyond simply learning about the Palestinian struggle, participants are finding purpose and community. “Youth become more aware and feel that they are a part of something bigger. They feel their participation brings meaning and solidarity to people who are marginalised and oppressed,” she explained.
Maryam noted that the events also nurture connections among the youth themselves. Each activity becomes a chance to work together, learn from one another and live out the values of teamwork, solidarity and humanity.
With the daily news reports from Palestine often heavy and heartbreaking, these events offer something different: a healthy outlet and a hopeful way to engage. “We have seen our active youth more engaged; they want to do more. They are eager to understand the history and how they are able to carry this cause to a free Palestine. Social media campaigns have also become a meaningful tool for youth to use their voice,” said Maryam.
Parents and communities have welcomed this involvement, often expressing pride in seeing young people step into solidarity work. From hikes and protests to nasheed nights and game evenings, these events provide an environment where activism and healthy social engagement go hand in hand.
For Y4AQuds, solidarity has also meant connecting with well-known Palestinian activists visiting South Africa, such as Muna El Kurd, Ahmad Ghanaim and Hamza Chalan. According to Maryam, these encounters leave a strong impression on local youth, who are inspired by how international figures use their influence for justice.
Maryam told Al-Qalam that doing this work is highly rewarding, especially as you see the awareness bring change to Palestine and the global community at large. “It is great to work with youth, encouraging and skill-sharing with them to keep them motivated and engaged on a cause this important,” she said.
Each initiative, whether it’s a climb up a mountain or a campaign on social media, is already making a difference. These efforts are giving South African youth not just a role in global solidarity, but also a space to grow, connect and find purpose together.
