What You Need to Know
Recent investigations have uncovered alarming details regarding the organization “Majd Europe,” which has been facilitating flights from Gaza to South Africa. Allegations of human trafficking under the guise of humanitarian efforts have emerged, raising concerns about the legitimacy of these operations and the safety of those involved.
Africa. Recent investigations have uncovered alarming details regarding the organization “Majd Europe,” which has been facilitating flights from Gaza to South Africa. Allegations of human trafficking under the guise of humanitarian efforts have emerged, raising concerns about the legitimacy of these operations and the safety of those involved.
According to Israeli media, the organization offers Palestinians the chance to pay around $2,000 for a seat on a chartered flight to destinations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Africa.
An investigation by an Israeli newspaper revealed that behind this organization, named “Majd,” is Tomer Janar Lind, who holds both Israeli and Estonian citizenship.
Although its website claims it was founded in Germany and has offices in East Jerusalem, the newspaper found that it is supported by a consulting firm registered in Estonia.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense’s “Voluntary Immigration” directorate referred the organization to the Israeli immigration authority to coordinate the departure of residents.
In recent months, several charter flights have departed from Ramon Airport near Eilat, carrying groups of dozens of Gazans to various destinations around the world.
The newspaper reported that the departure of these groups from Gaza was organized by an unknown organization, which claims on its website to be “a humanitarian organization specializing in assisting and rescuing Muslim communities from war zones.”
International Investigations
International investigative bodies have opened a file on the organization “Majd Europe” after it organized flights from Gaza to South Africa, according to a report aired by Al Jazeera English.
The report revealed troubling details about this entity, which presented itself as a humanitarian organization, while evidence points to illegal activities.
According to the investigation, “Majd Europe” organized a flight on November 13, transporting 153 Palestinians from Gaza to Johannesburg, South Africa, at a time when the region is suffering from a severe blockade and deteriorating humanitarian conditions. This was the second flight carrying people from Gaza to South Africa within two weeks.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated in the report that “his nation was surprised by the flight,” adding that “these people from Gaza were somehow mysteriously placed on a plane that crossed Nairobi to get here, and I heard about it from the Minister of the Interior.”
He continued that the minister “wanted to know what we should do now, and I told him we cannot return them, even though they do not have the necessary documents, as they came from a country torn by conflict and war, and out of compassion, we must welcome them.”
Passengers reported that the plane took off from Israel after being transported from Gaza, noting that they applied online and each paid $5,000.
The investigation revealed that the organization relies on a website registered in Iceland, offering what it calls “humanitarian evacuation” for civilians. However, regulatory authorities in South Africa have begun to raise questions about the nature of these operations, their funding, and the entities behind them after several concerning matters.
Concealment and Fraud
The investigation clarifies that this organization accepts donations only through cryptocurrencies, complicating the tracking of its funding sources. Additionally, images posted on the website of individuals purported to be executive directors were later found to be generated using artificial intelligence, raising further doubts about the organization’s credibility.
The alleged organization did not respond to requests for comment despite attempts to reach out, further enhancing the mystery surrounding it.
The report indicates that investigations are currently focused on whether these flights have been used to transport individuals illegally, exploiting the humanitarian emergency in Gaza.
The investigation also highlighted the challenges regulatory bodies face when dealing with organizations operating in conflict zones, especially when they utilize advanced digital tools such as artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, which can be used as means of concealment and fraud, necessitating enhanced auditing and accountability mechanisms.
This file comes at a time when concerns are increasing about the exploitation of humanitarian crises for dubious purposes amid a lack of effective international oversight on some entities operating under the guise of humanitarian work.
The report raises fundamental questions about the responsibility of states and organizations to ensure that humanitarian aid genuinely serves those in need, rather than becoming a means for trafficking or smuggling.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a humanitarian crisis, prompting various organizations to offer assistance. However, the rise of groups like “Majd Europe” raises questions about the integrity of such efforts. As international scrutiny increases, the need for transparency in humanitarian operations becomes paramount to prevent exploitation and ensure aid reaches those in need.
Historically, humanitarian organizations have faced challenges in conflict zones, often becoming targets for scrutiny. The use of advanced technologies and digital currencies by some groups complicates oversight, making it difficult to track funding sources and operational legitimacy.