we are not numbers

emerging writers from Palestine tell their stories and advocate for their human rights

WANN says, ‘Thank you South Africa!’

WANN expresses its gratitude to South Africa for its case against Israel in the International Court of Justice.
Danbak dancers on Gaza beach.
Watch the video of the Gazan Palestinian dabka group Asyail Wattan Band performing “Jerusalema.”

We Are Not Numbers is resharing this 2021 dance video of “Jerusalema” to convey its gratitude to the Republic of South Africa. On Jan. 11, 2024, the country presented its request to the International Court of Justice for emergency measures to stop Israel’s commission of genocide against Gaza.

The song “Jerusalema” features vocals by South African singer Nocembo and was produced in 2019 in the Johannesburg studio of South African DJ and record producer Master KG. The original video has had more than 500 million views on YouTube; the song went viral during a COVID-era #JerusalemaChallenge.

The lyrics are in Zulu, a local South African language, and describe Jerusalem as the universal home. WANN’s dance rendition is performed by the Gazan Palestinian dabka group Asyail Wattan Band. The video was produced in 2021 by New Scene productions. Anas Jnena coordinated production.

Dabka dancers on Gaza beach.
The Asyail Wattan Band of Gaza dance to “Jerusalema.” The lyrics include the line, “Jerusalem, my home, Save me!”

An English translation of the lyrics are below.

Jerusalem, my home,
Save me!
Join me,
Don’t leave me here!

My place is not here,
My kingdom is not here,
Save me,
Come with me!

Save, save, save me,
Do not leave me here!
Save me, save me, save me,
Do not leave me here!

My place is not here,
My kingdom is not here,
Save me,
Come with

Save, save, save me,
Do not leave me here!
Save me, save me, save me,
Do not leave me here!

Dabka dancers on the beach.

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