Berbera was always the pivot of Life for our people.
Vintage images pre- 1899 showing customs collection point and marine pier ( buildings in the background)
@haadka Keep going mate. Don’t pay attention to these unhinged people who are clearly jealous of the work you do for your country. I bet they wish they had your talent and the reach you’ve built. Real Landers appreciate everything you do. Keep it up brother 🫡
Today I had two very different experiences with Uber drivers in Birmingham.
I don’t generally wear my kippah when walking around in England. This morning was no exception.
Upon arriving from London at the city’s Moor Street Railway Station, I was picked up by a driver named Ahmed.
He asked where I was visiting from. I mumbled something about having come from America (technically true; I flew in from New York the other day) and left it at that.
A few minutes later, he commented on the heat and mentioned that he was from East Africa.
In an effort to make conversation, I asked where in East Africa. “Somaliland,” he answered.
I sensed an opening.
“I actually live in Israel,” I said.
“Shalom!” he said, breaking into a grin. “We are friends now!”
We ended up chatting happily about the newly established ties between our two countries. I noted that his president had just visited Jerusalem and he told me that if I ever visit Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, I’ll find the streets lined with Israeli flags. “You now have more Muslim friends!” he said.
I asked if he visits home and he said he does, usually via either the UAE or Ethiopia. “Soon I’ll be able to fly through Tel Aviv,” he said excitedly.
When I got out, I expressed the hope that we might meet again in Jerusalem. He said he hoped so too and again said “Shalom!” before waving goodbye.
My journey back to the train, however, was somewhat less cheery.
I ordered an Uber and a driver named Muhammad accepted the ride.
As the app showed him approaching the address, I went outside, forgetting that I still had my kippah on after visiting family.
He pulled up to the curb and waited. I approached the car, about to get in.
As soon as he saw my kippah, however, he abruptly sped up and drove off.
Moments later, the trip was cancelled and the app started trying to find me a new driver.
Two drivers. Two very different experiences.
Life as a Jew in 2026.
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland rejects the statement issued by the Failed Somalian Government regarding Somaliland’s sovereign diplomatic engagements.
Full Statement 👇🏾
https://t.co/WicbHj7KLJ
This was not a symbolic meeting, it was a strategic and practical one. Somaliland and Israel are building a deep partnership based on concrete cooperation, shared interests, and real results.
Honoured to meet Foreign Minister @gidonsaar during my official visit to the State of Israel.
We discussed expanding cooperation between Somaliland and Israel across security, investment, technology, infrastructure, innovation, and economic development. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to advancing a partnership that serves the interests of our peoples and contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity.
My sincere thanks to Minister Sa’ar for his warm welcome and hospitality.
#SomalilandIsrael
Today, a new chapter in history has been written. I extend my deepest gratitude and sincere appreciation to the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu @netanyahu the Government of Israel, and the people of Israel for becoming the first nation in thirty-five years to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign and independent state, affirming its nationhood, independence, and inherent right to self-determination.
This courageous and historic decision stands as a testament to the resilience, political maturity, and unwavering aspirations of the people of Somaliland. For more than three decades, our nation has remained steadfast in its commitment to peace, democracy, stability, and the democratic expression of the will of its people. Somaliland will never forget this historic gesture of friendship, mutual respect, and principled recognition.
We firmly believe that Somaliland and Israel will build a deep and enduring partnership founded on mutual respect, security, innovation, development, and a shared commitment to advancing the prosperity and well-being of our peoples.
I am also pleased to announce that the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel have formally signed a Strategic Joint Declaration of Cooperation, marking a historic milestone in relations between our two nations. This landmark agreement establishes the foundation for a lasting strategic partnership and deepens cooperation in the fields of agriculture, water management, security, technology, investment, economic development, and infrastructure.
This achievement represents a defining moment in Somaliland’s national journey and a significant milestone for its people. It will leave an enduring mark on our history and usher in a new era of partnership, opportunity, and international engagement.
Somaliland has prevailed.
"No one will decide for Israel - and no one will decide for Somaliland - who we conduct diplomatic relations with."
🇮🇱 Foreign Minister @gidonsaar, alongside Somaliland President @Abdirahmanirro at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem.
Bismillahi Rahmani Rahiim;
I have arrived in Israel as the first President of the Republic of Somaliland to undertake a State Visit, and I am honoured by the warm welcome extended by my friend, President @Isaac_Herzog
For thirty-five years, the people of Somaliland have built a peaceful, democratic, and resilient nation. We asked the world: Do you see us? Israel answered first. Today marks a historic milestone in our journey and the beginning of a new chapter in the relationship between Somaliland and Israel.
To the people of Somaliland: I carry your hopes and aspirations with me. Generations have struggled, sacrificed, and persevered to bring our nation to this moment. We will seize this opportunity with confidence, wisdom, and determination, always guided by the interests of our people and our Republic.
Today, history is being written, and Somaliland stands ready to forge a shared future founded on friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.
#SomalilandIsrael
Welcome to Israel, President Irro @Abdirahmanirro of Somaliland.
This historic visit symbolizes the great potential of the new partnership between our two nations.
Ku soo dhawow Israel!
Ku soo dhawoow Israel, Madaxweynaha Somaliland @Abdirahmanirro.
Booqashadan taariikhiga ah waxay astaan u tahay kartida weyn ee iskaashiga cusub ee u dhexeeya labadeenna dal.
🚨 IMPORTANT🧵OF RECEIPTS!
Najat Abdi / Abdullahi (@theafroaussie, @oneafroaussie), a known scammer who was exposed, years ago, for stealing the work of Indigenous and POC photographers, recently opened a fundraising campaign for @moebari97 from Gaza, who tried to raise donations for his sick mother's surgery, treatment, and accommodation abroad.
After Najat made a few small transfers, she stopped sending the donations, gaslighted Mahmoud, lied and insulted him, and ran off with the money.
This thread contains screenshots from Najat's WhatsApp conversation with Mahmoud. Read it all. It's astonishingly evil.
I thank Mahmoud for daring to speak out and for keeping the receipts. Please support him, stop normalizing infiltrators and scammers, and stop treating the exploitation and abuse of Palestinians in Gaza as "personal drama". Najat and her likes are just another Zionist tool of genocide. Silence is complicity.
I have arrived in Athens this morning to attend the Athens Defence Summit, where Somaliland’s participation reflects its growing role in international strategic and security dialogue.