From Tyrone To Gaza: 'We Will Not Look Away'

international | anti-war / imperialism | feature

Monday February 09, 2009 16:14

by John Hurson

johnhurson at hotmail dot com

From Here to There

On Friday 13th February, myself and my cousin will head off to Gaza with a lorry full of aid for some of the 60,000 people left homeless after the recent attacks by Israel.

We will be joining up with a convoy of 90 other vehicles in London, where we will leave from the embankment opposite the Houses Of Parliment, and then make our way to the ferry and hopefully 17 days later we will arrive at the border in Rafa.

We are the only Irish crew going, and we feel very proud to be a part of this trip, and to try and give something to the people of Gaza who have suffered so much.

This convoy is being led by George Galloway MP, and is organised by Viva Palestina.

"Overwhelming response to the Galway Palestine Children's Appeal"
Last Saturday, members of the Galway Palestine Children's Appeal were "overwhelmed" by the public response to their appeal for humanitarian aid for the children and people of Gaza - filling not one, not two, but three 40ft containers with medical supplies, household goods, non perishable food, clothes and toys. For more, click here.

Galloway to Lead Aid Convoy to Gaza on February 14th
British MP George Galloway announced on Monday that he will be leading an aid caravan compiled of a number of trucks loaded with humanitarian aid supplies accompanied by ambulances. The convoy will leave London on February 14th heading for Gaza Strip. For more, click here.

Viva Palestina
A life line from Britain to Gaza - Click Here.

Lifeline for Gaza aid convoy: Leaving London on Saturday 14th February 2009 and arriving on about 9th March in Gaza. Sending a Valentine to Palestine

This is the letter from George Galloway, the organiser of the trip.

More than 1,300 dead – more than 400 of them children – and still they are dragging bodies from the ruins.

The death toll in Gaza is rising, while the world’s leaders and media look away in search of a new story.

We will not look away. The Palestinians in Gaza need our help now, just as they did when Israel’s bombs and illegal weapons were dropping.

Thousands of people have contacted me to say that they have marched, cried at the television pictures and feel helpless in the face of the suffering.

That’s why I have launched a major initiative in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I will be leading an aid convoy from London to Gaza leaving on 14 February and travelling through France, Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt and through Rafah and into Gaza. It will bring material aid and raise the banner of Palestine in all the countries that we visit. The convoy should take about 16 days to reach Gaza.

The convoy will be led by a British fire engine, ambulances, and many trucks full of practical aid given by the various communities in Britain.

Ambulances from Stirling will join a fire engine from Manchester

It is quite an undertaking, which I anticipate will have a high public profile throughout its journey and on its arrival in Gaza, god willing, some 30 days later.

The convoy is already supported by the Stop the War Coalition – which organised the largest demonstrations in British history – as well as the Anglo-Arab Organisation, several British trade unions and a large number of Muslim organisations. Fundraising for the convoy is taking place all over Britain.

ENDS

So folks, show your support and get behind us as we bring aid from Tyrone and beyond to the people of Gaza.

Thanks

John Hurson
Dungannon
Tyrone