GEORGE GALLOWAY LEADS THE WAY TO FREEDOM!

July 8, 2009 at 08:50 (Activism, Gaza, International Solidarity)

200 American Volunteers Lead by George Galloway Head for Gaza With Emergency Humanitarian Aid

A send-off for Viva Palestina was held at the House of the Lord Church. Speakers called for the safe return of Cynthia Mckinney from Israeli prison and expressed solidarity with activists from the Civil Rights movement who support the right to bring medicine, toys and cement to Gaza. Speakers included Lamis Deek of Al Awda, City Council Member Charles Baron, Kevin Ovendon of Viva Palistina and Rev. Lucius Walker of IFCO Pastors for Peace among others.
By Elias Farhud

VIVA-Palestina USA olunteers at JFK International Airport before Departure

The American convoy,Viva Palestina U.S.A left for Gaza,  headed by U.K Minister of Parliament George Galloway arrived in Cairo on Monday, July 6. The  200 American volunteers will take much needed Medical Supplies and medicines to the suffering people of Gaza , who have been devastated by the two year Israeli blockade, and the criminal “Operation Cast Lead” attack by israel against Gaza’s civilians that left 1,440 Civilians killed , and nearly 6,000 wounded, half of the wounded and killed were children.  The survivors of this brutal attack are left literally starving several months later and Israel still continues to stop humanitarian aid into Gaza and the World Leaders (?), Governments and people remain silent.

American volunteers arrival at Cairo Airport

When this large Historic Group of American Volunteers arrived Cairo, they were met at Cairo’s International Airport by Egyptian Government Officials and were escorted by police escort to their Hotel.

Among the American volunteers were 4 Rabbis from Neturei Karta International, Jews united against Zionism.
The American volunteers  are a diversified group of young and old from varied ethnic backgrounds.  High school, College students,Middle aged, elderly, and even handicapped.

All medical supplies, equipment, and vehicles are being purchased in Cairo and the convoy is set to leave Cairo around July12. The word from Gaza is that the people are very anxious and looking forward to the arrival of the American Stars and Stripes Convoy bringing Aid to Gaza’s children.

Source

Also see Chippy Dee’s commentary

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Update……

Viva Palestina US blocked at Rafah – British ISM activists refused exit from Strip

Viva Palestina US has reached the Gaza border at Rafah

At least 100 Americans arrived in Egypt Sunday and made their way up to the Egypt-Gaza border at Rafah with a rumored 1 million US dollars in medical supplies for the besieged Strip.

Less than a week after Israeli occupation naval boats seized and boarded the Free Gaza ship, the Spirit of Humanity, and as activists from half a dozen countries remain in Israeli prison from the first group of activists, the Americans, with the “Viva Palestina” movement, will try to enter the Strip via Rafah.

Following the first British “Viva Palestina” convoy which was allowed into the Strip in early October 2008, the American group – also lead by British MP George Galloway – will attempt to deliver supplies and show solidarity with the closed-off coastal area.
From the Palestine Media Center

Meanwhile, International Solidarity Movement (ISM) activists Jenny Lindell and Natalie Abou Chakra have been prevented from leaving the Strip by the Egyptian regime because of their work with the Free Gaza boats.

Protest now:

The Egyptian Embassy in London
phone 020 7499 3304/2401
Fax: 020 7491 1542

The British Foreign Office
Middle East Desk
Tel: 020 70088784
Email: jill.bayliss@fco.gov.uk and trish.wise2@fco.gov.uk

Source