The Road to Hope Convoy passed into Libya on Thursday 21st.
The date has been changed for those flying in to meet the convoy in Libya from the 16th to Saturday the 23rd of October. This is because the convoy is taking the new longer route; it led to at least two potential travellers withdrawing from this particular journey, but those on the road are happily continuing. This entry will be extended as soon as more up-to-date information becomes available.
Three more for the Road
On Saturday 23rd, convoy veteran Sakir Yildirim, trade unionist Dave Chappell and leading young graffitist Shahid Iqbal flew out to join the Road to Hope Convoy. We should hear more from them soon.
Tunisia, get me out of here!!!
Posted on October 22, 2010 by Admin at http://l2g09.wordpress.com/
The hostility of the authorities was apparent when we attempted to stick to the route planned and enter Gabes for a break. They blocked off the turning that leads to Gabes with their vehicles so we stopped in the middle of the road and argued with them to allow us to roam freely into the city.
Tunisian/Libyan Border
After exchanging words with the police it had become more apparent what game they were playing. They were adamant not to let us into the city so we decided not to stay in the country any longer than needed and we told them 'we just want to leave your country; allow us to go'.
As we made our way to Ben Gardan which is the last town before the Libyan border, I looked at the map and noticed that the route they were taking us was not the direct, and main route. It seemed that they were taking us through the back routes that were really remote and it felt like that we were being taken around in circles. We kept stopping the police and asking where are they taking us - what they were telling us didn’t add up, yet we had no choice but to follow them.
As we got to a fork in the road we noticed that the turning to the border was blocked off and they weren’t permitting us to make our way there. They wanted us to stay the night in a scout’s camp. Personally I believe they wanted us to stay the night so they could exploit us and use us to publicise to the people of Tunisia that they support the Palestinian cause.
After negotiation and deciding that we would go to the border and leave Tunisia as soon as possible, the decision was changed and we then made our way to the accommodation. They hosted us and the mayor came down where he bought his banners and put on a little show for the cameras that they were treating us well. In my opinion we should have just left Tunisia, but the decision was made and although I voiced my opinion and dissatisfaction with the decision we stayed in Tunisia for another night.
Tunisia, get me out of here!!!
Posted on October 22, 2010 by Admin at http://l2g09.wordpress.com/
The hostility of the authorities was apparent when we attempted to stick to the route planned and enter Gabes for a break. They blocked off the turning that leads to Gabes with their vehicles so we stopped in the middle of the road and argued with them to allow us to roam freely into the city.
Tunisian/Libyan Border
After exchanging words with the police it had become more apparent what game they were playing. They were adamant not to let us into the city so we decided not to stay in the country any longer than needed and we told them 'we just want to leave your country; allow us to go'.
As we made our way to Ben Gardan which is the last town before the Libyan border, I looked at the map and noticed that the route they were taking us was not the direct, and main route. It seemed that they were taking us through the back routes that were really remote and it felt like that we were being taken around in circles. We kept stopping the police and asking where are they taking us - what they were telling us didn’t add up, yet we had no choice but to follow them.
As we got to a fork in the road we noticed that the turning to the border was blocked off and they weren’t permitting us to make our way there. They wanted us to stay the night in a scout’s camp. Personally I believe they wanted us to stay the night so they could exploit us and use us to publicise to the people of Tunisia that they support the Palestinian cause.
After negotiation and deciding that we would go to the border and leave Tunisia as soon as possible, the decision was changed and we then made our way to the accommodation. They hosted us and the mayor came down where he bought his banners and put on a little show for the cameras that they were treating us well. In my opinion we should have just left Tunisia, but the decision was made and although I voiced my opinion and dissatisfaction with the decision we stayed in Tunisia for another night.
Big reception in Libya
Tuesday 27th October: News has just come in that Sonette Aboud also flew out to join the Convoy, midnight from Heathrow, 23rd October to Tripoli. She reports that on arrival in the east Libyan city of Benghazi the reception - from the people and the local politicians - was overwhelming, including the presentation of a huge bouquet of flowers to her.
Judith Brown has managed to up date her own blog, from which this is an extract:
"We have had an interesting journey; the Bristol team has been bogged down with car troubles, especially the minibus which I am driving - . I think we seriously need to think of getting fewer, better quality cars for any future convoy.
We have a great team and a great commitment to the cause. We have had an amazing reception in Libya, with crowds lining the street to cheer us on.
They have also filled the vans with aid to take to Gaza. For example, one little girl bought a toy and a beautiful letter to give to a Gaza child, and she wants me to take a photo of the little girl I give it to.
We have seen some amazing places, fantastic scenery, I have had to practice my Arabic language, and my team in the minibus works well together, although as you can imagine we
have occasional arguments and differences but they have always been solved and
we have a good atmosphere and spirit in our vehicle - I sometimes wish I wasn't
the minibus leader tho! Not driving can be very boring so there is a
clamour to drive, which means that I am sometimes stressed out trying to keep
the peace and keep to fairness and justice inside the van - which in the end is
the hallmark which we should all be aiming for.
Thank you for all your support and good wishes, and your generous donations towards the trip. The political aim of breaking the siege is important, as the people in Gaza do
not deserve to be kept in isolation from the world. I am going to try to
meet a woman's group and Sonette and I are thinking we would like to organise
a future woman's convoy, with really good quality aid and good quality
vehicles, in which women in UK donate aid to women in Gaza. I think it
would be fantastic."
So far: the King of Morocco had asked the government to look after the convoyers; they were given Police escort through the country and hotels to stay in. The locals were very welcoming . In Algeria, the border, closed for 14 years, was opened to allow the convoy through. The Media made this a big story in Algeria and have given them the very best of receptions. In Libya, as well as being given accommodation and feasts, the groups have enjoyed bonding with the police and locals, who showed their support for the convoy.
The expectation now is that the convoy should be able to cross into Egypt by tonight.
It might take two days to travel up to Gaza from there; there is a good chance that everyone will be home in a few weeks.
For the next update: see http://palywely.blogspot.com/2010/10/hope-convoy-still-waits-at-egyptian.html
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