About time

There are two reasons why one should NOT procrastinate when it comes to blogs. One is that so much time has passed that you have to sit and really think about what went on the day you want to write about that happened...sheesh 4 months ago! With a memory like mine it is a very difficult task. Two is that I really wanted to attach photos to this post but unfortunately my poor computer got hit by lightning a couple of weeks ago and I've only just sent it to get fixed which will take another two weeks!! One becomes so lost without technology nowadays and everyone at home is getting edgy without the computer. So I now have to post today's post without pictures. Will put them up when my computer is fully recovered. In the meantime...

...in order to think about what I was going to write I have been reading a few of the old posts to get my mind back into the convoy mode. Really makes me miss everyone and the whole experience but it really saddens me due to the horrific events that are happening in Syria right now. It is so confusing to know what the truth is but I do know that looking at other countries who have other countries getting involved in their business have turned into nothing but destruction and chaos. I just pray for all the Syrians, especially those I met on my trip. The people I met were just amazing and so friendly, especially the couple who joined us and the wife became my flatmate for awhile in Jordan as her husband had to go back for work. I really do hope and pray they are okay.

Actually thinking about it, it is very hard to write this post without pictures. What I will write is that I was very good and woke up at 7am to help rearrange the aid that was delivered that night before and load them into the vans. There was a bit of confusion on what to put were but we sorted it out after a few hours. Quick breakfast, said goodbye to our hosts the Palestinian National Council and off we went to the border between Jordan and Syria. Thinking about our border crossings, this was the smoothest one we went through but I had the most traumatic public toilet experience that you could now take me to any public toilet and I will be able to handle it. It was that bad and I won't describe it here. And dad has been saying for years that the one thing he worries about is how am I going to handle the toilet situation hehe. Well dad, I did it! No need for the portable toilet at the back of the vehicle :p

Just had a thought....my Facebook pictures!!

Assessing how to load the medical aid...great Babaji :)

 Load it up boys!

I love this pic as it looks like Faz is directing Faisal on what to do

Carole assessing how many more boxes can fit inside...what would we do without Carole!

All lined up and waiting to go

Hello Jordan!

Yey for Facebook! Oh yes and I remember, we almost left two guys behind as we left straight on the dot whatever time it was we were supposed to leave and they were not there. Was funny seeing them running towards us. Taught us that if a time is set a time is set, whether you're there or not.

Going into Jordan was so different then all the countries we had passed. For one, all you could see was flat land with hardly anything around. I think at that point I had taken so many scenic pictures that I hardly took any of going into Jordan.

Flat and bare lands of Jordan

Thinking about it, that day was a long day. From getting up very early in the morning to driving through flat and bare land. Then we sat waiting by the side of the road just outside Amman for absolutely ages! When we got to this spot it was very hot and sunny. When we left, it was completely dark. What happened, we were told, is that we were waiting for the Jordanian police escort to escort us to the place we wanted to go. I don't know what took them so long but apparently it was a different area of Jordan hence we had to wait for that area police to arrive. Whatever it was it took ages and we all started to get hungry and edgy. Crisps, melted chocolate and sandwiches started coming out. The highlight was Faz finding a very tiny tortoise shown below. So cute!! Think the guys that were staying at the place we had pulled up too owned it. 

So after waiting a very long time for this police escort we finally made a move into Amman. Whatever way they took us really was going through real back ways of the city and I think I remember passing a KFC 3 times...and think it was the same one hahaha. Anywayz, we finally made it to our destination which was the Syndicate where doctors, lawyers, professors, engineers etc go too. These poor people had been waiting for us all day as they were hosting an event in support for the Palestinian Prisoners and some students were following the hunger strike for support. However because we arrived so late, most people had to leave and would be back the following day to see us. We did sit and talk with the students who were fasting and they had been going everyday since the hunger strikes had started. They told us about the prisoners who were on hunger strikes and all the ridiculous charges they had been sentenced. There is no justice into why they are in prison in the first place.

After a very long day we finally went to our apartments and I was feeling so ill at this point and just passed out. Next day was horrid for me but will explain it another time :)

Dramatic weather for dramatic Turkey :)

Just look at this picture!! At one point it reminded me of a hurricane area. Then I said as long as there are no hail stones we will be fine. 20mins later, not really hail stones but big blocks of water def came tumbling down. And we are in Turkey!! The weather has been so strange. Sun stroke in Germany and Hungary then wearing a jumper in Turkey! Just so odd.

So right now we are in Konya in Turkey and making our way down until our next destination. Should be in Turkey for the next few days. Yesterday we stayed in Ankara after being in Istanbul for 4 days at another petrol station like last nights one. Its nice how you don't have to pay for toilet use but there's been no hot water or showers for that matter so been wet wipe showers the past two days :) smell like Jasmine :p

The day we left Istanbul, which was Saturday, was a day of mixed emotions. Due to visa problems for our next country destination, we had to leave behind some of the guys that were with us. This left 4 vans with no drivers. Luckily 3 new guys, including one from South Africa had joined us plus us with no van so we each are now driving one. Just hope everything gets sorted so they can join us at the border. Meanwhile, we are still awaiting news on our vehicle but since we are driving B6 now, it will be hard to spread the drivers out when we get our van. So we shall see how it goes. After so many days of not being on the road, was so nice to be back with the convoy. Although I haven't been very well so just trying to cope with that. Will be alright.

On the 4th was 6 years since my mum had passed. I didn't even realise the date until I was reminded. No wonder I went window shopping that day! Although I did treat myself and got a lovely handbag which was bargained even further once the guy knew we were going to Gaza. His business partner then gave me a free purse :D I don't like to remember the day to be honest because it makes me feel very sad and that's what I don't want to feel right now cause there's just so many things going on that I need to deal with but I did have a lil cry and had to remind myself that she's with me on this journey helping me. Just one day at a time I guess.

Whoops gotta run! We are now off to our next destination.

Jem

Sometimes it can take just one person to build the momentum

After a slight delay leaving Austria yesterday as sometimes things go missing on the convoy (nothing and no one is perfect hey) we had a passenger in our vehicle who needed a lift to our next destination, Budapest. Her name was Sophie and she was from Germany. I wasn't feeling too well yesterday (if the instructions on a meds box says to have with a meal, follow them) so my stomach was just in agony as think it kicked in my gastric but I tried to be a good host as much as I could and wanted to promote the convoy and tell her more about Gaza etc. Very sweet girl and I'm glad she was asking so many questions as you rarely find the youth interested in this (I would know after facing ignorant ex-classmates just last week) and I'm glad we were able to get her safely to Budapest. Sophie if you are reading this, it was a real pleasure meeting you!!

Like I said in my title, sometimes it can take just one person to start the awareness campaign to take off and more people knowing about the Palestinian cause. You never know :)

We were able to drive through Budapest last night and we all did very well as no one got lost yey!! But wow, the city was breath-taking and I had one hand trying to video tape the drive plus keep an eye on the traffic so we wouldn't get lost. Was so beautiful!

Arrived at our usual base point, a petrol station but this one has free wifi AND you don't have to pay to go to the toilet wahey!! One setback is there are no showers but oh well, jasmine scented wet wipes it is.

Since it was still early, some of us popped out to the city again just so we could take nicer pics. Beautiful really. Then found a nice place to have dinner which is run by a guy from Egypt so I told him bout the convoy and he clapped his hands saying good and we got free tea :D food was fab too! I realised I hadn't had rice for ages. Aahh good ol rice.

So after a very nice night, went back to base to have a good rest although last night was the 1st night I didn't sleep too well and woke up so hot and claustrophobic so tried to open the door and leave it open so I wudnt wake Faisal then tried to sleep with my legs out of the van sitting up. Didn't really work.

Finally gave up and by that time Faisal was awake so just did the usual morning ritual, freshen up, breakfast and been trying to take it easy today as the road ahead is gonna get tough. We did try to fix the aircon but couldn't get it to work so we will try get it fixed in Turkey.

Its been getting rather hot and even tho I live in KL, I feel like I'm getting heat stroke. Such a weakling :p

Btw Tina if you're reading this, we made use of your cooker twice today :D thanks again!!

Wokays gotta go as we will be off to our next destination soon so will try rest before we head off.

7 countries in 7 days. Can you imagine.
Jem

Friday 6th April 2012 news

Before I begin I just want to wish all those that are celebrating a very Happy Good Friday and may you have a fab Easter :)

I've got to put some news up as it's taking up all my tabs on my iPad hehe. Will blog about today's events a lil later as rain is coming!

1. Cash shortage stops Gaza kids' summer camps I must add with this news that there is an organization in London that is bringing the games to Gaza. Please visit their website http://www.gamestogaza.co.uk/ where you can sponsor a child to participate in the summer games.
2. Palestinians mark the start of Easter week
3. Netanyahu to ask Abbas to return to negotiations without preconditions
4. Flytilla 2012
5. Israel causes $66 million worth of damage to EU-funded aid projects
6. Jewish Artist’s CD Review Pulled From The Web For Being “Pro Palestinian”

Wed. 4th April 2012 News

Some news I found yesterday but only just got to my computer :)

1. Israeli forces attempt to arrest 2-year-old Palestinian child
2. Hunger-Striking Detainee Moved To Hospital
3. Fuel tankers arrive in Gaza
4. Galway Palestine Children Appeal distribute aid in Gaza
5. ICC rejects Palestinian bid to investigate Israeli war crimes during 'Cast Lead' Gaza operation
6. Swedish activists plan another Gaza aid flotilla this year


On a more personal note, i realised something today. I was told recently that I need to prove myself to people as people's perceptions have changed. I decided today that I don't need to do that. I know I work hard and I know I have tried my up-most best to face all my difficulties I have faced with these past few months and just because some people who don't know what has been going on have a perception on me now, I don't need to prove or say anything. Just move on and let it be. People are entitled and have a right to their opinion so I also have my right to do what is best for me. So I help those in need as much as I can and tonight was such a fab night with fab friends and at the same time welcomed a person in need to Malaysia. To me, that's time well spent.

Monday 2nd April 2012 news

It's been a long day so I'm just gonna put up some links of blogs I've found today and will blog tomorrow.

But before I begin, I just want to say a massive thank you to Brunei Government Senior Officers Wives Welfare Association (BISTARI) for their generous donation towards my cause. I will blog more tomorrow about it but I couldn't write anything until a say thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who have been supporting me, financially or just by being here for me, thank you!!!

So, today's news.
1. Hana Shalabi’s Hunger Strike Has Ended, But Not Her Punishment
2. On top of banishment to Gaza, Israel uses Twitter to further violate Hana al-Shalabi’s rights
3. Tough road to Jerusalem for Palestinian Christians
4. Red Cross delivers fuel to Gaza hospitals
5. Does the Global March to Jerusalem delegitimize Israel? Not at all.

Updated news from Land day & other news

So sorry this is a bit late as today was a lil hectic and just got to my computer. Decided it would be better to just do a new post so that there is no confusion :)

1. On the land day: israeli soldiers increase their violence against the villagers of Ni’lin,one Journalist was hit and other dozens suffer from tear gas suffocation
2. Activists take part in Global march to al-Quds in Australia
3. Why Land Day still matters
4. Activists gather at Canadian parliament as part of Global March to al-Quds
5. At a checkpoint.

Other news
1. Refugees The Facts
2. Church Leaders Open letter to Michael Oren ahead of Easter
3. British, Irish activists set foot in Israeli-blockaded Gaza

More pics of Land Day

Stadium filled with Palestinian supporters in Malaysia

My wonderful friend and fellow activist in Lebanon :)

New York, USA

On Land Day, Golan People Reiterate Adherence to Syrian Identity and Unity with the Land

Mumbai, India

Rome

Jordanian girls wear hats with the Dome of the Rock in miniature during a demonstration marking Land Day in the village of Kafrein, west of Amman, Jordan

An elderly Palestinian man argues with Israeli border police officers outside Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City

Protester waves a Palestinians flag to the crowd as they gather to mark the annual Land Day event in the Arab Village of Dir Hana

Malaysian activists in Amman, Jordan

Mahmoud Zaqout, shot to death by Israeli occupation authorities near the Erez checkpoint in Gaza. May he rest in peace

For more wonderful pics, do go to http://occupiedpalestine.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/landday-gm2j-march-30-2012-photos/
For more info and videos from Malaysia, go to MalaysiaGMJ

Pictures from Global March to Jerusalem

One brave protester!

Protestors in Lebanon

An estimated 60,000 people took part in the largest rally ever witnessed in Jordan at today's "Global March To Jerusalem"

Thousands of people gather in Korea for the "Global March To Jerusalem"

Crowds in Jordan

Protest in Indonesia

All Around the world

Morocco

In Sydney, Australia

Thailand

Sri Lanka

Tunisia

The "movement of young Russian" for Palestine and stand in solidarity with the occupied city of Jerusalem in front of the Embassy of the Zionist regime in Moscow

Global March to Jerusalem - updated

I will write more on what is happening not just in Palestine or it's neighbours but on a global scale! There's so much news pouring in that I'll need time to get through it all.

Breaking news just coming in.
1. there are at least 8 peacful protestors injured in Ramallah do far by Israeli forces... We have information that Dr Mustafa Barghothi, member is legislative council, is injured by shot at his head....
2. 1 Palestinian has been killed, and 5 injured by Israeli forces in Gaza at the Global March To Jerusalem.
3. At least 60,000 have gathered in Jordan near the border
4. In the Occupied West Bank, over 120 Palestinians have been injured, several seriously.

5. A 20-year old Palestinian boy has been shot dead by Israeli forces north of Gaza bear the border, also, 37 others have been injured in Khanyounis and Beit Hanoun.
6. BREAKING: Medical sources say at least 130 people wounded across the West Bank in clashes during Land Day protests
7. Palestinian directly hit in the face by a tear gas grenade at Bethlehem checkpoint


News from today
1. The Global March to Jerusalem, a brave and admirable attempt to awaken the world’s conscience
2. Israel closes off West Bank ahead of Arab protests
3. Happy Palestine Land Day: Israel Earmarks 10% of West Bank for Settlements: White
4. Jerusalem is at the heart of the Palestinian struggle
5. Dawn Breaks on the “Global March To Jerusalem Day” in New Zealand
6. Clashes at Jerusalem's Qalandiya checkpoint while other protesters gather at Israel's borders
7. GMJ South Africa Report on their successful march today

8. Athlete abused by Israeli soldier for carrying Palestine flag in Jerusalem marathon
8. Israel begins new air and ground assaults on Gaza
9. 'Land Day' clashes: Youngster killed, over 200 injured
10. Global March To Jerusalem London Channel
11. 'Land Day' clashes: Tear gas & tension as Palestinians protest (video)
12. Protests held in Indian cities in support of Palestine

Meanwhile, if you have Facebook do go to GazaTVNews as they are updating the news as soon as it comes in from wherever it is from.

Stay tuned.

For those in KL, make your way to Shah Alam. Details below.

Thursday 29th March 2012 News

Links to important news showing today :)

1. Hana Shalabi ends her 44 day Hunger Strike, but is exiled to Gaza for 3 years

2. Drawing the world’s attention to the plight of Gaza

3. Roger Waters of Pink Floyd supports World Social Forum Free Palestine

4. Palestinians forge new strategies of resistance

Tomorrow is a very important day for the Palestinians but I'll talk about that tomoz. Stay tuned :)

Today's News

I've decided to post the link of news that I want to share with you all. Most of today's is on Palestine, as will be the case in future posts but I'm also including an ad for an NGO that is helping stray dogs in KL and they have an adoption drive coming up.

Please do check out the links!

1. The Galway Palestine Children’s Appeal enter Gaza with Humanitarian Aid

2. Irish Mayor travelling to Gaza to officially sign historic twinning with Gaza City

3. Jordanian Gov't Allows Million-Man March towards Jerusalem

4. Female political prisoner enters 33rd day of hunger strike

5. The Great Australian Adoption Drive

Pics

What I have been doing is attaching these pictures to the 1st post i have sent to people but thought it would be better if these pics were in a post on their own. 

 

Children from one of the camps i visited in South Lebanon

Group photo of fellow activists and friends at a memorial site dedicated to those who had been killed by Israeli snipers during a peaceful demonstration at the border to create awareness about the Nakba. The youngest was an 8 year old. 

Children at the camp in South Lebanon. You can see their living conditions in the background