Aid is on its way to Gaza (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Bradford convoy sets off to help those in need
6:40pm Friday 4th December 2009 in News By Kathie Griffiths
Bradford has waved off a mercy convoy carrying about £250,000 of medical supplies to war-torn Gaza.
More than 40 volunteers at Bradford Viva Palestina set off today on the 5,000 mile journey from the mosque in Westgate.
All their cargo has been donated by well-wishers from across the district said Arshad Ali, a psychologist who was so moved by the televised image of a father carrying his dead four-year-old child that he gave up his job for a year to help victims of the conflict and set up the branch of a national aid charity.
The Bradford dad has spent almost 12 months co-ordinating the convoy and will be one of the drivers travelling in old ambulances and Mercedes-Benz vans that can be converted once they arrive in Gaza.
On board were dialysis machines, heart monitors, bandages, wheelchairs, crutches, other medical supplies, food and clothing.
Mr Ali said: “Bradford’s response has been overwhelming, from individuals to schools and businesses. There are very big hearts in our city.
“When I saw that terrible image of the father and his child back in December I knew we had to do something and this is it. When buildings fell, so did hospitals and clinics we are hoping to help rebuild all that was lost.”
The volunteers are mechanics, mothers, shopkeepers, business bosses and “just ordinary but extra ordinarily special people” from all walks of life, he said.
“We’re aiming to arrive at the Rafah border to Gaza on Boxing Day but we could be held up for as long as a month before we’re allowed to cross.
“We’ll just have to keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best.”
Once all the aid is handed over, the volunteers will stay for a few days before journeying back to Cairo and flying home.
Comments(18)
denis court
says...
9:04pm Fri 4 Dec 09
its-only-me
says...
9:38pm Fri 4 Dec 09
its-only-me
says...
9:39pm Fri 4 Dec 09
Saluhuddin
says...
10:00pm Fri 4 Dec 09
denis court wrote:What's happend in the Phillipines, denis court? As for you question, I take it you haven't read the support provided to the flood victims in Cumbria - http://www.thetelegr
Thought it might be help for Cumbria, or The Phillipines for a change. Does this section of Bradford's community ever support non-muslims?
aphandargus.co.uk/ar
chive/2009/12/03/Bra
dford+News+%28bradfo
rd_news%29/4774822.F
lood_victims_get_hel
p_from_mosque/
Yes, shock and horror for you i guess....Muslims helping non-Muslims?!
Black Sheep
says...
11:01pm Fri 4 Dec 09
bluecorner100
says...
11:11pm Fri 4 Dec 09
denis court wrote:The people in Cumbria, although distressed, will at least have a house to go to. The people in Palestine have been systematically removed from their own country over the last 60 years.
Thought it might be help for Cumbria, or The Phillipines for a change. Does this section of Bradford's community ever support non-muslims?
Great mission and hope it provides some hope to the victims of the Israeli apartheid.
bluecorner100
says...
11:13pm Fri 4 Dec 09
albion
says...
6:27am Sat 5 Dec 09
bluecorner100 wrote:If it is anything like Hull, some of them will be years before their house is habitable.
denis court wrote:The people in Cumbria, although distressed, will at least have a house to go to. The people in Palestine have been systematically removed from their own country over the last 60 years.
Thought it might be help for Cumbria, or The Phillipines for a change. Does this section of Bradford's community ever support non-muslims?
Great mission and hope it provides some hope to the victims of the Israeli apartheid.
Having said that, its nobody elses business who this group send aid to.
albion
says...
6:29am Sat 5 Dec 09
bluecorner100 wrote:People in flood risk areas are often uninsured.
Also, are we not paying for Cumbria via our House Insurance premiums?
giveover
says...
6:27pm Sat 5 Dec 09
denis court wrote:Mr Majid didnt need to help anybody he was too busy helping himself to £83,000 of tax payers money.For some reason we seem to help anybody any where in the world at any time and seem to loose sight that there are people in need in this country except of course Mr Majid.
Thought it might be help for Cumbria, or The Phillipines for a change. Does this section of Bradford's community ever support non-muslims?
denis court
says...
6:48pm Sun 6 Dec 09
Iona Cortina
says...
9:07pm Sun 6 Dec 09
denis court wrote:Denis, the pathetic little racist, got pwned :)
Thought it might be help for Cumbria, or The Phillipines for a change. Does this section of Bradford's community ever support non-muslims?
.
BTW, shame on the Israeli terrorists and their supporters (who we have on here).
albion
says...
11:09am Mon 7 Dec 09
Iona Cortina
says...
1:16pm Mon 7 Dec 09
albion wrote:Yes, albion. It's the more 'hip' way of saying 'you got your @rse handed to you on a plate.' :)
"pwned"?
white_envy
says...
4:32pm Mon 7 Dec 09
Good luck to the convoy...brilliant work guys, hope you dont get the trouble with the israeli's at the border like you did last time.
mikado85
says...
4:40pm Mon 7 Dec 09
dennis... grow up fella. unless you've just hit past puberty. this would exlpain a lot.
Mr Potato
says...
5:17pm Sun 27 Dec 09
Tollerboy says...
8:43pm Fri 4 Dec 09