The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on

THAT'S a Middle Eastern saying, using caravan in its original sense, of course, not a trailer but a train of camels or vehicles, in other words a convoy - like those heeding for Gaza now, with badly-needed aid and a message of solidarity to people there from people here who have responded to the call.

This is much bigger than the Workers Aid to Bosnia convoys in which I was involved, and I pay tribute to the boldness and imagination shown by those whose idea it was -including George Galloway MP, of whom I am often critical, but who to his credit is leading the first convoy - as well as the determination of all those taking part. More than a hundred vehicles, including a fire engine donated by the Fire Brigades Union, left Lancashire last week, and this morning a second convoy is setting out from Glasgow.

One of the great things about this kind of effort, besides the practical solidarity it brings, is that it enables all kinds of people to participate and contribute in a way that is much more direct and personal than going on a march, listening to speakers at a rally or even putting money in a collecting tin (not that the last isn't part of it). I remember the comrade who was asleep in his Workers Aid lorry, parked in a Sheffield street after a day's collecting aid for Bosnia, and woken in the early hours by a little old lady who said "Oh there you are, I've been looking all over town for you!", and thrust a big catering-size tin of beans in his hands. Entrusted with responsibility like that he just had to get through to Tuzla!

The Viva Gaza convoys have been promised help along the way, and some Arab governments have agreed to ease border crossings, though the big confrontation could be if Egypt obstructs the Rafeah crossing. But before it even left Britain the Gaza convoy has met official harassment. Last week, as the first convoy was leaving Lancashire we had the news on TV that police had arrested nine people on the M65 motorway, and were raiding homes in Blackburn and Burnley under the Anti-Terrorism laws. This got more coverage than the convoy itself, which was barely mentioned in the news.

Had some would-be terrorists tried to use the convoy as a cover in some way? I hesitated to comment, waiting to see what came out. Well, the news now is that nothing was found against the men and they have all been released without charge. So why were they picked up in the first place, and what were the raids all about? After the row about the BBC refusing to screen a Gaza emergency aid appeal, was this another institution, the Lancashire police, demonstrating its "impartiality"?

Incidentally, we might also note the contrast between how this "anti-terrorist" damp squib operation was reported and the virtual news blackout when a former British National Party candidate in Lancashire was arrested, and later sentenced, for possession of a huge quantity of chemicals for making explosives. Not that I'm saying the media are biased, or anything.

Anyway, I'm glad to say George Galloway is not letting this go; and though normally he is far from my favourite politician, I hope George gets full backing on this:

George Galloway seeks inquiry into convoy arrests
Duncan Campbell The Guardian, Saturday 21 February 2009

The Respect MP George Galloway has called for an investigation after police stopped a convoy taking aid, toys and medical supplies to Gaza and arrested nine people under anti-terror laws.

All nine men arrested on the M65 near Preston last Friday have been released without charge, but the organisers of the Viva Palestina convoy, which is headed by Galloway, said that aid donations dropped by 80% after news of the arrests.

Police stopped three vehicles and arrested six men from Blackburn and three from Burnley under the Terrorism Act. The 100-vehicle convoy left without them and is now in Morocco.

"Nine innocent people were prevented by the police from joining our convoy," said Galloway. "The timing of the operation is seen locally as an attempt to smear and intimidate the Muslim community, and I must say they seem to be right. Photographs of the high-profile snatch were immediately fed to the press to maximise the newsworthiness of the smear."

Galloway said he was writing to the chief constable of Lancashire and the home secretary asking for an explanation.

Lancashire police said yesterday that they had helped the Blackburn men financially so that they could catch up with the convoy. In an open letter to the local community, the police said: "Investigations of this kind are very difficult and complex and we appreciate the sensitivities that surround them for all concerned."

Chris Chilvers, a convoy organiser, said yesterday that the men arrested had been questioned about the funding of the convoy as sums of cash had been found.

"There was cash around because none of the main banks would allow us to open an account," he said.
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And now here is news of the latest addition to the aid force setting off, plus a message from supporters in my old neck of the woods:

Convoy leaves Glasgow loaded with aid for Gaza
Date: 21 February 2009

A CONVOY set off from Scotland yesterday on a 3,000-mile journey to take medical aid to Gaza. Seven vehicles loaded with supplies left Glasgow Central Mosque and will be joined by volunteers in Lancashire as they travel south.

They aim to link up with another convoy at the Rafah border crossing.

Scottish Medical Aid for Gaza has collected the aid from churches, mosques, hospitals and chemists across Scotland and England.

Its convoy, under the banner "Justice for Palestine", expects to reach Gaza in 14 to 18 days.

Volunteers attended Friday prayers at the mosque, and a rally in George Square, in the city before setting off.

Rizi Mohammed, Scottish Medical Aid to Gaza co-ordinator, said:

"We are truly indebted from the depths of our hearts, to the very caring people of Scotland."

Do you know someone on the VIVA PALESTINA Convoy? Send a message of love and support

All the drivers and volunteers have been a fantastic mix of people of all backgrounds and faiths and are people who have come together united in this cause. All volunteers have been working rock solid to get our people together in solidarity and arrange the convoy to go.

The situation in the Middle East is very uncertain, but we will do all we can to get into Gaza and our blessed drivers have left everything behind to take action against the injustice - and take the aid the people of Gaza need. Our prayers are with them and we hope for the best, God Willing.

The drivers are going through many ups and downs - from the amazing support received in many countries to the breaking down of trucks, which at times have had to be towed!

If anyone knows a driver or is related, or even an acquaintance to a driver; this message is for you.

In early March when the group of volunteers will fly to Cairo and meet with the Convoy, we thought it would be very special, and encouraging for us to deliver letters from their loved ones.

Please get out your pens and papers and hand write a letter to the one you know and care for, who has gone out in good faith and allow us to enstrengthen them with love and encouragement and something personal in the messages, at the moment they reach the end of the initial struggle of this long tiring journey.

If all members of the family or any friends, write something, individually, most certainly children too, it will be beautiful and wholesome for drivers to receive such a message. A thoughtful reminder of all their struggles was for countless reasons and that they are being remembered and missed but also that although they’re thousands of miles from us now, we’re still 100% behind them, with all love and support they need.

We are all going through a unique experience in our lives. The drivers are going through a unique time in their lives as are all of us here in the UK who are behind them and on the receiving end of watching a loved one leave in a sincere act of solidarity for the sake of peaceDo you know someone on the VIVA PALESTINA Convoy?
Send a message of love and support

All the drivers and volunteers have been a fantastic mix of people of all backgrounds and faiths and are people who have come together united in this cause. All volunteers have been working rock solid to get our people together in solidarity and arrange the convoy to go.

The situation in the Middle East is very uncertain, but we will do all we can to get into Gaza and our blessed drivers have left everything behind to take action against the injustice - and take the aid the people of Gaza need. Our prayers are with them and we hope for the best, God Willing.

The drivers are going through many ups and downs - from the amazing support received in many countries to the breaking down of trucks, which at times have had to be towed!

If anyone knows a driver or is related, or even an acquaintance to a driver; this message is for you.

In early March when the group of volunteers will fly to Cairo and meet with the Convoy, we thought it would be very special, and encouraging for us to deliver letters from their loved ones.

Please get out your pens and papers and hand write a letter to the one you know and care for, who has gone out in good faith and allow us to enstrengthen them with love and encouragement and something personal in the messages, at the moment they reach the end of the initial struggle of this long tiring journey.

If all members of the family or any friends, write something, individually, most certainly children too, it will be beautiful and wholesome for drivers to receive such a message. A thoughtful reminder of all their struggles was for countless reasons and that they are being remembered and missed but also that although they’re thousands of miles from us now, we’re still 100% behind them, with all love and support they need.

We are all going through a unique experience in our lives. The drivers are going through a unique time in their lives as are all of us here in the UK who are behind them and on the receiving end of watching a loved one leave in a sincere act of solidarity for the sake of peace and justice. Whatever the outcome of this event, we are all collectively making history.

Please write your notes and letters and post by the 1st March as follows,

1. Write your letters or notes and place them in a sealed envelope.
2. Place on the first line “FOR THE CONVOY DRIVER,” followed by full name, and “PRIVATE & CONFIDENTIAL” so no one will open this letter accept the addressee.
3. Follow this by the driver’s city, town or village, NOT full address. Add the convoy team number if you know it.
4. Lastly write Saffron Restaurant address, as follows, and post;


c/o Saffron Restaurant
107 Cheetham Hill Road,
Cheetham Hill
Manchester
M8 8PY

We will then organize and deliver, when we meet with drivers in Egypt, God willing.

Tanya
Manchester Viva Palestina team
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http://www.vivapalestina.org/