Azra to Gaza

Dinner in my home anytime you're in town

2010-10-25T22:54:00.003+08:00

It was a mad rush to Cairo airport yesterday. The buses left Rafah at about 5.30pm & we were informed that the ride would take between 7 - 8 hours, a downer for us as we were booked on the midnight flight out of Cairo. We were pretty sure then we were gonna miss our flight.

We made frantic phone calls to a friend in Cairo & considered all other options but decided to wait it out hoping for either one; the flight being delayed or the bus ride not taking as long.

Kevin having been informed made haste & we only had 2 stops, one very brief & the other slightly longer. Everyone was informed that we were rushing so that the Malaysians & Indonesians could catch their flight. The meal stop was thus a hurried one.

The convoy family was by & large very cooperative save for a couple & Julie actually voiced her annoyance at being rushed & asked why couldn't we change our flight. If only it was that simple.

Anyway, we got to the airport at 11.30pm & the Egyptian authorities were quickly informed of the delegation of 17 waiting to board & were kind enough to hold the flight. And we whizzed through check in, immigration & straight to our gate. The flight took off some 20 mins later than scheduled.

To all who patiently endured the rush to the airport a BIG THANK YOU. For missing out on your dinner I invite you anytime you're in Kuala Lumpur to my home where I promise to cook you a storm.

These past 6 weeks are not gonna be easily forgotten. I've met many, many lovely people & sadly didn't get to bid them farewell. To all at VP 5, you're simply wonderful & thank you for a truly memorable journey.

2010-10-25T17:46:00.001+08:00

End the occupation, Free Palestine

All 14 Malaysians home from Gaza!

2010-10-25T17:17:00.001+08:00

End the occupation, Free Palestine

VPM convoy members back in Malaysia!

2010-10-25T16:59:00.001+08:00

2010-10-24T21:34:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Update as of 8:47pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-24T20:57:00.000+08:00

We are now at Rafah crossing and will soon leave Gaza soil

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2010-10-24T19:48:00.001+08:00

Balah refugee camp sits very close to the beach and at times faces fire from Israeli navy ships

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2010-10-24T19:40:00.001+08:00

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Gaza coast with Israeli gunboats in the distance. We counted at least 8. Pretty much surrounded

2010-10-24T19:38:00.001+08:00

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Greens grown for the people of Gaza by the people of Gaza.

2010-10-24T19:37:00.001+08:00

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Update as of 7:02pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-24T19:04:00.000+08:00

We just left the hotel for Rafah crossing. 1st leg of our return trip home.

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We are at the home of Ahmed Barakat.

2010-10-24T02:18:00.001+08:00

Ahmed is from Gaza and is now studying in KL and is very active with VPM. Ahmed's family visited KL over Ramadhan and Eid and were over for dinner at my house on Eid.

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

2010-10-24T01:43:00.000+08:00

The home of the late Sheikh Ahmad Yasin, the martyred founder of Hamas. It sits in a sports compound started by him

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2010-10-24T01:42:00.000+08:00

This twisted piece of metal is what's left of a car. Its occupant was a young Palestinian who destroyed a tank with 6 Israeli soldiers. He was subsequently taken out.

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The original stone

2010-10-24T01:00:00.001+08:00

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With little Hafiz to be

2010-10-24T01:00:00.000+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

2010-10-24T00:59:00.000+08:00

At the oldest mosque in Gaza Masjid Umari. It was built by the 2nd caliph Umar al Khattab

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Update from DV/DrM as of 08:59PM (GMT +8)

2010-10-23T20:59:00.002+08:00

We listened to about 12 project proposals

This we will bring home for close scrutiny by VPM

It was past midnight and we were like soo exhausted

The gym is a rehab program by one charity

We wil also propose for one of our vans to be donated to them to ferry their disabled & wounded patients

At the international conference of palestine prisoners. It is a very soul drenching moments for many. Families of the syuhada n prisoners r in droves filling the hall carrying placards picturing their martyred or imprisoned loved ones. There are probably no more tears left in their sorrowful eyes.
O Allah grant these noble souls the highest of your gardens in paradise. O Allah have mercy on their families n give them sustenance from the heavens to enable them to continue with the jihad.

Mathias Chang speaking at the international conf for palestine prisoners on behalf of mahathir who is sick

Dr Zulaikha in front seat

Ex IGP Norian Mai also in same hotel as us

Women & children with pictures of their loved ones martyred in the jihad

Reporter caught in the cross fire

Collateral damage

Bilateral amputation

I still think he wheels faster than mils on her 5 inches high heels or zabrina in her kung fu slippers :)

The spirit refuses to be broken

2010-10-23T19:23:00.006+08:00

Gaza is slowly unravelling itself. Its dirt & rubbish strewn streets. Its sewage problems. Its incomplete buildings & homes. Listen... Gaza's pain speaks to you.

Last night I sat through speech after speech by selected members of the convoy. It must have gone on for over 2 hours & although I understood hardly anything, save Kevin's, I thought, what can we possibly say that hasn't been said already?

As each person took the mike & I tried to make some sense of what was said, I couldn't help but reflect on the fact that how can we possibly even begin to imagine what it must be like for them? How can we stand before them & offer words of advice?

They keep thanking us but it is we who should be thanking them. These courageous people teach us every day, every hour, every moment what its like to be brave, strong and resilient. They live against all odds, & we are humbled by their unbroken spirit. Unbroken spirit that still soars even with clipped wings.

Brave people of Gaza, may Allah grant you more strength, bravery & fortitude. May your spirit remain unbroken & irrepressible. May you stand united, firm & defiant against the enemy. Brave people of Gaza, we salute you & we await the day when victory greets you.

Insha Allah.

These guys have been next to our bus for as long as we've been here

2010-10-23T18:38:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Security security everywhere and not a shred of fear.

2010-10-23T18:26:00.002+08:00

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Security in Gaza is very tight.

2010-10-23T18:24:00.001+08:00

Security in Gaza is very tight. All I did was step towards the hotel door and 2 security detail rushed up and asked madam where are you going. These guys look impressive. Fit and fast

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

2010-10-23T18:22:00.001+08:00

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Picture of couple of Palestinians being held prisoner by Israel

2010-10-23T18:20:00.001+08:00

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The panel which includes Mathias Chang

2010-10-23T18:19:00.001+08:00

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The Gaza strip

2010-10-23T18:12:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Picture

2010-10-23T18:10:00.002+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Update as of 5:52pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-23T18:07:00.000+08:00

We are at a conference for Palestinian detainees. Mathias Chang gave an emotional speech

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Short Meeting with the Gazan Ladies

2010-10-23T11:20:00.000+08:00

I sneaked out of the event last night. I was so tired and nearly dozed on stage:) Wonder what i did in 2+weeks to share the stage with big guns ? I was just so happy being mr ordinary; unnoticed; just a jundullah. Adnan got someone to pull me out and we went on three trips ending only at past midnight. Wwere taken to a 3 level shop lot rented by a group of very beautiful gazan ladies! They had a cottage indsutry going:making cookies, sewing, running a kindy and nursery, embroidery and finally we were brought to their shop at the GF, ne of the lady did a ppt presentation; 2-3 cud speak english

the one who spoke was an industrial engineer. They empowered women but have to learn to profit sikit la! We both agreed a good project for VPM to fund. We gave USD 5K and Adnan will write a letter to make sure they get one of our vans for their daily use.

ps:

Pix shows adnan givign away the cheque

TV3 camera recorded the event

The soil from the graves of 2 martyrs being handed over to Ismail Haniyeh

2010-10-23T03:46:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

This is what I got

2010-10-23T03:45:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

And yours truly being presented a gift by Ismail Haniyeh. Alhamdulillah. :)

2010-10-23T03:43:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Ismail Haniyeh presenting a gift to Kevin for George Galloway

2010-10-23T03:42:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Zaher being presented a medal by Ismail Haniyeh

2010-10-23T03:41:00.001+08:00

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Nicci being presented a medal by Ismail Haniyeh

2010-10-23T03:40:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Kevin being presented a medal by Ismail Haniyeh

2010-10-23T03:39:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Ismail Haniyeh speaking now.

2010-10-23T03:15:00.001+08:00

I'm still on the stage but Musa has long abandoned me :(

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Ismail Haniyeh in the middle.

2010-10-23T02:37:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

The crowd on its feet at the arrival of Ismail Haniyeh

2010-10-23T02:32:00.001+08:00

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Update as of 1:29am (GMT +8)

2010-10-23T01:31:00.000+08:00

Another speaker at the mike. Don't understand what he's saying because its in Arabic but he's bringing the house down.

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Update as of 1:20am (GMT +8)

2010-10-23T01:22:00.000+08:00

Kevin just gave a rousing and brilliant speech.

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Kevin at the mike with Zaher as translator

2010-10-23T01:02:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

The crowd totally whipped

2010-10-23T01:01:00.000+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

‎The crowd on their feet

2010-10-23T00:58:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Beautiful cultural dance being performed

2010-10-23T00:52:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Update as of 12:42am (GMT +8)

2010-10-23T00:47:00.001+08:00

We are at a rally and Musa and I are on stage as representatives for Malaysia

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Update as of 11:05pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-22T23:07:00.002+08:00

Kevin Speaking now.

"Unprecedented cooperation by Cairo on this convoy. I am pleased with that cooperation. and I hope the last few days mark the beginning of an easier passage to Gaza. George is not here but we brought his spirit and the spirit of Palestine lives in his heart"

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

At a function now, hosted by local authority.

2010-10-22T22:54:00.004+08:00

(Sent from Azraa via BBM)

Update from DV/DrM as of 10:52PM (GMT +8)

2010-10-22T22:54:00.003+08:00

SMS 4:44PM

We will solat jumaat in blessed Palestine. Dr Ismail Haniyeh PM will deliver khutbah. O Allah make us his instruments to break the siege. We r being shown the ruins unleashed by the fire power of Zionist Israel. O Allah we turn to u for protection n annihilation of the aggressors.

SMS 8:37PM

Haniyeh opened with among others the takbir eid which nabi taught sahabah on the conquest of makah. And reminded us that nabi waadal amanah - has delivered the trust of deen, manasahal ummah- has conselled d ummah; wajihadifillahi haqqajihadih - has taught us the true form of jihad. He read the verse ..ummatan Wahida - we r one ummah and the purpose of our human relations - yaayuhannas Ina halaq nakum ... Illali taarafu- o mankind we created u man n woman diff tribes & nations so that u may know one another... the best among u is the one who is the most god conscious. He read the middle verse in baqarah which called believers to double as the ummatan wasata & also as the syuhada aalannas as much as the prophet was witness upon us.

He talked at great length about the continuing struggle for the liberation of Palestine and the syuhada who have given their lifes for this noble cause. He made special mention of two leaders of Hamas.

Ismail Haniyeh at our lunch

2010-10-22T19:55:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Caps and t-shirts being given away

2010-10-22T19:19:00.001+08:00

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Update as of 7:11pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-22T19:15:00.001+08:00

Convoy members arriving for lunch by the beach. Ismail Haniyeh will be arriving soon

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Update as of 6:55pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-22T18:57:00.000+08:00

Ismail haniyeh's sermon. He welcomes us and appreciates all that we have done. We have successfully broken the siege and smashed Israeli control. This is magnificient. And Gaza needs more convoys.

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After Friday prayers where Ismail Haniyeh gave the sermon

2010-10-22T18:48:00.001+08:00

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Update as of 5:12pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-22T17:18:00.000+08:00

We are now on Salahuddin street which connects Syria all the way to Al Arish and beyond.

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Cement factory

2010-10-22T17:07:00.001+08:00

Cement factory left completely useless by Israel. Gaza's economy is specifically targeted by Israel

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‎Onion fields given tender loving care

2010-10-22T17:03:00.002+08:00

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Update as of 5:01pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-22T17:03:00.000+08:00

Jabaliya is among the most densely populated areas of Gaza strip. Horse carts run right along cars

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Update as of 4:52pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-22T16:55:00.000+08:00

We are now driving through Jabaliya city which also has a refugee camp. Gaza is divided into 3 parts, north, south and middle. Jabaliya is in the north. Another town in the north is Beit Hanoun. The north regularly faces attacks as its close to the border.

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

People's lives shattered ruthlessly. What's left of an apartment block

2010-10-22T16:30:00.002+08:00

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What's left of the homeland security building after the bombing

2010-10-22T16:26:00.001+08:00

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Update as of 4:18pm (MGT +8)

2010-10-22T16:21:00.002+08:00

Passing through Al Shateh refugee camp on the way to Al Quds hotel

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

2010-10-22T15:57:00.002+08:00

Its a beautiful morning in Gaza. The sea is spread out before me as far as the eyes can see. This morning we're taking in the ruins of Gaza before going off for Friday prayers

‎The view from our hotel room

2010-10-22T14:35:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Photos from DV/DrM's iPhone V (21st-22nd Oct)

2010-10-22T08:01:00.000+08:00

Latest SMS received from DV/Dr M:
Allahu Akbar. We r in the blessed land of Palestine! Finally. O Allah bless all the members of the kafilah who have travelled thus far to realize the Free Palestine dream. Kevin gave a very powerful n emotive speech which was equally charismatically translated by Zahir. Yup he was able to reverse the ban! It's a celebration in Palestine. Mixed emotions happy yet sad! Joy yet grief at the siege. Civil society today did what world powers have failed miserably. To mainstream the right of Palestinians to freedom, justice n self determination and the flagrant violations of international law n human decency by zionist Israel.A3 jadi celebrity la! All the gazan guys wants a snap shot with her:) The press is here in big numbers some with huge satellite dishes! Man! U shud see the Palestine music machine ! A nearly broken down van but it sure can make a lot of noise n the sound system perfect!

(A=Adnan, A2=Azra, A3=Azura, A4=Faisal)

These are some of the pictures sent by DV/Dr M. Since he was on the ship there were a few pictures on board & those upon arrival @ Gaza. Alhamdulillah

(Sent to Husna via email. p/s sorry the photos were not arranged accordingly i am just too overwhelmed to do it!)

Across rafah n into palestine our arr was greeted with a celebration of sorts before we drove to Gaza

Loads of press people at entry into Palestine

3 levels of cargo. Last 3 cars on level 2

Greek crew at work docking the ship


Whilst A was sunbathing n puffing away his cigarellos 30 of us drenched in sweat offloading 140 vans n big trucks:)

Our ship docked at elarish

The patriot here is Tony fr Ireland. Has been bugging me for a flag:) I said A3 has them all - on her pillow, tent, van. Dr zin gave him this n he was like over the moon:)

My brutal but patriotic lady chaffeur

Reading of al-Mathurat after maghrib/isha

Azan maghrib in middle of mediteranean sea

Our cargo ship
A blessing in disguise that we only fitted 30 n not 400 people
It is not a passenger liner
12 cabins only
Other 18 slept on floor on lower deck
Just enuf WC for 30
If 400 kena empty their bowel n bladder straight into the Mediterranean sea:)
Besides many had trepidations following the mavi massacre
Cargo ship dirty & oily la!

A2 ahead of us
A3 shadowed her like a leech

Armed Hamas security

Arr port 1800 local time

A4 dead engine
Had to jump start

My chaffeur:)
Very brutal and fast!
LI like had to do all the chores - clean side mirror, pass her drinks!
A4 like 'lipas kudung' running all over snapping films

Need i say more?

Preparing for trip to seaport
Outrider
Syrian police all the way controlling traffic
Hamas presence palpable
They were so disciplined n organised
Their n Syrian flags galore
Truly a celebration of sorts

The 30 sacrificial lambs on the ship:)
Yuzaidi guessed either A2 or A3
No way we guys r going to allow our damsels on board - over our dead bodies!
Besides they r not macho enuf:)

Tony turned the big 5-0
His only birthday wish Hurriyah Filistin
i.e Freedom to Palestine

Al-akh Zahir Beravi Interpal n VPUK giving press statement prior to sail
He was one of 17 banned from entering Egypt with the convoy

Subh on board

Doctor's cabin:)
Hot !
Better to sleep under the skies

Alhamdulillah. And into palestine

Approaching rafah gates. A5 ahead Aqsa boys. Breeze across immigrations !

Driving n SMS-ing. Isssh! Must be the Vpm-mafia bbm legion.

The Hamas music machine. Maybe downtrodden but the sound system was just perfect!

One thing u must give to A- he was always on the ball. Here with our contacts in Gaza. After dinner hmmm 12mn we finalized logistics with them. The dinner was delicious

2010-10-22T05:12:00.005+08:00

What can I say? There are no words to capture the emotions spilling all over onto the blessed soil of Gaza. Men & women hugging each other, in tears, uncontrollable tears. "We did it!" we said to one another. "Well done!" Hugs, claps, handshakes were simply inadequate.

The crossing itself was so easy. We left the hotel at Al Arish just after 11 am for the port, where our vehicles had earlier been cleared. And after about an hour or so, the march to Gaza began, under police escort all the way. Only 30km but it felt longer. When I saw the Rafah border, it was surreal & as we crossed it, I had to be doubly sure that Gaza lay just beyond it & asked the first person on the street & yes he said, soon you'll see "welcome to Palestine."

Palestine, that blessed land, so beyond her own people's reach. And here we are, a mish mash of people coming together for the same passion.

And now Gaza hosts us as we call it home for the next 3 days, Insha Allah

Little Drummer Boy

2010-10-22T02:44:00.002+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Update as of 2:34am (GMT +8)

2010-10-22T02:34:00.000+08:00

Even in the shade of the night, Gaza doesn't bother to conceal herself. We are greeted by her cries of welcome as much as her cries of help.

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Update as of 12:43am (GMT +8)

2010-10-22T00:43:00.000+08:00

Gaza kids have lined the streets in welcome

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And into Gaza

2010-10-22T00:39:00.001+08:00

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What a view!

2010-10-22T00:00:00.001+08:00

Sitting on the roof of one vehicle with Nick and Collin and riding into Gaza.

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‎Gaza City here we come.

2010-10-21T23:40:00.001+08:00

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‎Collin ready to take on Gaza

2010-10-21T23:33:00.001+08:00

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Update as of 11:25pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-21T23:28:00.000+08:00

‎We are moving into Gaza city soon

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Update as of 11:15pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-21T23:23:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Huge reception and speeches.

2010-10-21T23:11:00.001+08:00

Convoy members were hugging each other and crying. Nothing else matters except that we are in the blessed land of Palestine

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Alhamdulillah. We are in Gaza. Tears all around

2010-10-21T22:13:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

We're at the Rafah crossing and almost in Gaza.

2010-10-21T21:45:00.003+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Update as of 9:40pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-21T21:41:00.001+08:00

We're at the Rafah crossing and almost in Gaza.

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

‎Our italian friends

2010-10-21T21:30:00.001+08:00

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Update as of 9:11pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-21T21:13:00.000+08:00

We're 5 km from Rafah!

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Yay, we're on our way. The egyptians r out on the street waving

2010-10-21T20:13:00.001+08:00

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‎Saddiq and Vince raring to go

2010-10-21T19:53:00.001+08:00

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‎Talal of Kuwait on his way to Gaza.

2010-10-21T19:48:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

‎Aching for Gaza

2010-10-21T19:47:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

The boys from Canada on their way to Gaza

2010-10-21T19:12:00.001+08:00

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‎The ship in the distance.

2010-10-21T19:02:00.001+08:00

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‎A shot of our vehicles ready to roll

2010-10-21T18:52:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Reunited and it feels so good

2010-10-21T18:50:00.001+08:00

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Update as of 6:04pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-21T18:05:00.000+08:00

We've arrived at the port and are waiting to get into the compound to claim our vehicles.

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Update as of 6:00pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-21T18:01:00.000+08:00

All our vehicles have cleared customs and await our arrival. Buses carrying us are accompanied by police all the way.

(Sent from Azra via BBM)

Update as of 5:17pm (GMT+8)

2010-10-21T17:31:00.002+08:00

We are currently headed to the port to be reunited with our 30 comrades and vehicles.

(Sent from Azra via MMS)

Update from DV/DM as of 12:10pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-21T12:11:00.000+08:00

Now about to drive my sixth car- Jordanian Hyundai! At bottom most of ship queuing for elevator to ramp level. Eight left. Tough job, drenched with sweat but fun considering too much lepak on ship and no show by the Israelis :)

(Sent from Dr Musa to Husna via SMS)

Update from DV/DM as of 11:52am (GMT +8)

2010-10-21T11:53:00.000+08:00

Only 16 cars left to off load. They are at the bottom most deck . Have to lift by elevator to ramp - two at a time.

(Sent from Dr Musa to Husna via SMS)

Update from DV/DM as of 11:18am (GMT +8)

2010-10-21T11:23:00.000+08:00

Kevin says:
1. all flying are safe in hotels
2. They will be brought to port at 8am
3. We will now begin to drive vans to land
4. They want us off to Rafah at 9 am

(Sent from Dr Musa to Husna via SMS)

Update from DV/DM as of 9:55am (GMT +8)

2010-10-21T11:18:00.000+08:00

27 hours sail, not one case of sea nemesis. Tough guys! The list of 30 decided by VP leadership. A mix of specialities - large numbers of security hunks, real big muscular guys, diplomats Inc MP and one was Vice President of Algerian parliament, translator, press guys, journalist, dr, few nominated by large contingents. Led by Kevin himself VP director! Most now awake. The ramp is being lowered. Adnan and journalist parked in hotel in El-Arish. MMS not going through mcm d Syria.

(Sent from Dr Musa to Husna via SMS)

Update from DV/DrM as of 09:07PM (GMT +8)

2010-10-21T09:10:00.000+08:00

One of our convoy member Dato' Dr Musa a.k.a DV is on the ship:

1926hrs mediterranean sea time. Maybe five hrs away fr elarish. Just after prayer, mathurat n exercise. Quiet sail. No hiccups. In 2 hrs we sail the parallel with Israel. Have read yasin x2 n probably will read more :) We do not anticipate any issues cos the Israeli do not want another PR disaster. Did plan to go for a swim in the deep blue sea but the capt does not think it's a good idea:) So stuck with labeling all keys cos wanna lock cars in elarish due to theft. Again brainy dr - pakai plaster! Mana ada dog tag! Syrian police, immigration n customs no hassle at all. We r expecting problem at elarish n have strategised for the worst case scenario. Full alert on board with four security at all four flanks of ship. No medical issues at all. All macho guys la! 0250 elarish insight alhamdulillah. Sujud syukur for a safe sail!

(From DV via SMS)

Update as of 4:06am (GMT +8)

2010-10-21T04:09:00.001+08:00

Landed at Al Arish

(Sent from Azra via SMS)

Update as of 11:58pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-20T23:59:00.000+08:00

Second group leaving for the airport now with police escort.

(Sent from Azra via SMS)

Update as of 3:45pm (GMT +8)

2010-10-20T16:15:00.000+08:00

Our flights are at 3pm and 7pm. We are split into 2 groups. 155 passengers each flight. The first group will depart at 12.30pm. Names on the 2 groups will be announced at noon. Everyone to be packed and ready to go.

(Sent from Azra via SMS)

Azra to Gaza

Dinner in my home anytime you're in town

All 14 Malaysians home from Gaza!

VPM convoy members back in Malaysia!

Update as of 8:47pm (GMT +8)

Gaza coast with Israeli gunboats in the distance. We counted at least 8. Pretty much surrounded

Greens grown for the people of Gaza by the people of Gaza.

Update as of 7:02pm (GMT +8)

We are at the home of Ahmed Barakat.

The original stone

With little Hafiz to be

Update from DV/DrM as of 08:59PM (GMT +8)

The spirit refuses to be broken

These guys have been next to our bus for as long as we've been here

Security security everywhere and not a shred of fear.

Security in Gaza is very tight.

Picture of couple of Palestinians being held prisoner by Israel

The panel which includes Mathias Chang

The Gaza strip

Picture

Update as of 5:52pm (GMT +8)

Short Meeting with the Gazan Ladies

The soil from the graves of 2 martyrs being handed over to Ismail Haniyeh

This is what I got

And yours truly being presented a gift by Ismail Haniyeh. Alhamdulillah. :)

Ismail Haniyeh presenting a gift to Kevin for George Galloway

Zaher being presented a medal by Ismail Haniyeh

Nicci being presented a medal by Ismail Haniyeh

Kevin being presented a medal by Ismail Haniyeh

Ismail Haniyeh speaking now.

Ismail Haniyeh in the middle.

The crowd on its feet at the arrival of Ismail Haniyeh

Update as of 1:29am (GMT +8)

Update as of 1:20am (GMT +8)

Kevin at the mike with Zaher as translator

The crowd totally whipped

‎​The crowd on their feet

Beautiful cultural dance being performed

Update as of 12:42am (GMT +8)

Update as of 11:05pm (GMT +8)

At a function now, hosted by local authority.

Update from DV/DrM as of 10:52PM (GMT +8)

Ismail Haniyeh at our lunch

Caps and t-shirts being given away

Update as of 7:11pm (GMT +8)

Update as of 6:55pm (GMT +8)

After Friday prayers where Ismail Haniyeh gave the sermon

Update as of 5:12pm (GMT +8)

Cement factory

‎​Onion fields given tender loving care

Update as of 5:01pm (GMT +8)

Update as of 4:52pm (GMT +8)

People's lives shattered ruthlessly. What's left of an apartment block

What's left of the homeland security building after the bombing

Update as of 4:18pm (MGT +8)

‎​The view from our hotel room

Photos from DV/DrM's iPhone V (21st-22nd Oct)

Little Drummer Boy

Update as of 2:34am (GMT +8)

Update as of 12:43am (GMT +8)

And into Gaza

What a view!

‎​Gaza City here we come.

‎​Collin ready to take on Gaza

Update as of 11:25pm (GMT +8)

Update as of 11:15pm (GMT +8)

Huge reception and speeches.

Alhamdulillah. We are in Gaza. Tears all around

We're at the Rafah crossing and almost in Gaza.

Update as of 9:40pm (GMT +8)

‎​Our italian friends

Update as of 9:11pm (GMT +8)

Yay, we're on our way. The egyptians r out on the street waving

‎​Saddiq and Vince raring to go

‎​Talal of Kuwait on his way to Gaza.

‎​Aching for Gaza

The boys from Canada on their way to Gaza

‎​The ship in the distance.

‎​A shot of our vehicles ready to roll

Reunited and it feels so good

‎The crowd on their feet

‎Onion fields given tender loving care

‎The view from our hotel room

‎Gaza City here we come.

‎Collin ready to take on Gaza

‎Our italian friends

‎Saddiq and Vince raring to go

‎Talal of Kuwait on his way to Gaza.

‎Aching for Gaza

‎The ship in the distance.

‎A shot of our vehicles ready to roll