Tuesday’s Child Blog

Following Yonder Star to Gaza – Day 1
Tuesday 5th January 2009

It is 3 p.m. as we set foot on the Palestinian side of the Erez crossing on the Northern side of the border. This is our third successful entry into the Gaza strip since August 2008 and it is a great feeling to be back. We crossed relatively quickly within 30 minutes and we say a prayer of thanksgiving as we walk along. There are two of us on this field visit, myself and Ricky and as we walk the sheer tension of Israel slowly evaporates in the afternoon sunshine. Today is the eve of the feast of the three wise men and I just realise today is a Tuesday!

The first glimpse of Gaza and the view has not changed since my last visit in July. The devastation remains. This time last year Operation Cast Lead was inflicting untold carnage across this most desolate of places and I wince as I recall the pictures and the sheer terror that reigned. This time last year we were busy organising a candlelit vigil for an end to the war. Our prayer today is still the same, for peace and justice for these gentle and gracious people, most of all the 875,000 children who live here in gross breach of their human rights and an end to the blockade.

View from Erez crossing

As we walk towards the border we can see our aid team waving at us. I can see their smiles from 250 yards. The Palestinian smile is the best smile in the world! We receive a rapturous welcome and after a brief stop at the Gazan checkpoint, we drive to Gaza city.

We have brought toys for children, food supplements, Braille paper for the blind school, blankets, children’s clothes and assistance for families and the feeding programme here. Also the proceeds of our Following Yonder Star Christmas appeal and I give thanks for the many kindhearted people who supported our campaign and our journey here. We are both looking forward to seeing the Christmas appeal in action. I think of the children at home who helped us launch our appeal, North and South, and how different their little lives are to children here.

Children of Gaza

We drive through Gaza city, I had forgotten how densely populated this place is, each corner a window on persecution and injustice. Yet there is a life and vibrancy of this place that states survival. They are a truly incredible people, brave and stoic in the face of such adversity. On each corner, children are gathered. There are children everywhere and again, no child in Gaza is alone, they are always in groups looking out for each other and their camaraderie and common bond is clear for all to see. For they share a childhood of captivity where they have no voice and adults who should no better darken the world with war and hatred. Yet, yet far from bring in ruins, as many would suggest, while undoubtedly traumatised by the stresses of daily life here, there are smiles and laughter. The children of Palestine have unfathomable spirit and it is they who keep this persecuted strip of land alive. I hope this New Year will be a new beginning and herald justice and freedom for these children.

Sabah and Fowziah show us some of the many gifts purchased for children over the last weeks. They are fabulous and the quality is very good. I am delighted. Seven days of continual shopping in every market in Gaza we are told. Fair play they are incredibly organised. How did they possibly manage to carry so much stuff Ricky asks. We negotiated free delivery from every market stall they tell him proudly. They are great business women and I am delighted with the quality return on the fundraising for this project. I couldn’t have chosen better myself.

Time now to relax for the trip through Israel has been an arduous one. We have a meal with our friends and it is a wonderful reunion for I love these people with all my heart. Al Hamdullilah! Tomorrow we will start.

If you are in a position to help any of the families we met during our time in Gaza, please contact us at info@tuesdayschild.co.uk or donate online here »

Continue to read Day 2 »