Send me to Gaza

Update

I have been bowled over by the generosity of everyone who has helped spread awareness of this project.  With a day to go any extra SHARES, TWEETS etc are most welcome

 

Thankyou Sarah

Please send me to Gaza

Hi my name is Sarah Strudwick and I am an activist and writer on the subject of abuse, including children. My skills include avid social media blogging, and raising awareness of issues both home and abroad.

The harsh reality is that without your support I am cannot go so I'll try to keep the message short and sweet.

I've just been accepted on the convoy to Gaza which was organised by Harry Fear a journalist who lives and works in Gaza.

Many people in the UK and worldwide have been oblivious to the atrocities that happen in Gaza on a daily basis due to the fact that its rarely covered in mainstream news and often the news is biased. Thirty years ago I lived in Israel and saw what was happening first hand. Over the years things have become substantially worse ! As a result I have had a keen interest in observing what is happening albeit at a distance.

Its because of activists who have dedicated their lives to raising awareness that those who have had NO VOICE  encourage others who are prepared to raise their voice for them, thus educating the more people about the atrocities.

These atrocities include: living in an open prison, and dealing with war on a daily basis and abuse of children and basic human rights. In addition Israel kidnaps approximately 760 children a year, and  there are currently 243 Palestinian children under the age of 18, including 42 children under the age of 16, who are still imprisoned by Israel.  I have refrained from posting graphic images on here.

Watch  Harry explain his own reasons for helping describing what he saw in the mortuary.

Being accepted on the Convoy gives me the opportunity to see things first hand AND do something practical to help spread awareness on my return.  My reasons for wanting to volunteer are too long to list, however to sum it up in a few words despite the potential risks involved.

Sometimes we have no choice but to follow our moral compass.

Its not always about taking sides but is about doing what is right!

A personal message

In my humble opinion I believe its our responsibility as citizens of this earth to do the best that we can but that does NOT mean having Stockholm syndrome or being codependent enablers of psychopathic behaviour.. By not telling people and not protecting those that are most vulnerable we are all part of the problem and complicit. We become nothing more than "enablers" Sarah Strudwick

What will I be Doing?

Below are the key objectives of the Convoy are:

• Producing media content on the situation afflicting Gaza, with a focus on getting Palestinians' voices out to the Western world

• Supporting internationally-linked projects for Gaza

• Solidarity campaigning networking

• Fact-finding reporting back to homeland groups

• Providing workshops and talks on specialist subjects to local Gazan NGOs and university faculties (where requested)

It is a HUGE honour to be part of this group and in order to go I need to raise money to cover airfares and accommodation.

As a mum of two grown up children I hope you too will follow your moral compass and support me. For those who are unsure I leave you with this question

How would you feel if it was your children ?

A video on "Collateral Damage" and why we are complicit if we do nothing. WARNING whilst this audio contains strong language it does NOT contain graphic images.

What am I spending your money on?

The funds are needed to pay for accommodation and flight costs.

Because I am self employed it will involve taking time off unpaid during the duration of the trip which runs from 30th June to 13th of July 2013. None of the funds raised will be used for my own personal use.

ALL moneys raise above and beyond the costs, i.e. flight and accommodation, will be used to buy much needed supplies and/or equipment for the people of Gaza. I'll be contacting the organisers nearer the date and compiling a list of things so any additional funding is most welcome!

I have created one reward and each person will get the same reward regardless of the amount they donate.

IF in the unfortunate event I do not raise enough money - ALL the money will be donated to convoy to Gaza.

I'll post updates as I go along

How to help

You can help spread this message by sharing on Facebook, Twitter and so on.

Thank you !

 

Sarah

Feel free to share the image for this campaign