Activist returning to Gaza after driving an ambulance last year
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21-10-2009
A Bristol man who drove an ambulance to Gaza last winter has promised to return this winter, this time with a 32 ton articulated lorry loaded with medical equipment.
Sakir Yildirim is aged 40 years. He lives in Fishponds with his wife and three children aged 11years, 8 years, and 1 year. He is well known in his area as a lorry-driver and kebab seller.
Last winter he raised money from the local Turkish community and bought an ambulance on eBay. He left the Turkish Community Centre on Gloucester Road in February and made a five thousand mile journey across Europe, Turkey, Syria, Jordon, and Egypt.
This winter he plans to drive a large truck loaded with medical equipment. He will lead what is planned to be a mini-convoy from Bristol, leaving on Friday 4th December, and joining the main UK convoy in London. This convoy, the VIVA PALESTINA convoy will leave London on Saturday 5th December and plans to arrive at the Rafah crossing from Egypt into Gaza on 27th December which will be the one year anniversary of the start of the attack on Gaza.
Sakir says, “Last winter I saw the horrendous devastation caused by the Israeli bombardment, the numerous wreaked buildings, people living in tents and many grieving families. And I’m shocked to know that Gaza has been under siege ever since. Food, medicine, building materials, and many other necessities of life are all is in short supply. Even paper and pens for the schools have been blocked!”
He goes on to say, “I’m determined to go back. This time with a huge truck loaded with medical equipment. And I’m asking Bristol people to help me with this vital humanitarian project.”
People who would like to support Sakir can donate in the following ways:-
Post cheques,
payable to BristolGazaLink (Viva Palestina).
To Box 3, c/o 82 Colston Street, BRISTOL BS1 5BB UK
Or donate online on the Bristol Gaza Link website at www.bristolgazalink.org
The Bristol-to-Gaza convoy is a practical humanitarian project of the newly formed BRISTOL-GAZA-LINK association – see info below
Background:
Last winter, people from across Bristol took part in large numbers in protests, vigils, demonstrations, meetings and occupations to show their support for the people of Gaza during Israel's attacks. Two Bristol drivers, Sakir Yildirim and Mohamed Elhaddad joined the 100-vehicle Viva Palestina! Convoy which drove to Gaza with aid collected in Britain. On their return they gave eyewitness reports of conditions in Gaza.
Out of this grew the idea of building links between Bristol & Gaza City.
The Bristol-Gaza-Link Association was launched, with all-party support on Monday 28th September at the Council House
Its aims and objectives are to build humanitarian, cultural, educational and social links. These links will be with similar groups and organisations primarily in Gaza City. However links with Palestinian populations both in the West Bank and the Diaspora are also possible.
Historically, Bristol has had a large number of connections with Palestine, both Gaza and the West Bank. These have ranged from faith groups to peace campaigners, from medics to footballers to circus-performers. Even Bristol’s own graffiti artist Banksy has visited Palestine! Bristol-Gaza-Link aims to build on these foundations and is already encouraging a growing number of groups and organizations to explore links with Gaza.
The group is starting fund-raising for a second convoy to Gaza this winter which is due to depart from Bristol on Friday 4th December.
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