Update!!

May 26, 2009

Update on the journey to Gaza. I am not sure where I left of on my blogging. But a quick update. We left Cairo with the student delegation May 25, at 3 a.m. We had a many hour drive across the Sinai Peninsula, taking a bridge that crossed the Suez Canal. Unfortunately, due to darkness and significant fatigue, I was not able to appreciate the scenery the way I would have liked. One of the peoples of this area is the Bedouins, who we would see out across the dessert on their camels. Many of them live in dwellings made out of palm tree fronds. It is my understanding that this area is more conservative than Cairo, and more of the women were wearing the complete black clothing with the veils.

We drove all the way to the Rafah border to try to cross into Gaza. Along the way, we picked up a police escort, and went through 6 checkpoints. We sere successful getting to the border, but were unable to pass through. We met up with a Canadian group that had been there for 3 days. We stayed at the border for many hours before returning to Al Arish to spend the night.
The following morning we left again, this time in tow with the Canadian group, and another American group who had gotten to Al Arish the previous day. Side note, the two American groups have done such an impressive working with American organizations to help facilitate our entry, and due to their coordination, it looks like we will be entering Gaza eventually, but not without obstacles, as that morning we were turned away at the first check point. We went back to the hotel, leaders made more phone calls, and we were assured we were on our way!!

Again, off we went. Things were going very smoothly until it was realized we had a Palestinian in our group whose passport was not in order. Sadly, unfortunately, she was left at the border, and may try to reenter later this week with the Codepink group.

Now, at this moment in time, we are waiting for paperwork/passport control to be finalized to actually allow us into Gaza!!! Amazing!!