Our 2013 Convoy Participants
- The 2013 convoy's participants are from all over the world — 16 countries to be precise.
- Some participants are Palestinians, whose families were displaced by Israel in 1948. Some of them have never seen their homeland before.
- We have a good gender mix, with 14 women and 10 men.
- Most participants are in their 20's and 30's.
- They were chosen from over 120 applications.
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Annamaria Bruni Italian
I developed a strong interest in images from an early age, thanks to my father's passion for photography. In 2004 I travelled to Egypt and was bewitched by the Middle East. On Gaza “I care about all refugees, around the world. I do care a lot about Palestinians. I've been in the West Bank and had the chance to see how they are suffering from the occupation.” Bio Born in Cagliari in 1974, I took my first steps in this field in Sardinia, working as a photograher's assistant, then attended a course in fashion photography in Milan. I lived in London between 2000 and 2003, working with various models agencies and during this period I specialized in female portraits, which has remained my great passion to this day. In 2004 I travelled to Egypt and was bewitched by the Middle East. On the edge of the Sinai desert I combine my two passions: the sea and earth, nature and culture, underwater and reportage photography. During a voluntary project with Palestinian Association AIDA, I found inspiration for my latest work on refugees, called Profession: Refugee, that aims to put together all their stories. To me photography is like loving. |
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Ebbe Danish
Student of political science at Copenhagen University - former peace activist in the West Bank. On Gaza “I care because Gaza and the rest of Palestine is under military occupation and siege - and the governments of our countries in the West are supporting it both politically end economically.” Bio I'm a student of political science at Copenhagen University in Denmark. Last year I spend three months in the occupied West Bank as a peace activist. Since I have been wanting to return to Palestine. I hopefully now have the opportunity to visit Gaza. When I have returned from Gaza I will contiune my solidairity work from Copenhagen with all the experience and knowledge I have gained from the convoy. |
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Julia Denni French
Originally from France, I study Multimedia Journalism student at the UK's Bournemouth University's Media School. On Gaza “I developed a stronger interest after interviewing a Palestinian refugee after the operation Pillar of Cloud. I am thankful for the opportunity to show the other side of the conflict.” Bio I have lived in three different countries in the past five years and I am highly adaptable. I’ve done everything possible to boost my journalistic skills while studying in the UK and I am always up for a new challenge. I dream to become a foreign correspondent so this is the perfect practice: working with an international team in a unreported region of the world. |
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Max Slaughter British
Student, activist, writer and blogger. I'm passionate about the Palestinian cause and hope to educate and inspire others. On Gaza “The people of Gaza are deeply suffering and I'm passionate about supporting them through their struggle. Palestinians stand defiant in the face of adversity and this has led me to admire the strength and determination of their cause and take great inspiration from their resistance.” Bio I'm 20 years old and a student of International Relations and Politics in the UK. I'm an activist concerned with issues ranging from the Palestinian cause to social equality. I'm also a writer and blogger and publish articles concerning a range of subjects including; politics, economics, war and poverty. I'm deeply passionate about Palestine and hope to raise awareness in my home country through activism, lectures and debates. I believe that if you have an ounce of humanity inside you, then you should support the Palestinians in a conflict that has lasted decades. |
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Ahmed British-Egyptian
Amicable and outgoing, always eager to meet new people and undertake new challenges. On Gaza “I believe that is an issue that is representative of the pandemic injustice within society in all of its facets. Geographical detachment and cultural differences do not justify moral lassitude.” Bio I am a graduate of (soon to be) 25 years old, well traveled with a thirst for information and ever eager to explore new ground. Born in Cairo and raised across a range of geographical locations before ending up in the UK aged 7, where my nomadic displacements persisted but within a much closer proximity. I have a passion for music, literature and sport, with an eclectic taste as far as each is concerned. In terms of professional ambitions, I am still very much undecided but at the same time passionate about journalism and activism, from the local to the international, so we will see what the future holds... |
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Jennifer Macedonian
Open-minded, social,organized, knowing my priorities, generous,patient, undemanding, humble, humorous, changeable,curious. On Gaza “People have forgotten about the suffering in Gaza, I have the feeling that this misery is not recognized by western societies though palestinians are facing a heavy reality.” Bio I'm a 24 year old student (sociology and oriental studies) living in Austria with a balkanese background( born in Macedonia), I'm a member of the Muslim Youth Organization (Muslimische Jugend Österreich). The human interaction has for me a high place value, as a bilingual and multi-ethnic person I love to interact with all human beings, I'm very interested in different cultures and religions, I'm a person who spends a lot of time with the family and in nature since I'm living in the Weinviertel. |
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Farah Najjar Palestinian
A Palestinian journalist, currently working towards pursuing a Masters degree in International Human Rights Law from the American University in Cairo. On Gaza “The [Convoy] experience will allow me to visit my homeland for the first time, and get involved in journalism within an area of conflict so vital, hopefully positively affecting me and the community at hand.” Bio I'm a 22-year old Palestinian who is passionate about the cause; my career path has been dedicated to cater the needs of society, whether it is in the form of gathering news or being an active participant in aid work, resettlement work for refugees, etc. My primary job will always involve journalism, hopefully backed up with an understanding of the law that will make human rights advocacy a strong addition to the impact I wish to make. |
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Mennah Elsarrag Egyptian-American
Egyptian-American student and activist. On Gaza “As an advocate for human rights, I cannot ignore the daily challenges and suffering faced by the people of Gaza. I believe that their voices remain unheard in the Western world. ” Bio I am originally Egyptian but was born and raised in the United States. My educational background is in International Relations with a concentration in Peacekeeping and Middle Eastern Studies. I have experience working with NGOs (both professionally and voluntarily) in several countries including the United States, the Philippines, and Egypt. I am 22 years old and currently completing further education in International Peace and Conflict Resolution. |
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Zeyd Palestinian
Student, activist, bass guitar enthusiast, Australian-Japanese-Palestinian. On Gaza “I care because I am aware of what is happening to the people of Palestine. Additionally, people everywhere need to be challenged by a noble cause.” Bio I am a 26 year old university student from Sydney, Australia majoring in International Politics. I was born in Amman to a Palestinian father & a Japanese mother and raised in Tokyo and Sydney. I have a vested interest in the cause of the Palestinian people, not because of the inherit burden but because of my passion to alleviate the injustices and moral dilemma the world should be facing up to. As many people worldwide, I enjoy music immensely and subsequent to seeing a liberated Palestine, whenever that may be, would love invest all my time in my music, continued education and travel. |
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Ahmed Salti Palestinian
An experienced graphic designer and artworker of Palestinian origin, currently residing in London, UK. On Gaza “My parents were both forced to flee Palestine at a young age and naturally I have strong determination and moral duty to help out the Palestinians living in Gaza.” Bio Ahmed Salti is an experienced graphic designer and artworker with an entrepreneurial spirit and excellent communication and project management skills. He is of Palestinian origin with academic credentials obtained in Denmark and London. Ahmed is currently employed as a Localisation Engineer at Hogarth Worldwide, a global marketing communication services company. Ahmed also has vast experience in organising independent cultural, music and art events in London, where he helps promote local talent and raise awareness of international issues. His passion for technology and media applications enables him to channel his ideas effectively through a range of mediums to meet set objectives. |
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Mai Nasrallah Palestinian
Jordanian Citizen, of Palestinian origin. Currently perusing a double degree in Political Science and Sociology at the American University In Cairo. On Gaza “As a third generation refugee I have always wanted to visit my homeland. I feel responsible to try to give back to Gaza some of what Gaza has gave to the world.” Bio All four of my grandparents were forced to leave Palestine during the Nekba. I grew up with a passion towards a homeland I never before had the chance to visit as I was born and raised in Jordan. The Palestinian struggle lead me to peruse an education in Political Science and Sociology. I am currently residing in Egypt, attending the American University of Cairo. |
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Abdelrahman Canadian
24 years old and living and studying in Canada. On Gaza “I care about Gaza because the citizens of the Strip have been through very harsh life conditions, and they have their mobility rights restricted.” Bio I'm 24 years old. I was born in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. My background is Egyptian. I am fluent in Arabic. This year I will complete my university degree. My area of studies is environmental science, and a minor in political science. The Palestine conflict is not new to me, it's one of the issues I've always heard growing up from my parents to Palestinian elders in our community. However, I would have never considered myself to be an "activist" or involved in activism. |
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Ruairí Henchy Irish
I'm a cognitive science student, blogger and activist. On Gaza “I always felt solidarity with the Palestinians but Operation Pillar of Cloud really stirred me to action. I couldn't bear the sheer injustice of it and have been active ever since.” Bio I'm 24 years old and I come from the countryside in the west of Ireland. I'm currently finishing a master's degree in cognitive science in Dublin. I previously studied law and have lived and worked in Germany and for a short period in America. I'm a big sports fan and I also enjoy reading all sorts of literature or articles to get a greater insight and understanding into how the world works. I sometimes share my thoughts on life and political matters on my blog and am interested in getting more involved in media work. |
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Ain Malaysian
A serious central banker, a passionate community worker and a sports woman. On Gaza “I believe it is a duty of every person to go against the occupation of Palestine, displacing its rightful citizens of a place they call home, a place where they can feel secure. I am fighting for the cause as if it was my own homeland.” Bio I pursued a mathematical degree and now work as a regulator of financial institutions. I celebrate diversity and I do it with traveling, immersing myself in history and making international friends. |
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Kautsar Abd Rahman Malaysian
A writer, cook and amateur photographer who delves into the Palestinian crisis and local gastronomy. On Gaza “The people in Gaza face gross breaches of international law through the oppression that restrict their freedom and rights to govern, live and build their economy.” Bio I am a 26-years old Malaysian with legal background who cooks good food with heart. I want to relate this gastronomical love, shared by all of us, all over the World with the people in Gaza and the daily struggles and success they go through to put food on their table. There are various international law breaches by the occupation in this simple pleasure of life in the lives of Gazans that I would like to document and share. From harvesting seeds in the Land and fishing in the Sea, the people in Gaza face risk just to prepare supper for the family. |
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Joe Ruf American
Writer- Traveller from Chicago, USA. On Gaza “I care about the conflict because, as an American, I'm very connected to it. The way the west has handled the situation is appalling and embarrassing… All one has to do is look at international law, UN votes, B'tselem, or any respected scholarship…” Bio I'm a screenwriter/essayist/filmaker/fighter who travels. I look around the world to see the reflection of humanity in others' eyes, then I come back to America and tell people all about it. I have a background in film and political science. I've lived all over America and have traveled Asia and South America. |
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Rina British-Indian
Volunteer for an Islamic educational non profit organisation On Gaza “The Palestinians have been suffering for a long time. Their voice is not being heard. Things need to change. We need to be their voices. We need to take action. Palestine does not even have an airport; can you imagine living in such a way where a basic right to come and go as you please is non existant? I highly doubt it, yet, when it comes to Palestine, why is this acceptable? As the old saying goes, 'If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything.'” Bio I'm 31 years old and in general have an interest in world affairs where injustice and oppression is involved. I found Islam in July 2011, and it was the best thing that could have ever happened to me! I have an interest in the Arabic language, and it is something that I would love to master one day. |
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Denny Cormier American
I firmly believe that it is only with the heart that we can understand our world. On Gaza “I care about ongoing human rights issues in Gaza. I dream of the day when Gazans and all Palestinians will enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities that are the birthright of any independent nation. I dream of the day when the Israeli occupation will end.” Bio Many men of my age [67-years-old] like to share stories. If you meet me, I'll want to hear your stories, and I am likely to share my stories as well, if you care to listen. A meaningful life is all about sharing our stories with each other and discovering our commonality. I sum up my life in 2013 with a number of words including senior, mostly retired, dreamer, creator, explorer, activist, obsessive book collector, photographer, an uncle, a student of social media, a philanthropist - a supporter of the Occupy paradigm - a revolutionary at heart - a citizen of the world. |
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Eileen Carr Irish
I have worked with youth and trauma all of my life and live my life as an anthropologist believing in equality for all. On Gaza “Having lived in the West Bank, [having] learned more about the ignoring of all human rights of a beautiful people, I am determined to help give people an extra voice to be heard internationally so that this inhumanity [in Gaza] ends. ” Bio I am female, trained in mental health (adult and youth), have worked in the area of trauma and torture, and been privileged to travel extensively and experience the kindness and generosity of others such that I was inspired to follow my dream to become an anthropologist specializing in "trying to stand in the feet of others" and have found that the people of Palestine's' shoes are those whom I most desperately want to stand in, as much as I can, and play some small part in alleviation of suffering and increasing of awareness. |
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Špelca Slovenian
Artist, musical teacher, writer, working for the Global Africa Unite Movement. On Gaza “Any apartheid is inhuman. We all have a right to be, so in order to keep humanity on the planet and restore peace on earth i just simple need to care. We all should. Gaza siege is like a cancer to all of us and Palestine is the cornerstone of peace and prosperity for the whole planet.” Bio I was born in 1973 to a single mother. At the age of 16 I started to work as a jewelry maker on a small street shop. I worked as a teacher, teaching jipsy kids to read and write and help hiperactive and hard learning youths to succeed in school. I am a musician teaching percussions (jembe) of african traditional music . I am a writer writing about my experiances as a traveller to india, Thailand, Indonesia, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Kurdistan, Former Yugoslavia, and Greece. |