Greetings from Cairo!

Tom and I arrived here yesterday as part of the first wave of people on our convoy to Gaza. After our nine hour flight, we landed in sunny, hot, and humid Cairo. Al-Jazeera and other media began filming as we picked up the wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and bag upon bag of medical supplies from the baggage claim and moved them out to the curb. After moving everything into waiting buses, we gathered around George Galloway, who, in characteristic pride, was looking out upon the human conveyor belt moving medical supplies as he smoked a cigar, a big smile on his face. Folks took out cameras for photos. One of the brothers from Texas took out a Palestinian flag. As he unfurled it, an airport custodian approached him with a mop handle and rope. The brother tied to flag to the makeshift pole and we posed for pictures, flag blowing in the wind above us.

I won't use the limited time I have now to go into detail on my first twenty-four hours in this marvelous city. Suffice it to say that driving over the Nile, beholding the Great Pyramids (which I can see here from my hotel room window—so close that they appear to be within reach), and encountering friendly Egyptians—folks who come up to us excited to meet us, and who become much more excited when we tell them that we're bringing medical aid to Gaza—all of this has been remarkable. Instead of expounding though, I need to make an appeal.

If you can make a contribution to Viva Palestina, it would be tremendously appreciated. We are still purchasing supplies, including vehicles—which will be given to our Gazan sisters and brothers—in Egypt. There is an urgency to collect as much in funds as possible in the next thirty-six hours. Many of you have already contributed generously and we are thankful beyond words. If you thought you'd missed your opportunity to give but wanted to, please understand that there is a real need for donations now. The way that is most beneficial to the convoy is to do so by wiring money. If that is possible for you, please email me directly at khury.ps@gmail.com for instructions. Otherwise a check sent overnight to New York would be terrific. Checks are tax deductible and can be made out to IFCO – Viva Palestina. They can be sent to

IFCO – Viva Palestina

418 W 145^th Street

New York, NY 10031

My sincere thanks. Please look forward to more posts. More people from the US are arriving today. More to come.

In solidarity,

Khury