Cape Town - Following the successful, yet arduous first convoy to deliver medical aid to the people of Gaza, Palestine, the Truth Collective SA (TCSA) is determined to embark on a second relief mission.
The non-governmental organisation, focusing on social and philanthropic initiatives both locally and internationally, embarked on its first relief mission for Gaza on June 20 this year.
Though not deterred by their inability to reach Gaza to deliver the aid themselves, the team remained in Egypt where they handed over around R1 146 000 to the Egyptian Red Crescent Society to purchase the medical supplies and to facilitate its delivery.
Palestinian ambassador to South Africa Hanan Jarrar with Consulate-General Hassona Aldramly, met with the TCSA team on Sunday at the Lounge on Kromboom restaurant.
The embassy had supported and facilitated the first convoy and will be doing the same for the second.
The second Gaza convoy is expected to depart from Cape Town during the first week of January for around two weeks.
One of TCSA’s directors, Razaan Jacobs said, during the second convoy, medical aid will be purchased as well as diesel to power hospital generators in Gaza.
Jarrar said: “They (Palestinians) have been under blockade for years, so the list of the needed items are endless. I do believe that Palestinians need a political solution. We have to urge the international community to end the Israeli occupation because it is the source of all atrocities. We have to visit the illness itself. Not the symptoms of the illness. The symptoms of the illness are the blockade, the shortage of medicine, food and all these things. We have to visit the illness itself which is the occupation.”
TCSA founder and Palestinian, Baker Al-Maharmeh, said: “We appreciate your work. We thank you for everything you do for Palestine. Thank you for supporting us.”
TCSA ambassador Muhammad Junaid “MJ Li” Chafeker said they hope to deliver R3 million worth of medical supplies to Gaza.
Donations can be made via the TCSA website, EFT or at the TCSA offices at 95 Ruth Rd, Rylands.