women's visit

I went back to work this morning after seeing the Palestinian women off at Euston some on their way to Birmingham others to Manchester and Leeds. They seemed full of energy and spirit wanting to get on to the next round of the tour. Rana and Thureya have both been staying in Haringey. They have been into Highgate Wood School to a Year 10 lesson on conflict where the citizenship teacher Niall was thrilled to have these two fantstic women telling the students what it is like to live in occupied country on a day to day level. The students asked many questions and were fired up about the injustice but also they realise that they knew so little aboutthe history of palestine and the conflict in the middle east. They met the headteacher and apparently invited him to Palestine.

Both Rana and Thureya visited a community centre in Northumberland Park Tottenham, London and joined in dancing with the women in a project called hundred women under one flag. The women were welcoming and wanted to know about the situation. Many were aware of the injustice but chatting to our guests made it real . One woman was so overcome she had to stop talking as she was crying. They went to the local college CONEL and went in a lesson and the nursery. Rana loved the nursery reminding her of her own two who of course are following her every move back home with Dad and grandma.
They had a brief rest - not very much. Thureya sampled the delights of shopping in Turnpike Lane and Rana got the chance to go to the Whiteman Rd Mosque in haringey something she hopes to do next week and meet the committee at the mosque.

A short but fantastic visit. Every one who meets them is drawn to them . They are so warm friendly and articulate but above all it is their stories and their understanding and analysis of the situation in palestine which people want to hear about. Even on sunday night when i had a small group of friends rounds Rana was quietly talking and explaining as she showed her power point presentation.
haringey justice 4 palestinians had a meal with both of the visitors in the Turkish bookshop Kimet and they made very moving speeches. Simon responded from us saying how he felt such respect for them and their struggle and saying that next week at the stop the war demo the Palestinian flag will be flying.

You are all very special and I look forward to meeting you all again(except Thureya as she will be with her daughter in Durham) next week. have a great time. My father is from Pendle , Brierfield so I would love to know how that visit went . thanks again . I am still reeling a little from the exhilaration. you have brought it all alive telling us all the details and educating.
I am fullof respectand hope Love Lynda