Couple join demonstrations in Egypt to support Gaza.
Bloor West area couple Carol Trainor and Don Schmidt travelled to Gaza as part of a mobilization of internationals to participate in The Gaza Freedom March. There, they befriended Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein, a member of the humanitarian mission and one of 22 people who went on a hunger strike for Gaza.
Courtesy photo
Carol Trainor and husband Don Schmidt are safely back in Toronto with plenty of stories and countless photographs from their week-long adventure as part of the humanitarian mission, the Gaza Freedom March. The couple, who departed Boxing Day, joined the mobilization of internationals who travelled to support the people of Gaza, who have been living in substandard conditions as a result of last year's Israeli attack and blockade imposed by Israel. The group, 1,000 strong and comprised of representatives from more than 40 countries, reports it was thwarted in its attempt to deliver educational and humanitarian goods. Trainor and Schmidt were among those who stayed in Cairo. "It was different," said Trainor in an interview early February. "It wasn't what we expected."The Egyptian government refused to allow the majority of marchers across the border into Gaza. Only two buses carrying 65 of the more than 1,300 would-be participants were permitted to cross with just a portion of the aid that had been collected. Trainor and Schmidt befriended Holocaust survivor Hedy Epstein, a member of the humanitarian mission and one of 22 people who went on a hunger strike for Gaza. Trainor said she was struck by the amazement and support of the people of Cairo."You had a chance to talk to people. There was an older gentleman, who said 'Thank-you for doing what we should be doing.' It was touching," said Trainor. "He came back and thanked us profusely. There were a few of those encounters with the locals, which was heartening."The Freedom March ended up taking place in Cairo outside the Egyptian Museum, said Trainor. The roads were basically closed to the border. Even taxi drivers and buses were not allowed to travel those roads. Contracts were cancelled, the group was no longer permitted to meet at the Jesuit College in Cairo, Dec. 27. "It became increasingly clear as the week went on that we were an embarrassment to Egypt," said Trainor. Because the Egyptian government would not allow the 1,300-plus participants to march in Gaza, it took place in Cairo. "We walked for about 50 metres before the police moved in to contain and force us onto the sidewalk," she said. The group succeeded in raising consciousness about the plight of Gaza, said Trainor. "In Egypt itself, there was lots of media attention," she said. "We did give hope to the people of Gaza that they are not alone and the world has not forgotten them."Many participants brought home with them stories of the suffering women and children, who are lacking in basic necessities, such as shelter and water and visions of destroyed buildings. There is massive unemployment and rebuilding is next to impossible because of the blockade. "Don and I remain hopeful the world will not sit by idly and allow this blockade to continue causing unnecessary hardship," said Trainor. "What a week."The couple plan to return, however, in the meantime, she and Schmidt are glad to be home, even though the weather was warmer in Cairo.