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when I was captured by the Taliban just after the horrific events of 9/11 my mother captivated the world's media for the entire 10 days I was held in Afghanistan. She did better than any international diplomat as she briefed the press morning, noon and night and virtually became Britain's best known mum overnight. Several days into my detention, the then Foreign Secretary Jack Straw called her to advise that her headline-grabbing over-the-garden-gate press conferences could jeopardise my life and so she should stop. Undeterred, she told the government minister to: "Get lost". And when her local MP dropped by carrying the same message from Blair's government, he was given a nice cup of tea before she showed him the door as well. So today, when one of the Free Gaza Movement organisers asked me if there was anyone who could act as a family spokesperson in the event of my arrest (or worse) I knew there was only one person I could turn to who would speak without fear or favour - my mum, the redoubtable Joyce Ridley. And so, just a few hours ago, I made possibly one of the most difficult calls I've had to make to my mum. She already knew I was on the Free Gaza Movement peace mission thanks to a front page story in the Newcastle Journal, which was published before I had a chance to tell her. In truth, she's not happy I am on board one of the two ships sailing to Gaza but this is what I said to her: "When the Holocaust was happening a lot of people around the world knew that atrocity against the Jewish people was taking place and yet they did nothing to stop the genocide. I was not around then, but even today there are those who still feel guilty because they sat back and did nothing. "Well I am damned if I am going to sit back and do nothing as the slow genocide of Palestinians takes place in the world's largest open air concentration camp known as Gaza. "I do not wield the power or influence of Tony Blair or any of the Quartet leaders. I do not have the power to order the Israeli soldiers to carry out the jack-boot policies of the Zionist State they serve without question. "But I do have a voice and with every breath I will shout out loud about the injustices against the Palestinians and in particular the people of Gaza. One day we will all be held to account over the biggest crime against humanity of the 21st century. "My only defence will be "I did what I could'. I hope I am not arrested by the Zionist State because I don't want to have to put my 81-year-old mother through anymore stress again. I know she went through hell when I was arrested by the Taliban nearly seven years ago. But, if things do go a wee bit pear-shaped I know Joyce Ridley will be a more effective international ambassador or envoy than that feckless, gutless, self-serving, deceiver Tony Blair or his cabal of Zionist cronies. * Yvonne Ridley and Indy film-maker Aki Nawaz are making a documentary about the Free Gaza Movement's peace mission to break the Israeli siege of Gaza for Press TV.
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1. Written by
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, on 18-11-2008 13:15
Allah with you |
2. Written by
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, on 01-11-2008 21:19
as a mouslim man i am proud that u r mouslim and i hope u visit my city : Sohag in upper Egypt and meet your mouslims sisters and brothers |
3. Written by
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, on 21-10-2008 05:13
Salaam to u all ......... Bro & sisters Well Well Well So many muslim I found in favour of sister Yvonne Ridley , May I ask you all why all u r writing these here just only reason that she accept Islam.... than Remember the Holy Quran In which Allah says If Muslims will not change their path to the right way than we will show and provide right way to other people of other community(something Like that). And look We have so many leaders but no body we found in that strong position to say something after Late Araafat against Israel. But this lady is doing, now there is a question to all of us why she is doing all these stuff ........just why? will anybody answer....... And yes Sister I am not going to congratulate as u turned muslim but instead of u dare to put ur voice against evil. thats the main thing. May Allah help us to go with right path..........Allahumma Ameeen rest on next time email me if anybody have any suggestion(most welcomed).... to
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Thanks to all Fee Amaanillah |
4. Written by
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, on 24-08-2008 10:32
Iam So Happy that you make it and arrive to Gaza ... |
5. Written by
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, on 24-08-2008 09:53
from an Egyptian compatriot: thanks to u for breaking the siege |
6. Written by
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, on 24-08-2008 07:05
welcome in gaza ...
thanks alot for your movement and other he really work to fredom in my country .
i hope to see you in gaza i work as apharmasist in gaza strip in alsalah medical center to see how the siege of gaza make tel .0599842922 in gaza
thanks very much .....thanks |
7. Written by
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, on 23-08-2008 23:34
Welcome to Gaza
Welcome to Palestine |
8. Written by
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, on 23-08-2008 16:21
My Allah be with you and protect you |
9. Written by mona, on 23-08-2008 13:36
Yvonne I saw your picture on Al-Jazeera
I'm proud of you and your friends
I pray that God be with you |
10. Written by
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, on 23-08-2008 13:04
Alhamdullilah this is great news n inspiration to all the muslims worldwide i pray that Allah gives us all the strength to do "wat we can" may Allah give u success in this life n the hereafter |
11. Written by
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, on 23-08-2008 12:34
Salaam sister
Your Mother sounds amazing mashallah.
You are an inspriation to muslima's all over the world, keep up your hard work, I am certain you will make a difference. |
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