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http://www.levantinecenter.org/pages/project_gaza_surf_relief.html
[=1][ 2]Project Gaza Surf Relief[/][/]
July 31, 2007, Los Angeles
To Whom It May Concern:
In response to the July 29th LA Times article entitled “Gaza Surfers Find Freedom in the Sea” by Louise Roug, I have decided to embark on a project to donate used/new surfboards and equipment to send over to Gaza. Surf boards for Gaza surfers are in painfully short supply, and often beyond economic reach. Our help is greatly needed.
Ahmed Abu Hassan, 28, and Mohammed Jayab, 34, surfers who hang out at the
Al Deira beach in Gaza. (Wissam Nassar / For The Times)
[ Click here for the full text of Louise Roug’s story.]
This is a non-partisan drive whose purpose is to provide Palestinian youth with the feeling of joy and bliss achieved through surfing, and to provide an alternative way to escape life’s daily hardships. Contributions are welcome from everyone and everywhere in the world.
I am looking to coordinate the contribution of at least 25 used/new boards (must be in ride-able condition), leashes, replacement fins, duct tape (for repairs), warm water wax(new only), and rash guards (new or slightly used).
In addition, funding will be needed to bubble wrap the boards and send over the shipment. Any large monetary donation can be sent to the Levantine Cultural Center, whose help in this initiative will make your contributions fully tax-deductible.
Jordan Elgrably (Artistic Director – Levantine Cultural Center)
Erik Andersen (Webmaster – www.gazasurfrelief.com)
Dave Marshall (Executive Committee Member & Africa Surf Project Coordinator – The Surfrider Foundation, Malibu Chapter)
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We are currently seeking a way for international donors to ship boards without incurring great cost. Haithem El-Zabri is working to locate an organization in Gaza that can be used to collect all boards and distribute them properly.
With the help of Louise Roug of the Los Angeles Times, I have contacted Hamada Qammar, a BBC correspondent in Gaza, who has helped us by offering to assist in transporting the shipment from Jerusalem to Gaza, and also by getting us in touch with a photojournalist who can provide pictures of the surf areas.
I also hope to be able to film a documentary of this project so that I may show all those that supported in donations to see how they’ve helped.
Please pass this on to anyone you know who surfs or who may like to help.
Thanks and please show your support as generously as you can.
Sincerely,
Project Manager
Gaza Surf Relief
310.804.1094
A donation button below follows below. To contribute by phone, call Levantine Cultural Center, 310.657.5511, or send checks to Levantine Center, 1012 S. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90035. Be sure to inscribe “Gaza Surf Relief” in the memo line of your check and include your address and phone number.
UPDATE 8/4/07:
We have already received 3 boards, with another 10 pledged in the Los Angeles Area, 10 pledged from Hawaii, 4 pledged from Costa Rica, and pledged donors from Australia and Portugal.
The responses from friends I’ve emailed and from a thread I’ve posted on A Small World, has been a great success, many are interested in helping and constant feedback on this project is coming in. 