Hope for Gaza Surfing

Premier Mike Baird agreed in principle to support an initiative to send surfboards to war-torn Gaza, and to develop a Nippers program for the children of Gaza.Today there is very little entertainment in Gaza - no theatre, no cinema, no sports facilities. The one distraction for its war-torn inhabitants is the beach and, remembering the Australian connection, Gaza young enthusiasts have asked to benefit from the experience of this Australian popular sport, including its life saving side. This initiative will send a very good message of hope for people who know mostly nothing but despair.It is in this spirit that Premier Baird agreed with a delegation from the Northern Beaches Committee for Palestine that sending surfboards to the people of Gaza, and developing a nippers program there, would be a welcome gesture for peace. Australian support for the establishment of nipper swim clubs in Israel exists already; the surfboards to Gaza initiative will be a timely demonstration of the Australian policy of even-handedness.Shamikh Badra member of delegation from the Northern Beaches Committee speaks about this project .

delegation from the Northern Beaches Committee for Palestine with NSW premier Mike Baird Source: Supplied