Delegates on the Freedom Waves to Gaza – November 2011

Delegate Statement:

Ehab Lotayef

Is a Canadian Electrical Engineer of Egyptian origin. He is also a accomplished poet, playwright and  photographer with several works in print in both English and Arabic.  Ehab is an experienced human rights activist and organizer, with many years of experience, both in Canada and Internationally.  He has traveled to Iraq and Palestine multiple times on fact-finding and solidarity missions.

David Heap

David Heap is a parent of two and a University of Western Ontario faculty member (French & linguistics). He has been active in peace and social justice causes, including Latin American solidarity and the labour movement, for as long as he can remember. He participated in the Gaza Freedom March in December 2009 and hopes to help foster people-to-people links that build lasting solidarity with Palestine.  David was also a delegate last July aboard the Canadian ship Tahrir which commandeered by the Greek navy to prevent its passage to Gaza.

Karen DeVito

Karen DeVito writes “reading, research and writing about peacemaking in divided societies have brought me to the Canada Boat to Gaza project. I have participated in social justice movements most of my life. As a delegate on the Tahrir, I will join a collective effort to help our world recognize the tragic predicament of the people of Gaza, and to acknowledge that ordinary people everywhere deserve to live in peace.”  Karen was also a delegate last July aboard the Canadian ship Tahrir which commandeered by the Greek navy to prevent its passage to Gaza.

Michael Coleman

Michael Coleman has a keen commitment to social justice which is evidenced by his work in the youth services sector in Sydney, Australia over the last decade. He has been employed as a life skills educator, case worker, and community development worker and is currently coordinating the EMPATHY Program - a program designed to increase social inclusion for young people that are at risk of homelessness.   Michael has also done some voluntary work in Nablus in the West Bank of Palestine for Project Hope, teaching English and music production. In addition to this, he is currently working towards establishing a non-profit incorporated association called ‘Music for the Dark Corners’ to support strategies to challenge the occupation that are based on the principles of non-violent direct action.  Michael was also a delegate last July aboard the Canadian ship Tahrir which commandeered by the Greek navy to prevent its passage to Gaza.  Michael was one of two “kayakivists” who got in the way of the Greek navy ship sent to pursue the Tahir.

Kit Kittredge

Kit is a 53-year-old mother, grandmother, and peace advocate.  She is an active member of peace groups CodePink, Seattle Mid-East Awareness Campaign, VFP, and Ground Zero Center for Nonviolence.  When not promoting peace and social justice, she works as a massage therapist, and is a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and volunteer Firefighter.  She enjoys organic gardening and playing with her grandkids. She writes, “I am passionate about promoting peace.  I do frequent presentations in schools and communities to help educate and promote social justice.  I have helped lead seven delegations to Gaza in the last two years. We made it through five times!  I look forward to continuing this process with my participation in the Freedom Waves to Gaza campaign.  I firmly believe that all of our efforts contribute to justice and peace for Palestine and the world.”  Kit was a delegate last July aboard the Audacity of Hope, an American ship commandeered by the Greek navy to prevent its passage to Gaza.

Majd Kayal

Is a 20-year-old student in Philosophy and Political Science at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem.  He speaks Arabic, Hebrew and English fluently and his interests include political activism, journalism and literature.  His is the co-editor for the political and cultural affairs website Qadita.net and the owner of the blog entitled, “Message to the Tricontinental”.