The Fire Brigades Union humanitarian aid project, Dundee to Nablus aimed to deliver two fire appliances and front line firefighting equipment to the Nablus Municipality Fire Department in Palestine.
The project team left the UK on 13 October and after an epic journey through 13 countries arrived in the Middle East (minus 1 appliance) on 14 October. This achievement has been applauded and welcomed by authorities and organisations throughout the world.
In the Middle East the Israeli Histadrut (Trade Union) PGFTU (Palestinian Trade Union), The Palestinian (Government) Authority, The Palestinian Prime Minister, the President, the Israeli Defence Minister (Ehud Barak), the Mayor of Nablus and the Palestinian press have lauded the FBU’s efforts.
However the FBU team left Palestine with the appliances and equipment yet to travel the last 50 miles from Haifa to Nablus. The frustration felt by the FBU team is mirrored by that of the Nablus firefighters who were to be the recipients of the humanitarian aid.
The FBU project team has represented the people of Scotland, its Government, UK FBU members, affiliated Unions, the Lord Provost of Dundee (Nablus’s twin city) and many individual donors and supporters.
The project has achieved so much in a very short time, however through bureaucratic deficiencies; poor administration and unnecessary red tape the project team have had to return to the UK with the equipment undelivered.
The FBU team has met with many organisations since they arrived in Israel, we believe that with the help of the Palestinian Authorities we have identified a path for humanitarian aid to travel securely in the future. The use of experienced Non Government Organisations, the local Trade Unions and civil authorities would seem obvious, however to have them working together for the benefit of those requiring the aid will eliminate internal Palestinian difficulties.
The FBU will continue to support the Palestinian people, we fully understand that the ongoing military occupation and illegal Israeli settlements present the Palestinian Government and its people with unparalleled difficulties.
The project team thank all those who have guaranteed the delivery of the appliance and equipment to the Nablus Fire Department on our departure.
