FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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• What is the purpose of the Gaza Freedom March?

  Dec. 27 will mark the first anniversary of the Israeli attack and invasion of the Gaza Strip. And although the Israeli tanks have left, the complete closure of the borders continues. The Gaza Freedom March will show the residents of Gaza that the international community of citizens has not forgotten them, and will call worldwide attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Through this effort and other activities, we hope to force the leaders of our governments to tell Israel “enough is enough; open the borders!”

• How likely is the march to be successful in achieving its objectives, since so many other demonstrations, etc. have not had an impact?

  No one event or activity will end the siege of the Gaza Strip or the Israeli occupation overall. However, we believe we are at a critical juncture in global public opinion, with citizens and governments becoming increasingly critical of Israeli policies. The tipping point, when Israel is forced to open the borders and allow self-determination for the Palestinians, is within reach. Thus, we are designing the march and its accompanying activities to have maximum impact on decision makers in the United States, Egypt, Israel and countries around the world by: a) generating media coverage, b) educating participants so they can spread the word in their home communities and c) pressuring the countries that are enabling the collective punishment of the citizens of the Gaza Strip.

• Who are the organizers? Do they support/promote any particular “solution” to the Israel/Palestine conflict?

  The International Coalition to End the Illegal Siege of Gaza is an umbrella group of individuals and organizations that share the goal of bringing an end to the blockade of the Gaza Strip. Members and/or endorsers include groups such as CODEPINK: Women for Peace, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, and Medical Aid for Palestine. Individual endorsers include author Alice Walker, Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire and Dr. Patch Adams. For a complete list, visit here. 

  The coalition is non-partisan and does not take any stand for or against any political party or “solution” to the overall conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. These issues are for the people of Palestine to decide.

• Are there any celebrities or other “notables” who will be participating in the march?

  We have an illustrious roster of endorsers to date – including Howard Zinn, Gore Vidal, Arun Gandhi, Naomi Klein, Syrian actor Duraid Lahham and (Finnish filmmaker) Aki Kaurismaki – and we are expecting many more to sign on. We are encouraging as many of them as possible to join us in the Gaza Strip. Definitely committed to marching so far are Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Alice Walker; Syrian actor Duraid Lahham; MAP (Ministere des Affaires Populaires), a popular French band; activist and former Japanese ambassador to Lebanon Naoto Amaki (who will be leading a delegation of eight); and Walden Bello, novelist, activist and member of the Philippine National Assembly. 

• Are people signing up as individuals or in groups?

  Both. We have sign-ups from both individuals and groups of people from organizations who will be traveling together.To help people network with people of like mind and situation, as well as to help us organize and keep track of everyone, we are forming "affinity groups" -- subgroups that will travel and participate in activities together while in Gaza. The affinity groups are:

  • Artistic/cultural (for those who want to use their talents in the arts to further their activism). Contact Fareed Bitar.
  • Government (for past and present government officials/employees within their countries). Contact Emily Siegel.
  • Interfaith (with a focus on experiencing Gaza as part of your religious faith and using it to educate others at home when you return). Contact Mark Johnson or Lynn Gottlieb. 
    
  • Journalist/photographer/videographer. Contact Emily Siegel.
  • Legal (for those in the legal profession, who can also be on hand during the week for legal representation/consultation if needed). Contact Emily Siegel.
  • Medical (for physicians, nurses and other health professionals who are willing to be on hand for medical needs throughout the trip). Contact Emily Siegel.
  • Organizations (including anyone traveling as part of a delegation from or as a representative of a group such as Peace Action and Veterans for Peace). Contact Emily Siegel.
  • Regional (there will be one affinity group for each region of the world, such as Europe Canada, Middle East, etc.; anyone not choosing one of the other affinity groups will be assigned to their appropriate region). Contact Emily Siegel.
  • Students. Contact Ali Glenesk.
  • Teacher/professor (for anyone in the field of education who would like to share this unique experience with their students). Contact Emily Siegel.
  • Women. Contact Marina Barakatt.

  For general questions, or information about other possible affinity groups, contact Emily Siegel.

• What is the relationship, if any, between other such groups that try to enter Gaza, such as the Free Gaza boats and the Viva Palestina convoys?

  Our goals are the same as the Free Gaza Movement, Viva Palestina and other initiatives designed to end the siege of Gaza. Although we are organizing independently, we are in close touch with each other. We believe that the more organizations visiting Gaza and educating members’ home countries, the faster we will end the siege. 

• To what extent are Palestinians, particularly those in the Gaza Strip, involved in planning and organizing the march?

  We are working with a coalition of groups in Gaza that includes the NGO umbrella group PNGO, student groups, university professors, refugee organizations, women’s groups and unions. We also have the endorsement of ITTIJAH (the Union of Arab based organizations) in the West Bank. 

• What is the role of Hamas? Has it given its “permission”?

  The coalition is apolitical and does not take a position on any of the Palestinian parties. Hamas, however, is the elected government and the coalition needs its authorization to enter the Gaza Strip. Hamas has given this authorization, while acknowledging that the march is being organized and directed by civil society groups. 

• Will there be a march on the Israeli side?

  Yes, Palestinian and Jewish groups and individuals in Israel will organize a “solidarity march” to the Erez border crossing. There will also be other solidarity actions in the West Bank and in Israeli cities. The endorsers include Palestinian groups ITTIJH (the Union of Arab Community Based Organizations), the Coalition of Women for Peace and the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions. For a full list see our roster of endorsers.

• What exactly will occur in this march?

  On the morning of Dec. 31, an estimated 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza will join with the international delegation to participate in a rally and 5-km (3-mile) march from Iazbat Abu Drabo -- a community in which nearly every building was destroyed, including several houses with civilians still inside -- to the Erez border crossing into Israel (or as close to it as we are allowed without tempting violence in response). The rally will feature hip hop music (including a song written especially for the march) and commentary on the impact of the siege by farmers, fishermen, merchants and others.  Upon reaching Erez crossing, balloons, kites and/or flags will be flown to express solidarity with Palestinians and Israeli peace activists on the other side.  

• What is the risk of Israel arresting or injuring the marchers?

  Everyone who participates in the march will be asked to follow a code of nonviolence. In addition, we hope to have a contingent of media with us on the march. However, we cannot guarantee this will dissuade Israel from responding with teargas and other offensive tactics. Participants may choose the level of involvement with which they feel comfortable. Those individuals—both local residents and international activists--who do not want to be exposed will be encouraged to remain at the rear of the march.

• How many people do you hope/think will participate in the march?

  There will be approximately 1,000 participants from countries around the world, and the coalition in Gaza is expecting more than 50,000 local residents to join the Dec. 31 march.

• How likely is it that this large of a number of protesters will be allowed into Gaza? What will you do if the group cannot get into Gaza?

  CODEPINK, one of the organizers, has a good track record of getting into the Gaza Strip from Egypt (the group has taken six delegations since February 2009). However, we cannot guarantee entry. If the Egyptians do not allow us in, we are planning an alternative program that includes learning about, and protesting, the difficulties encountered by Palestinians at the Rafah/Egypt border. 

• Are there any “types” of people who may not be allowed into Gaza? What will the organizers do if particular individuals are not allowed in? Will they be left behind?

  Unfortunately, the Egyptian government decides who can and cannot cross into the Gaza Strip from Egypt. In our experience, it has been difficult for Egyptian citizens and people with Palestinian Authority passports to enter the Gaza Strip. We have tried to overcome this unfair restriction on previous trips, but without success. So, unfortunately, we cannot take people with Egyptian or Palestinian passports. In addition, although it has not happened to any member of our six delegations, there is a remote possibility that the Egyptian government might reject an individual who for some reason does not pass its security clearance. We will not know before going to the border whether a person has been rejected. In this case, the individual would have to return to Cairo. We are committed to doing all we can to getting everyone in our delegation into Gaza. In the unfortunate case that the Egyptian authorities allow some people in, but not others, we feel it is necessary to continue to Gaza with those delegates who have been allowed in. In that case, we will provide those who have been turned away with several options for next steps, including protesting at the border. We also will provide guidance on how to return to Cairo.

• Do participants in the march have to meet any criteria? For instance, do they have to sign a pledge of non-violence?

  All persons interested in joining the march must complete a registration form, pay their fee, complete a liability waiver and sign a pledge to follow the principles of nonviolence. Participants will receive the necessary forms in Cairo, and will be required to complete a training session on non-violent tactics to be held in Gaza prior to the march. 

• Will there be any activities (marches, protests, etc.) going on in conjunction with the march in other countries?

  Absolutely! There will be marches and rallies all over the world, and we encourage you and others in your community to join them. We ask that supporters hold events such as candlelight vigils and teach-ins during the week of Dec. 27, which marks the one-year commemoration of the Israeli attack on Gaza, through Dec. 31, the day of the actual march. Please add your even to the calendar on our Web site.

• How can I get involved?

  Plan or participate in a "solidarity action," such as a vigil,  during the week of the march (but at home). Publicize it to the media and your local members in Congress!

• Should I purchase travel insurance?

  This would probably be a good idea. Regular healthcare coverage does not typically cover treatment while traveling out of the country. Visit www.squaremouth.com to compare the benefits and costs offered by various plans. However, note that since Gaza is considered a "war zone," the insurance plan will likely not cover your medical expenses until you are evacuated to Egypt or Israel (which would be required for advanced medical treatment, given the shortages there).

• Do I need a visa to enter Egypt? Gaza?

  Egypt requires a visa, but residents of most countries may purchase it for US$15 (€10.5) upon arrival at the airport in Cairo, before you go through immigration/border control (see below for exceptions). Just be sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of travel.  
  
  Note -- Citizens of the following countries should obtain a visa to enter Egypt prior to arrival (through their local embassy):  Afghanistan, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Chechnya, Croatia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Lebanon, Macao, Macedonia, Moldavia, Montenegro, Morocco, Pakistan, Palestine, the Philippines, Russia, Serbia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Tadzhikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and all African countries. You may also want to apply for a visa in advance if you encountered difficulties entering Egypt in the past. 

  The Egyptians charge a US$15 (10 EUR) administrative departure tax at the Rafah Crossing into the Gaza Strip, and another $15 fee to re-enter Egypt, plus $3 for the bus that transports visitors to and from Gaza. These fees (along with the cost of the visa) are not covered by your Gaza Freedom March registration. However, no visa is required to enter the Gaza Strip.

• If we are traveling overland from Israel to meet the group in Cairo, can we get an Egyptian visa at the Taba border crossing?

  We understand that at the Taba border crossing,  you can only get a visa to visit tourist sites in the Sinai.  To be able to travel to Cairo, you will need to get a "full" visa from the Egyptian consulate in Eilat.  To do that, you may need to leave your passports with the Egyptian consulate overnight and pick them up the next day.

• What is the itinerary for the trip? When do I first meet up with the rest of the delegates and what happens from there?

  Dec. 27, 7 p.m.: All delegates convene in Cairo for a group orientation to the march; location to be announced as soon as it is finalized.
  Dec. 28, 9 a.m.: Group leaves for Al-Arish, about five to six hours from Cairo, and spends the night in hotels there.
  Dec. 29: Buses travel less than an hour to the Rafah crossing; we (hopefully) enter and travel to our accommodations in Gaza City. 
  Dec. 30: Tour devastated areas in the north of Gaza.
  Dec. 31: March 3 miles from Abu Drabo (a community in which nearly every building was destroyed during the invasion) to the Erez crossing into Israel. A rally with a concert and other forms of resistance art will follow.
  Jan. 1: Representatives from various civic organizations, agencies, etc. will present overviews of the situation in Gaza, how they are trying to cope, how foreigners can help, etc.
  Jan. 2: Delegates leave for Cairo, arriving late at night. Those with flights leaving early in the morning of Jan. 3 will be dropped directly at the airport.

• What currency is used in Egypt? In Gaza?

  The monetary system in Egypt is the Egyptian pound. In November 2009, one US dollar was the equivalent of 5.5 Egyptian pounds (abbreviated as either EGP or LE), and one euro was equal to 7.9 EGP. The Gaza Strip is forced to use the Israeli shekel. In November 2009, one US dollar was equal to 3.8 shekels (ILS) and one euro was worth 5.4 ILS.

• What do I do when I get to the Cairo airport?

  After getting your luggage and before going through passport control, you will want to go to a bank window to both change your native currency into Egyptian pounds (EGP, also called LE) and purchase your Egyptian visa. You should not need to change more than $100 (66 EUR). (About half of that amount, or 300 EGP, should be reserved for the Egyptian government taxes that will have to be paid upon entering and leaving Gaza. In addition, note that many hotels in Cairo can be paid in cash only.)
  
  After you have exited customs, get a taxi or car to your hotel. If you have pre-arranged airport pick-up with one of the march Cairo liaisons (Mohamed Ali Clay or Madame Ferial), look for someone holding up a sign saying "GFM." If you do not have pre-arranged transport, a taxi should cost you no more than 80 EGP to the city center. Be sure to agree on a price before you get into the taxi.

• Are there any limitations on journalists or filmmakers when entering Egypt?

  Journalists entering Egypt are required to be credentialed by the Cairo Press Center. We strongly suggest that if you work for a media outlet, you register with the center before you arrive in Cairo. Contact Lamyaa at (002) 0123690512. She speaks English. 

  In addition, anyone bringing in expensive camera equipment (commercial-type with obvious bags; not home video cameras) should either go to any insurance agency and get a "carne de passage" (a customs document) or send me the serial numbers for each piece of equipment and the point person for the march in Cairo will give this info directly to 
  the authorities there. (However, I'd rather submit information for everyone at one time.) Why is this necessary? Very simply, Egypt wants to prevent the sale of this equipment there, thus bypassing its taxes. 

• Are there certain hotels we should stay at in Cairo?

  The cost of a hotel in Cairo is not included in your trip fee, and you will need a hotel at the minimum for the nights of Dec. 27 and Jan. 2. We have identified two "go-to" persons in Cairo to help make your hotel arrangements and arrange transportation to and from the airport:

  Mohamed Ali Clay -- mohamedbibo_2005@yahoo.com; +20128083170/+202357248885. (He is the best source of hotel rooms if you have a tight budget.)
  Madame Ferial -- ferial@friends-services.com; +20123113926. [Madame F. offers more of a full-service agency.]
  
  When you contact Mohamed or Madame Ferial, please tell them what days/times you are arriving and departing, your flight numbers and the nights for which you want a room. 

• Do international delegates need to obtain letters from their embassies in Cairo before entering Gaza?

  Some embassies in Cairo state that  their nationals should receive (for a fee) a letter stating that they do not provide consular services in the Gaza Strip and thus cannot protect their citizens. However, Egyptian officials typically do not look at these letters when large groups go through the Rafah crossing. Thus, we are not requiring participants to obtain letters from their embassies. However, if you have time, you can do so.

• How can I help support the march in general, or by sponsoring people who want to go but can’t afford to?

  The march participation fee does not cover all of our costs. In addition, we plan to use $10,000 to purchase school supplies, which are scarce for the children of Gaza. Please help by visiting our donations page!

• If I choose the less-expensive option and "camp" during my stay in Gaza, where will I be staying and what should I bring?

  We are making arrangements for marchers who want to save money to either camp in tents or sleep on the floor of a gymnasium or university auditorium. So, be sure to bring a sleeping bag and easily packed pillow (such as a blow-up one). Details will be made available once they have been finalized. For those who can afford to do so, please choose the $400 hotel option. You will be more comfortable, and will help us cover more of the trip costs.

• How much additional spending money should I bring for expenses not covered by the trip fee? What is not covered by the trip fee?

  We recommend you bring at least US$200, or €140. (Note that any amount over US$10,000 -- €6,684 -- must be declared when you enter Egypt.)

  • Egyptian visa upon arrival in the country: US$15 (€10.5).

  • Taxis from the airport to downtown hotels: about 60-80 Egyptian pounds (US$12-15, €8-10) per ride, not per person. (You can change money at the airport.) Note: Prices should be settled with the driver before you leave the airport. The taxi driver should then leave the meter off (if he has one), so that you won’t have to pay the extra cost if you are stuck in a traffic jam.

  • Hotel in Cairo: Decent hotel rooms can be found for as low as US$12-20 per night (€8.4-14) per person. Accommodations in Al-Arish (on the way to the Rafah crossing) and Gaza are covered by the trip fee.

  • Fees when going in and out of the Gaza Strip: US$40, or €28. [The “processing fee” at the Rafah crossing for departing Egypt is US$20 (€14); the fee and visa to re-enter Egypt upon leaving Gaza also is US$20.]

  • Meals in Gaza: US$5-10 (€3.5-7) per meal. (You will have to pay for one meal a day out of your own pocket. The other two meals are covered by the trip fee.)

  • Purchase of souvenirs, personal supplies and other miscellaneous expenses. Note that there will likely be an opportunity to purchase handcrafts during your time in Gaza, and cash will be needed. So plan for it!

  • Personal donations you might want to make to groups/families in the Gaza Strip.

• Are there ATMs in Gaza? Can I use credit cards?

  We recommend that you bring cash for your needs, since that is what best helps the Palestinian economy. (Note: Egyptian pounds are worthless in Gaza; bring your own currency and change them to shekels there.) However, in case you run out, yes, you can find an ATM in Gaza City, although they are operational only sporadically. Credit cards are not widely accepted.

• Can I stay in Gaza longer than Jan. 2?

  Officially, our delegation ends its stay in Gaza on Jan. 2. If you decide to stay longer, most people have had no problem getting out on whatever day they decide to leave (note, though, that you do have to leave by the same border crossing in Rafah). However, recently, some people were stuck at the border for several days or more. So leave yourself enough time in case you run into problems. if you plan to stay beyond Jan. 2, contact Pam Rasmussen at peacenut57@yahoo.com.

• If I want to visit Israel after this trip or in the future, will I have trouble due to my stay in the Gaza Strip?

  Several of participants in past CODEPINK delegations have crossed into Israel following their trip to Gaza. Some were able to do so with either no trouble or a short period of questioning. However, a few have been subjected to many hours of interrogation and were given restrictions upon entering Israel. It is unpredictable. It appears to be safest when you cross into Israel alone or with one other person rather than in groups of other individuals who have Gaza stamps in their passports.

  If you decide to go to Israel following your stay in Gaza, you must cross back into Egypt through the Rafah border crossing, then travel to the Taba-Eilat entrance into Israel. This means traveling all the way west to the town of Suez (on the southern tip of the Suez Canal), then on to Taba and by foot to Eilat (where there are plenty of buses to Jerusalem). This huge detour is necessary because the road that runs parallel to the Egyptian-Israeli border is restricted to Egyptian citizens only. Be prepared to explain why you went to Gaza and what you did there (it's best to focus on the humanitarian nature of the trip) and where you plan to go in Israel. (You may be asked for names and phone numbers.) You may be asked to sign a statement saying you will not go to the West Bank, but this is often not enforced. 

• Can I ask the Egyptians not to stamp my passport when I cross into Gaza and ask the authorities in Gaza not to stamp my passport?

  No. Past requests to not stamp passports when entering or exiting Gaza have been denied.

• Can I get into Egypt and Gaza with an Israeli stamp in my passport?

  Yes. Neither Egyptian nor Palestinian Gaza authorities have denied entry because of an Israeli stamp in a passport.

• Will going into the Gaza Strip have any impact on my employer or my “hireability”?

  As long as you act ethically and do not represent yourself as a spokesperson for your company in news interviews, etc., your participation should not adversely affect your employment security.

• What should I bring on the trip?

  
  

  • Three paper, black-and-white copies of the photo page in your passport. Keep them where you can easily find and produce them when asked. 

  • Camera and battery charger, with extra battery.

  • Cellphone and charger (see below). 

  • Flashlight with extra batteries.
  • Laptop and charger if you blog or want to use email regularly. If you don't bring your laptop, there are Internet cafes in Egypt, and some in Gaza. However, note that Internet connections are often inconsistent and slow in Gaza, particularly outside of Gaza City. In addition, if you have access to a used laptop that is no longer needed by its original owner, bring it with you! Electronic devices such as laptops are desperately needed in Gaza.
  • Raincoat or poncho with hood, and waterproof shoes. The winters in Gaza are cool (downright cold at night) and rainy. Likewise, since mosquitoes are common in the rainy winter season, it's not a bad idea to pack insect repellent and Benadryl.
    
  • Other first-aid items, such as loperamide (various brands are available) for diarrhea, psyllium tablets to promote regularity and a prescription for amoxicillin, sulfa or other general -purpose antibiotic in case an antibiotic is needed. (However, these items can also be purchased in Gaza.) And don't forget an ample supply of any prescription medications you must take, ideally in their original bottles. (It's also a good idea to pack these in your carry-on baggage so there is no chance of them being lost.)
    

  • Electric-plug adaptors for Egypt and Gaza. Electricity is 220 volts. For illustrations of what kind of adapters you’ll need, visithttp://www.travelproducts.com/electricity_guide.htm. [Note: Gaza is considered the same as Israel in this guide.]

  • Small gifts for people we may meet along the way with whom you develop a special relationship (key chains from your home town or country; toys, colored felt-tip pens and notebooks, drawing paper and backpacks for school children; cell phone “charms” for young adults; earrings and bracelets for women; chocolates or other sweets). 

  • Towel (the hotel ones are pretty crummy).

  • Bedding. If you choose the less-expensive option and decide to "camp" in a university auditorium or similar facility for the four nights in Gaza, you will need a sleeping bag (or blanket and sheet) and blow-up pillow and toiletries such as bath soap. We recommend bringing shower shoes as well. 

  • Healthy snacks, since there may be times in between meals when you are hungry and food is not available. And nothing makes you more popular with fellow travelers when you have snacks to share! (Note that you can wait to buy snacks in Cairo.)

  Please travel light, since we will have limited space on our buses for luggage.  Take only as much as you can personally carry/pull.  The temperature will be in the mid 50s F. (low teens in C.), but will get colder in the evenings. So, bring a jacket. Women should dress conservatively (cover your legs, chest and shoulders). No need to cover your head, but you should have a scarf with you just in case. (You can buy a scarf in Cairo or the Gaza Strip.)

• Are any vaccines required before traveling to Egypt or Gaza?

  Check with your healthcare provider to make sure you are up to date on all of your required vaccinations. Be sure to tell him or her that you will be traveling to Egypt and Gaza. Be sure to ask about hepatitus and typhoid. We particularly recommend getting vaccinated against the H1N1 ("swine") flu virus, since one death from the disease already has been reported there and we do not want to expose them to further risk. In addition, the Egyptian officials are particularly concerned about H1N1 and will ask if you have been vaccinated when you enter their country. (You will not be turned away if you say no, but they take your temperature and isolate you if you show symptoms of flu.)

• What happens if I get sick while on the march?

  You should bring an adequate supply of any prescription medications you take, as well as of basic first aid for headaches and upset stomachs. Emergency care is available in Gaza. However, also check with your health insurance provider and if necessary, purchase trip medical insurance.

• How available is phone service?

  If you want to call home or do interviews by phone, you should contact your service provider before you leave home to determine if your cell phone can be upgraded to make international calls. However, international calls can be quite expensive, so be sure to talk to your provider about the charges you would incur. If you anticipate making a lot of local phone calls, a better, less-expensive option is to purchase a local SIM card once you are in Egypt, and another SIM card in Gaza (assuming your phone can be "unlocked"; check to be sure!). SIM cards in Cairo are available from street vendors and cost about US$25. SIM cards in Gaza cost US$35. (However, be aware that the "charge cards" used to add minutes, or credits, to local SIM cards can be hard to find.) Another alternative is to buy a cheap phone locally; however, you will need to buy a SIM card (plus minutes) as well.

  The bottom line, though, is that unless you expect to make a lot of local calls (for instance, if you are staying in Gaza beyond Jan. 2), we suggest you avoid this necessity altogether and borrow one of the march organizers' phones or a SIM card from a Gazan resident (people in Gaza often have extra SIM cards) if you need to make an emergency call.

• I have heard that the water in Gaza is not safe. What do I do about drinking water?

  It is true there are problems with water quality in Gaza due to the Israeli siege and the resulting lack of supplies to repair infrastructure. However, the water is generally safe to drink (although not the best-tasting) in the main cities. We will be using Gaza City as our headquarters, and past delegates have drunk the water there without suffering problems. The bigger problem is the quantity of water available, not quality.

  Our advice is to avoid ice cubes and opt for bottled water (including when brushing your teeth) if that is what you are used to, are susceptible to getting sick from drinking "different" water or visit  areas outside of Gaza City. You might also consider buying a Lifesaver water-filtration bottle and leave it behind for a family in Gaza to use when you leave. In addition, physicians familiar with Gaza advise avoiding both fruit and salads with uncooked vegetables in restaurants, but say they are normally OK to eat in private homes (assuming they are washed first).

  Note that some travelers find Cairo water hard to stomach as well, so this advice is wise throughout the region if you are new to it.

• How is New Year’s Eve typically celebrated in the Gaza Strip?

  New Year’s Eve isn’t usually celebrated in any special way in Gaza, but we will be setting up activities in which we can welcome the new year with our friends there. Alcohol is not permitted anywhere in Gaza. People consider milkshakes to be a good celebration drink!

• What books can I read to prepare myself?

  
  

• Abdel Bari Atwan’s “A Country of Words: A Palestinian Journey from the Refugee Camp to the Front Page” (unlike the other three below, which focus on the West Bank, this book describes life in the Gaza Strip)

• Avraham Burg’s “The Holocaust is Over: We Must Rise From its Ashes”

• Jeff Halper’s “An Israeli in Palestine”

• Saree Makdisi’s “Palestine Inside Out”

• Sarah Roy’s “Failing Peace: Gaza and the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict”

• Ben White’s “Israeli Apartheid: A Beginner’s Guide”

• The Alternative Tourism Group’s “Palestine & Palestinians”
  (a travel guide).