The deaths on the Gaza aid ship leave Suleman Nagdi concerned for the fate of a local hero

Having had a close friend, Ismail Adam Patel, on board the Freedom Flotilla carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, the last few days have been agonising. Most of his friends and family told him not to go, knowing full well the high risks involved when faced with Israeli security forces, bearing in mind their past indiscretions. Nevertheless, he was determined to deliver the much-needed supplies to those reduced to living in rubble – in my opinion, the largest open prison in the world.

We all know this type of person – individuals so driven by a moral cause, that they would sacrifice everything to achieve it; a hero. The rest of us might sympathise and even offer support to such courageous figures but few would move away from their comfort zone. Seeing crack commandos leaping on to the deck of a humanitarian vessel in international waters firing live rounds filled me with unspeakable anguish regarding his welfare. God only knows how his wife and three children, the youngest of whom is 10, were feeling.

All communication had been blocked and it took most of the day to learn where our British citizens were. His family have had to cope with the emotional turmoil of this while trying to remain focussed on seeking appropriate help. But where should they turn?

Tremendous support from our local MP Edward Garnier must not go unrecorded; Edward has visited the family and has been a constant beacon of strength for them and the wider community. My gratitude is also extended to Sir Peter Soulsby, MP.

The local police have acted immediately by allocating a family liaison officer. Manjula Sood, chair of the Leicester Council of Faiths, has also offered her support. The process was complicated by the fact that it occurred on a bank holiday when most foreign office departments were closed. It was hard for us to get any useful information and the diplomatic channels were slow.

We have been here before. Israel breaches international law, disregards human rights, receives a verbal rebuke from the international community and then moves its slick PR operation into gear with its usual claims of being the victim, when in reality Israel has one of the most powerful armies in the world. This has not changed in the last 50 years. One way in which we can ensure that Israel respect international law is to apply economic sanctions and boycott the sale of armaments.

Champions of peace like Ismail come round once in a lifetime. He epitomises the British spirit of justice and fair play.

Suleman Nagdi is spokesman for Leicestershire Federation of Muslim Organisations.

Leicester Mercury 3 June 2010