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A UAE based climber has started an historic push to become the first Palestinian to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Ali Bushnaq, who is tackling the world's highest mountain with two Israelis as part of a peace project, left Advanced Base Camp on Sunday morning. The team has spent the past week acclimatising and training at 6,400m as they waited for the weather conditions to clear before making their historic attempt. Ali, who has lived in the UAE for more than 30 years, will spend the next five days trying to reach the summit (8,850m above sea level) and hopes to conquer the mountain on Thursday, May 18. Do you have a message for Ali as he attempts to reach the peak? Email us at feedback@gulfnews.com - comments will be published at the bottom of the page.
Before leaving Advanced Base Camp, Ali said the whole experience had taught him a lot. He said: "We are experiencing many new ways of how to live without the civilized world such as showers, food, sleeping all these things are giving us an appreciation for what we have in a civilized city...from a spiritual point of view it has brought me closer to my god." Team leader Lance Trumball, said: "Never before has there been such a diverse Everest team consisting of people from different faiths and cultures - especially including Palestinian and Israeli men; our intention is to promote peace and teamwork and to 'unite the world on top of the world'". The Everest Peace Project team consists of Palestinian Ali Bushnaq, Israeli's David (Dudu) Yifrah and Micha Yaniv. The other team members going for the summit are Selebelo Selamolela, Tonya Riggs, Jamie McGuinness and Brad Clement.
YOUR COMMENTS TO ALI: Ali, We're really proud of you, and wish you the strength to reach the summit and return home safely.
Jan
UAE There can be no better way to prove that peace is the only way to solve all problems. Bravo Ali Bushnaq, Israeli's David (Dudu) Yifrah and Micha Yaniv. You have proved by this that working together will only bring glory and conquering the everest is just the first step. Wishing you all a very successful climb and a safe return home.
Jagdish
Dubai
It gives me immense pleasure that our Muslim brother Mr Ali Bushnaq is trying to reach the highest mountain on the face of this earth. All my felicitations to his spirit and efforts which along with prayers by all of us will bring success and pride to him and all of us here in UAE and the whole Muslim world.
Zaman
UAE I would like to wish you all the best and success on the attempt, you make us all proud.
Hafsa
Abu Dhabi
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