Israel: A Balham man has started mediating with prisoners in the Middle East conflict in Israel as part of the relief effort by the British Red Cross.

Paddy Ogilvy, 31, will visit detainees in both Jerusalem and the West Bank to ensure their basic nutritional and humanitarian needs are being met.

His 12-month mission also includes teaching at local schools, universities and army bases to inform people about the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross and humanitarian law.

Paddy, a former tape operator in a London recording studio, said he was familiar with Israel having studied for a masters degree in international security.

Stating he faced similar challenges while working with the Red Cross in Rwanda, he said: "We act out roleplays and give speeches to schoolchildren and soldiers to promote an understanding of humanitarian principles."

July 8, 2002 17:30