Misrata's widows support rebels fighting Gaddafi forces

Libyan widows prepare care packages filled with necessities, messages of encouragement for rebels battling gov't forces on the front lines.

By REUTERS
libyan rebels sirte 311 (photo credit: REUTERS)
libyan rebels sirte 311
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Widows of Misrata gather to prepare care packages for Libyan rebels fighting forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi.
Along with the necessities, the care packages also include messages of encouragement.
"God help them reach their goals, keep their flag high and fulfill their wishes and make them victorious over the enemy," one note says.
"The reason behind this action is to make the revolutionaries feel that we are with them, meaning the women are with the revolutionaries with all of our hearts and souls," a widow explains.
Although rebels have forced Gaddafi's troops out of the city, Misrata is still surrounded and its inhabitants are well aware that they fight with their backs to the sea.
The women do what they can.
"We support the spirit of the revolution. We prepared a few personal things for them, like shampoo, soap and toothbrushes. The revolutionaries don't have time to come to the city for these things."
The widows of Misrata hope their care packages will help them keep up the fight.