It has been a little over a week since Israel's bloody killing spree on the Turkish ship Mavi Marmara took place. At this point British, French, Italian, Russian and German officials have called for international probe (Check this: EU states competing over Israel policy). The UN is on board and already working on the probe team to be headed by former New Zealand prime minister.[Addendum: The US State Department has just issued a statement endorsing international probe into the events as well.]
The good news is that Jewish activists all over the world are not letting go and are spearheading maintaining the pressure on Israel (and trying to influence the US as well). Ten thousand Israelis have demonstrated in protest of Israels aggression action and some even did that here in the US. Who knows, maybe the near-dead Israeli liberals and Israeli Left will be 'revivable'.
I received this email today from the group list of the Palestinian Solidarity Committee in St. Louis (which I strongly suggest to subscribe to to get updates on local pro-peace activism in St. Lois) . It made me very happy, and I wanted to share the news.
The Jewish boat [GazaFriends] to Gaza is sailing soonThe arrogance of the Israeli governments, and its well financed propaganda hasbara army in the US need to be met with outspoken opposition and activism. Please do not stand still and every bit of effort helps. Let us hope the momentum keeps building.In an undisclosed harbor in the Mediterranean, a small vessel is waiting for a special mission. She will be sailing to Gaza. In order to avoid sabotage, the exact date and name of the port of departure will be announced only shortly before her launch."Our purpose is to call an end to the siege of Gaza, to this illegal collective punishment of the whole civilian population. Our boat is small, so our donations can only be symbolic: we are taking school bags, filled with donations from German school children, musical instruments and art materials. For the medical services we are taking essential medicines and small medical equipment, and for the fishermen we are taking nets and tackle. We are liaising with the medical, educational and mental health services in Gaza.''In attacking the Freedom Flotilla, Israel has once again demonstrated to the world a heinous brutality. But I know that there are very many Israelis who compassionately and bravely campaign for a just peace. As broadcasting journalists from mainstream television programs are accompanying our boat, Israel will have a great chance to show the world that there is another way, a way of courage not fear, a way of hope not hate'', says Edith Lutz, one of the organizers and passenger on the ''Jewish boat''.The ''Jüdische Stimme'' (Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Near East), along with her friends of EJJP (European Jews for a Just Peace in the Near East) and Jews for Justice For Palestinians (UK) are sending a call to the leaders of the world to help Israel find her way back to reason, a sense of humanity and a life without fear. ''Jewish Voices'' expects the political leaders of Israel and the world to guarantee a safe passage for the small vessel to Gaza, thus helping to form a bridge towards peace.
The St Louis Palestinian Solidarity Committee has a great web site for updates and resources. Please check it, and subscribe to their news letter.
Your effort, not only your sympathy is profoundly needed if things are to change for the better.
Khaled
Related Blog Post:
Interesting links related to the legal aspects of the flotilla massacre:
- Defending Israel: A How-To Guide « LobeLog.com
- Israel's flotilla raid revives questions of international law
- Israeli lawyers: Raid violates int'l law
- Gaza occupation and siege are illegal
- Reuters AlertNet - Q&A-Is Israel's naval blockade of Gaza legal?
Time for Palestine to go back to the Palestinians. They deserve to be free.
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