and then
Dear Friends & Supporters,
We in the Free Gaza Movement have been overwhelmed with the good wishes, support, and offers to help that we have received from all over the world ever since our small boat, the SPIRIT OF HUMANITY, was high-jacked by the Israeli Navy and its passengers forcibly abducted to Israel. Thank you for your support.
We need your continuing help. If you wish to volunteer with Free Gaza, doing research, writing, or translation, or helping with community organizing in your region, please contact us at volunteer[at]freegaza.org. If you’d like to make a much needed donation, please visit our website at www.FreeGaza.org/Donate.
We’ve been asked what our plans are for the future, given that Israeli Occupation Forces physically rammed one of our civilian ships in December, threatened to open fire on another in January and have now confiscated the SPIRIT, arresting and deporting the human rights workers and journalists aboard.
Our answer is that we will return. We have successfully reached Gaza on five separate occasions, and we will do so again. We will never surrender this struggle.
In the midst of one of the most brutal times in history, working for justice is a constant challenge. We are out-gunned. Our opponents in Israel, and elsewhere, have much greater access to funds and resources, much greater influence in the mainstream media, and have repeatedly shown their willingness to use absolutely obscene levels of violence against even unarmed resistance.
It doesn’t matter. The advantage of civil resistance, of non-violent direct action, is that in the end there is no way to oppose it.
The risks we voluntarily accept as internationals in this struggle are significantly less than the risks that are involuntarily imposed upon millions of our Palestinian sisters and brothers living every day under brutal Occupation. We did not seek confrontation with the Israeli Navy. Our greatest desire was and is simply to reach Gaza, to break the illegal siege, to visit our friends and family, and to deliver much needed humanitarian and reconstruction supplies to the people of Gaza. We deplore Israel’s use of violent confrontation in order to stop our peaceful missions. Violence depends on our consent or, at the least, on our acceptance. We will not accept Israel’s violence.
Israel’s over-reaction to our mission has helped to raise awareness of the Gaza crisis all over the world. Over 40,000 news stories, essays, blog entries, action alerts, and radio and television segments have been done on the plight of the SPIRIT OF HUMANITY and its civilian crew. We have done our best to contextualize these reports, and make clear that the injustice done to our 21 campaigners is greatly overshadowed by the injustice imposed upon Palestinians each and every day. The ordeal of 21 internationals pales in comparison to the 11,000 Palestinian political prisoners held in Israeli prisons. The seizure of our small cargo of 3 tons of medical aid and reconstruction kits is insignificant in light of the $4 billion (USD) of aid promised to Gaza – aid that has not and will not be delivered because of the Israeli blockade.
40,000 reports have been written, highlighting our small attempt to break the Israeli siege. Demonstrations have been held across the world protesting what has happened. Embassies and governments have been mobilized to protect their nationals, and there have been dozens of statements from parliamentarians across the world.
Despite having no diplomatic relationship with Israel and refusing to recognize the legitimacy of Israel’s government – the King of Bahrain personally & successfully intervened to force Israel to immediately release the 5 Bahraini prisoners kidnapped from the SPIRIT. The General Secretary of the Arab League issued a statement. The Greek government formally intervened with Israel on our behalf. Micheál Martin, Ireland’s foreign minister, issued a statement calling both for the release of the prisoners as well as for an immediate end to the continuing Israeli blockade of Gaza. Richard Falk, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the OPT, issued a formal statement calling the seizure of the SPIRIT “unlawful,” and re-iterating the need to end the Israeli blockade. The British parliament has scheduled a formal debate on Israel’s unlawful abduction of our passengers. And H.E. Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad, the respected former prime minister of Malaysia, issued a statement calling on both the Israeli and American governments to release the prisoners and uphold international law by ending the Gaza siege.
These are just a few of the positive results of our last mission to Gaza. History demonstrates that the greatest of injustices can crumble in the blink of an eye when confronted with a well-organized and determined resistance. We will sail again, and we are absolutely determined to reach the Gaza Strip on our next voyage.
Let this short note serve as an official notification to the government of Israel: We will return to Gaza. Israel’s unjust siege will end.
We are organizing to send another mission within the next 6-12 weeks, and we intend to non-violently escalate our response. We will not use violence under any circumstances, but we will not be deterred. By sending more boats on our next voyage, we will significantly escalate the logistical difficulties Israel faces should they decide to violently attack us again. By sending even more parliamentarians, dignitaries, journalists, and humanitarian and human rights workers to accompany the voyage, we will significantly escalate the political difficulties Israel faces should they decide to violently attack us again.
Please support this important work by visiting our website, www.FreeGaza.org, and consider making a donation or volunteering with our movement.
Israel can threaten our boats and passengers – we will keep coming. Israel can illegally disrupt our communications and navigation systems – we will keep coming. Israel can open fire around our boats, or attempt to ram and sink them. Israel can choose to forcibly board and highjack our boats, and abduct the passengers.
We will keep coming. We will sail to Gaza again and again and again, until the Israeli siege is forever shattered and the Palestinian people enjoy the same free access to the rest of the world that is the birthright of all peoples.
Free Gaza! Free Palestine!
www.FreeGaza.org
###
A SMALL SAMPLE OF THE ARTICLES, STATEMENTS, & PROTESTS OF ISRAEL’S ACTIONS TOWARD THE SPIRIT OF HUMANITY
Al Jazeera
english.aljazeera.net/news/middleeast/
2009/07/20097416179795886.html
Atlanta Journal Constitution
www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb
/stories/2009/07/04/mckinney_israel.html
Arutz Sheva
www.israelnationalnews.com/News/Flash.aspx/167423
BBC
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8131851.stm
CNN
www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/07/02/mckinney.israel.gaza/
Electronic Intifada
electronicintifada.net/v2/article10640.shtml
Fox News
www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/04/cynthia-mckinney
-appear-israeli-court-gaza-bound-boat-seized/
www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/02/cynthia-mckinney
-remains-imprisoned-israel-gaza-bound-boat-seized/
Haaretz
www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1097608.html
Huffington Post
www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?l=1&t=0&id=38944
Irish Times
www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0703/breaking5.htm
Jerusalem Post
www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb/
stories/2009/07/04/mckinney_israel.html
LA Times
www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/
world/la-fg-briefs4-2009jul04,0,1901856.story
MSNBC
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31686038/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/
New York Times
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31686038/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/
San Jose Mercury
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/minister
-calls-for-israeli-release-of-two-irish-citizens-14379971.html
Washington Post (blog only)
voices.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2009/07/
cynthia_mckinney_strikes_again.html?hpid=news-col-blog
WXIA Atlanta TV
www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=132132&catid=3
Yahoo News
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090703/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians
Action Alerts
ANSWER
(answer.pephost.org/site/News2/1690547532?abbr=ANS
_&page=NewsArticle&id=9123&news_iv_ctrl=1621)
Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee
(capwiz.com/adc/issues/alert/?alertid=13656986)
Code Pink
www.codepink4peace.org/article.php?id=4973
Council for the National Interest
(www.cnionline.org/israels-naval-campaign-against-gaza/)
Jewish Voice for Peace
(www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org/)
US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation
(www.endtheoccupation.org/article.php?id=2302)
Washington Report on Middle East Affairs (an email) Also put a link on their site to accept donations
Other Statements
Arab League Secretary General
news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-07/01/content_11629976.htm
National Green Party
www.infonews.co.nz/news.cfm?l=1&t=0&id=38944
Sinn Fein
irish4palestine.blogspot.com/2009/07/sinn-fein-condemn-israeli-boat-attack.html
Ireland Foreign Minister Micheal Martin
www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/breaking-news/ireland/minister
-calls-for-israeli-release-of-two-irish-citizens-14379971.html
===========
from the United States
Democracy Now coverage
www.democracynow.org/2009/6/30/headlines#9
Israel Threatens Free Gaza Aid Ship in International Waters
----------
www.democracynow.org/2009/7/1/headlines#4
Israel Seizes Aid Ship, Kidnaps Activists
----------
www.democracynow.org/2009/7/2/nobel_
peace_laureate_mairead_maguire_speaks
embedded video from Democracy Now on 2nd July 2009 – Huwaida Arraf and Mairead Maguire
www.democracynow.org/embed_show_v1/300/2009/7/2/segment/1"
===========
San Francisco BayView
www.sfbayview.com/2009/free-gaza-free-the-
gaza-21-including-cynthia-mckinney-from-israeli-jail/
============
CounterPunch.org
July 1, 2009
Israel Kidnaps Peace Boat Crew
Pirates of the Mediterranean
by Paul Craig Roberts
www.counterpunch.org/roberts07012009.html
=============
CounterPunch.org
No Comment on Kidnapping of McKinney
Black Caucus Muzzled
by Russell Mokhiber
www.counterpunch.org/mokhiber07032009.html
=============
CommonDreams.org
Breaking the Siege of Gaza: Governments Refuse While Citizens Act …
Jul 1, 2009 … The first ship, “Spirit of Humanity,” left Cyprus on
June 29 with 21 … Onboard the “Spirit of Humanity,” Nobel Peace
Prize winner Mairead …
www.commondreams.org/view/2009/07/01-0
#
Israel ‘Boards Activist Ship Heading to Gaza’ | CommonDreams.org
Jun 30, 2009 … [The Greek-registered ship “Spirit of Humanity” sails
off to the Gaza The military said the ship, which was sailing under a
Greek flag, …
www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/06/30-6
#
Nobel Laureate ‘Abducted’ by Israeli Navy | CommonDreams.org
Jul 1, 2009 … The Spirit of Humanity left Cyprus Monday after
receiving security … The Spirit of Humanity’s 21 and the Spirit
that Preceded it …
www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/07/01-6
#
Nobel Laureate ‘Abducted’ by Israeli Navy | CommonDreams.org
Jul 1, 2009 … The Spirit of Humanity left Cyprus Monday after
receiving security clearance from the Cypriot authorities. It was
carrying three tonnes of …
www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/07/01-6?FORM=ZZNR5
================
11alive.com
Updated 7/1/2009 1:03:24 AM
Posted By: Chris Sweigart
Cynthia McKinney, 20 Others, Held by Israel
www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=131972&catid=8#
=====================
Black Agenda Report
=====================
Israel attacks the Spirit of Humanity
June 30, 2009 / Palestine
davereed.org/2009/06/552/
======================
San Jose Mercury News
Israeli navy commandeers Gaza aid boat
The Associated Press
Posted: 06/30/2009 06:47:17 AM PDT
Updated: 06/30/2009 11:06:45 AM PDT
www.mercurynews.com/ci_12720356?nclick_check=1
======================
LinkTV
Mosaic News – 30 June 2009
www.linktv.org/video/4057
scroll down on segments to:
Israeli Navy Intercepts Gaza Aid Ship
Press TV, Iran
Amjad Shawwa interviewed
====================
Flashpoints coverage
aud1.kpfa.org/data/20090630-Tue1700.mp3
This audio archive will be available until Tue, 14th July 2009
30 June 2009
3:41 – 5:29 in on Robert Knight report
51:15 – 58:16 Dennis
Jenny Graham interviewed by Dennis
-----------
aud1.kpfa.org/data/20090702-Thu1700.mp3
Nora Barrows-Friedman
6;48 Palestinian fishermen
7:22 – 22:38 Free Gaza, Amjad Shawwa
=====================
From Ireland
www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/0701/1224249838604.html
www.mirror.co.uk/news/latest/2009/07/01/
concern-over-seized-gaza-activists-115875-21485703/
www.irishexaminer.com/world/israel-blocks-aid-for-gaza-95266.html
www.new.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=
130674422624&h=1BHam&u=srZXs&ref=nf
www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0703/breaking5.html
www.irishtimes.com/search/index.html?rm=
listresults&filter=datedesc&keywords=gaza&x=0&y=0
www.independent.ie/search/index.jsp
www.irishexaminer.com/world/snojcwgbgb/rss2/
=====================
From Germany
press:
www.jungewelt.de/2009/07-01/051.php
“Israeli navy stops transport of essential goods to Gaza”
statements:
– The International League for Human Rights (The German Section of the FIDH) Contact: vorstand@ilmr.de, Tel:0049-30-396 21 22,
www.ilmr.de
Press Release (in German and English)
The International League for Human Rights (The German Section of the FIDH) protests against violent activities by the Israeli navy and army in Gaza and Bil’in!
– “Jewish Voice for a Just Peace in the Near East (German section of EJJP)
<www.juedische-stimme.de>
Open Letter
Hedy Epsteins letter to the Foreign Minister of Germany:
In: “Palästina-Portal” (frequently visited)
www.arendt-art.de/deutsch/palestina/
Hedy requests the minister to intervene on behalf of the “Spirit of Humanity” and refers to her forthcoming voyage to Gaza. She hopes for a vivid German participation
Activities:
– the “Right to Read”- campaign, ‘Ein Recht zu Lesen’ has been launched and is getting more attention since the kidnapping. There are intentions to visit schools and to enhance the campaing for schoolbags
– Gabi Weber, a Freiburg activist, is about to launch a signature -campaign for freegaza-support, which will most probably be managed through Avaanz
Other Coverage (sample)
Irish FM calls on Israel:release citizens on Gaza boat,02.07.09 Khaleej Times, Dubai
www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticleNew.asp?col=§ion=middleeast
&xfile=data/middleeast/2009/July/middleeast_July51.xml
Nobel Peace Laureate Mairead Maguire Speaks from Israeli Jail Cell After Arrest on Boat Believering Humanitarian Aid to Gaza, Democracy Now, 02.07.09
www.democracynow.org/2009/7/2/nobel_
peace_laureate_mairead_maguire_speaks
How Israel’s Naval Blockade Denies Gazans Food, Aid, 30.06.09, Christian Science Monitor
www.csmonitor.com/2009/0701/p06s02-wome.html
British Prisoners Report Ill Treatment in Israeli Jail, 02.07.09, Salfordonline
www.salfordonline.com/articles.php?func=viewdetails&vdetails=13924
Two Irish Arrested in Gaza Still in Prison, 03.07.09, RTE News
www.rte.ie/news/2009/0703/gaza.html
Latest Gaza Bid Eighth Attempt, 02.07.09, Gulf Daily News
www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=254523
Irish Activists Held by Israel, 03.07.09, Irish Times
www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0703/breaking5.htm
Free Gaza, Free Gaza 21 including Cynthia McKinney from Israeli Jail, 02.07.09, San Fransciso Bay View, San Francisco, CA
www.sfbayview.com/2009
The Spirit of Humanity now Surrounded by the Israeli Navy, Being Threatened, 29.06.09, OpedNews.com
www.opednews.com/articles/FREE-GAZA-S-SHIP-The-
Spir-by-Cynthia-McKinney-090629-604.html
Israeli Pirates Capture Spirit of Humanity Aid Boat Destined to Besieged Gaza, with World Silence, 30.06.09, Al Jazeera, Doha, Qatar
www.aljazeerah.info/News
Mairead Maguire Handcuffed by Israelis after Protests, 02.07.09, Irish Times, Ireland
www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/0702/1224249906994.html
Israelis hold activists over attempt to reach Gaza Strip by boat, 02.07.09 The Guardian, UK
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/02/israel-gaza-strip-boat-intercepted
Mainstream media plays catch-up on Free Gaza 21 story, 03.07.09, Green Party Watch. U.S.
www.greenpartywatch.org/2009/07/03/mainstream
-media-plays-catch-up-on-free-gaza-21-story/
Cynthia McKinney Remains Imprisoned in Israel After Gaza-Bound Boat Is Seized, 02.07.09, Fox News, U.S.
www.foxnews.com/politics
Israel boards activist ship heading to Gaza: military, 30.06.09, Yahoo AP Report
ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/090630/world/
mideast_conflict_gaza_aid_cyprus_israel
Israeli navy takes control of activist ship to Gaza, 30.06.09, Reuters, India
in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-40707020090630
Activist: Israeli Navy Turns Back Gaza Aid Boat, 30.06.09, CBS News, U.S.
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/30/ap/middleeast/main5124443.shtml
Israel intercepts Free Gaza Movement’s aid ship, 02.07.09, Tehran Times, Iran
www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=198149
Free Gaza boat stopped by Navy, 30.06.09, Jerusalem Post, Israel
www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=
JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1245924956736
UN’s Richard Falk: IDF seizure of Gaza-bound ship is ‘criminal’, 03.07.09, Haaretz
haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1097608.html
Marin Woman aboard boat intercepted by Israeli Navy, 01.07.09, Contra Costa Times, California
www.contracostatimes.com/ci_12731822?source=most_viewed
Israel Bars Aid Boat Again, 01.07.09, Los Angeles Times, California
latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2009/01/gaza-israel-bar.html
Pirates of the Mediterranean, 01.07.09, Information Clearing House
informationclearinghouse.info/article22965.htm
Irish activists held by Israel, 03.07.09, Irish Times, Ireland
www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0703/breaking5.htm
Many articles today in Irish Times on the relief boat to Gaza the Israelis stopped and on Gaza, 020.07.09, Daily Kos. International News Site
www.dailykos.com/story/2009/7/2/114544/3648
Israeli Occupation Forces Have Kidnapped 21 Human Rights Workers, 01.07.09, Current News, Worldwide News Service
current.com/items/90308541_kibnapped-israeli-occupation-
forces-have-kidnapped-21-human-rights-workers.htm
Anguish over mass Israeli arrests, 02.07.09, Cyprus Mail, Cyprus
www.cyprus-mail.com/news/main.php?id=46568&cat_id=1
NYC Protests Israeli Piracy and Kidnapping. 01.07.09, Afterdowningstreet
www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/44082
Israel Attacks Justice Boat, Kidnaps Human Rights Workers, 01.027.09, Care2
www.care2.com/news/member/956805373/1181057
Mercy team is denied lawyers , 01.07.09, Gulf Daily News
www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=254527
Spirit of Humanity Tests Obama’s Resolve, 01.07.09, American Chronicle
www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/108349
IDF Navy Intercepts Gaza-bound Boat, 30.06.09, Jerusalem Post, Israel
www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=124629653
8815&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
Bahrainis collect ‘Free Gaza’ detainees, 03.07.09, Jerusalem Post, Israel
www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=12464437
13609&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
www.rte.ie/news/2009/0703/gaza.html
www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0703/breaking5.htm
www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=254523
www.sfbayview.com/2009/free-gaza-free-the-
gaza-21-including-cynthia-mckinney-from-israeli-jail/
www.opednews.com/articles/FREE-GAZA-S-
SHIP-The-Spir-by-Cynthia-McKinney-090629-604.html
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/02/israel-gaza-strip-boat-intercepted
www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/02/israel-gaza-strip-boat-intercepted
www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/stories/
2009/06/30/mckinney_gaza_ship_intercepted.html
www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/dekalb/stories/
2009/07/01/mckinney_detained_gaza_israel.html
www.greenpartywatch.org/2009/07/03/mainstream
-media-plays-catch-up-on-free-gaza-21-story/
members5.boardhost.com/medialens/msg/1246539905.html
ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/090630/world/
mideast_conflict_gaza_aid_cyprus_israel
in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-40707020090630
www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/44082
article.wn.com/view/2009/06/25/Free_Gaza_Departure_Delayed/
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090630/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_gaza_blockade
news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20090630/wl_mideast_afp/
mideastconflictgazaaidcyprusisrael3rd_20090630181048
www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/06/30/ap/middleeast/main5124443.shtml
www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=198149
www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=
JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1245924956736
haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1096729.html
www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_12731822?nclick_check=1
www.marinij.com/ci_12724961?source=rss_viewed
latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2009/01/gaza-israel-bar.html
informationclearinghouse.info/article22965.htm
www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/
duboard.php?az=view_all&address=124x279666