SOS: Help Free US Boat to Gaza from Greek Military Dock!
don bryant
*Tell the US State Department to let the flotilla sail to Gaza!* [
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/424/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7080
]
Hear Medea live from Greece on NPR [
http://www.npr.org/2011/06/28/137466537/flotilla-to-challenge-israels-economic-blockade-of-gaza?sc=tw
] and Democracy Now! [
http://www.democracynow.org/2011/6/27/we_are_eager_to_get_to ]
Read more flotilla blogs and news coverage here
[ http://www.codepink.org/article.php?id=5871 ]
Join or organize an emergency flotilla action in your city!
Find actions here [
http://gazafreedommarch.org/cms/en/Solidarity/volunteer/volunteers-area/post-events.aspx
and here http://ustogaza.org/emergency-support-actions/ ] [
https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/424/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=7454
]*
* [ http://www.codepinkalert.org/section.php?id=452 ]
*Tweet* [ http://j.mp/lB56ik ]
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]
June 30, 2011
Dear Supporter,
As you may know, I am in Greece with a group of international
activists who are trying to set sail on the Freedom Flotilla II to
Gaza. The US boat, the Audacity of Hope, was scheduled to sail last
weekend, but we are still anxiously awaiting permission from the Greek
government, which is being pressured [
http://ustogaza.org/latest/greek-officials-attempt-to-block-u-s-boat-to-gaza-from-leaving-greek-port-passengers-suspect-israelus-economic-pressure-on-beleaguered-greek-government/
] by Israel and the United States to prevent our departure. **Will you
call on the US State Department to stop impeding our mission?* [
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/424/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7080
]*
Earlier this week, we learned that the Greek/Norwegian/Swedish boat's
propeller shaft and house were damaged in port, and yesterday the
Irish boat sustained crippling damage to its propeller shaft in a
Turkish harbor; both of these incidents are suspected to have been
calculated sabotage. Two other ships have left for the meeting point
in international waters, but it is unclear when and whether the other
boats will be able to join them.
The goal of the flotilla has always been to shine a light on Israel's
inhumane siege of Gaza, and that, we have already accomplished [
http://www.codepink.org/article.php?id=5871 ]. The Israeli government
has felt so threatened by our little flotilla that it has unleashed
its propaganda machine, spies, saboteurs, diplomatic clout, and
economic might. We are feeling, in small measure, what the people of
Gaza deal with every day.
The eyes of the world are on the drama unfolding with the flotilla,
and we have massive popular support-except from our own government.
The Obama Administration has deemed the flotilla a "provocative act."
The State Department gave Israel a green light to attack the flotilla
under the guise of "self defense," and issued a specific travel
warning against American citizens traveling to Gaza by boat. Senator
Kirk (R-Ill.) even suggested yesterday that the US should provide
Special Forces for a joint US-Israeli operation to deter the ships
from breaking the blockade!
We've been heartened to hear that across the seas, in Washington, DC
CODEPINKers set up an overnight vigil at the Greek Embassy to pressure
the beleaguered Greek government to allow us to sail. But we must put
the pressure on the true impediments: the US and Israeli governments.
"***Will you send an email to the US State Department today?* [
http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/424/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=7080
]** "
It is time for the US to recognize the illegality and inhumanity of
the Gaza blockade, and support the safe passage of the Flotilla.
"With gratitude from Greece for your support,"
*Medea Benjamin
*
*PS *Thanks to all who have already supported our delegation. You can
continue to donate to this voyage here [
http://www.michaelmoore.com/words/mike-friends-blog/lawfare-is-latest-form
]here. [ https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/424/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=7454
]*
* [ http://www.codepinkalert.org/section.php?id=452 ]
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