Contact: Felice Gelman, (917)-912-2597
New York, NY 11/6/2011 – Although Freedom Waves to Gaza organizers have not yet had direct communication with the people taken into custody by Israeli armed forces as they tried to peacefully sail to Gaza last week. Information is emerging that Israeli armed forces tactics in confronting the non-violent activists have been violent and dangerous. This despite claims from the IDF spokesperson that “every precaution will be taken for the safety of the activists.”
Prisoners include U.S. citizen Kit Kittredge, a delegate on the Tahrir from Quilcene, WA, and Jihan Hafiz, a U.S. citizen and journalist from Democracy Now, the national news program. Both have been advised by the U.S. consul in Israel to sign an Israeli deportation agreement. Both have refused because the statement says they came into Israel illegally and will not attempt another effort to break the Gaza blockade. Both statements are untrue.
. . . → Read More: Human Rights Activists on Boats to Gaza Beaten by Israeli Forces, Denied Visits by Lawyers and Access to Families Once in Custody
By now you are aware that the 27 passengers and crew on the Saoirse and the Tahrir have been kidnapped by Israeli forces and taken to Givon prison. They will be held there at least overnight if not longer. Please take these actions immediately and pass this on to your lists and contacts:
. . . → Read More: Act now to Free the Saoirse and Tahrir and to Free Gaza
Today between 21.00h a 22.00h local time concentration in Puerta del Sol in Madrid
. . . → Read More: Madrid, Spain
A contingent will meet down at our Occupy Camp (Dewey Square- Off the South Station Red Line T-Stop) at 4:30 to march on our Israeli consulate in Solidarity with the flotilla.
. . . → Read More: Boston
Dear Mr. XXX
As you are probably already aware, two boats carrying 27 civilians from various countries, including a representative from our youth movement, have been surrounded by Israeli war ships and likely violently boarded, while attempting to reach the people of Gaza, suffering under a criminal blockade.
. . . → Read More: Letter Sent from Palestinian Youth to Heads of UN Agencies in the OPT
Today, 4th november, at 19.30h local time in Portal del Angel, in Barcelona: protest action
. . . → Read More: Barcelona
This vigil will take place from 5pm to 6:30pm tomorrow, Friday, November 4th across the street from the Israeli Consulate in mid-town Manhattan located at 800 2nd Avenue between 42nd Street and 43rd Street.
. . . → Read More: EMERGENCY ACTION IN NYC: 5pm to 6:30pm, Friday, November 4th
Chicago area prepares emergency response if Israeli forces target the Tahrir and the Saoirse on their way to Gaza
. . . → Read More: Chicago
Contacts: Jane Hirschmann 917-679-8343, 212-222-6721Felice Gelman 917-912-2597Medea Benjamin (in Turkey with ground crew) 90 531 888 8927
BOATS EN ROUTE TO GAZA SURROUNDED BY ISRAELI WARSHIPS
New York – November 4, 2011
At 7:43 am ground support crew lost contact with two ships, the Saoirse of Ireland and the Tahrir of Canada, carrying 27 civilian . . . → Read More: Breaking News: November 4, 2011
Israeli authorities have made contact with the Tahrir – Michael can see two Israeli boats to the left of the Tahrir – so far Ehab is speaking to the Israeli’s on the radio who have asked for the Tahrir’s final destination, responses from Ehab have been on first question: ‘The conscience of humanity’ and when they . . . → Read More: From Tahrir — as Israeli warships approach