1 aug 2018
Gaza's National Committee for Breaking the Siege announced on Wednesday that the Israeli authorities began deporting several of the international solidarity activists, who were aboard the Al Awda ship of the Freedom Flotilla.
Gaza's National Committee confirmed that the activists deportation back to their countries, comes two days after being detained following an attack by Israeli naval forces on the ship in international waters.
Zaher Birawi, head of the committee, said in a statement that a number of international activists have already been deported on Tuesday, including a Malaysian professor, Dr. Mohd Afandi Salleh, and on Wednesday the rest would also be deported.
Birawi stressed that many of the activists rejected to be voluntarily deported, preferring to delay it for more than 72 hours, the legal deadline for accepting voluntary deportation from the country.
Birawi continued that the activists are attempting to delay their deportation, in order to appear before an Israeli court to expose the unjust practices of Israeli naval forces who attacked the humanitarian ship in international waters, and to later prosecute Israel for its actions.
The committee quoted the testimonies of some of the activists as being exposed to "beatings and violence" including the ship's captain, his assistant, and other solidarity activists.
Swedish human rights activist, Divina Levrini, who was among international detainees, said in a statement that she declares a hunger strike, as a form of protest against the treatment she received by Israeli forces and against the harsh conditions she is going through while being detained in the Israeli Givon prison.
Levrini had conducted an interview with Ma'an in July, while aboard the Freedom Flotilla ship, in which she discussed the Flotilla's intention on raising awareness about the Israel-Gaza conflict and on breaking the illegal and inhumane Israeli blockade of Gaza.
In addition, two days prior, Israeli authorities already released two Israeli activists on bail. One of the released activists, Zuhr Chamberlain Regev, confirmed that several activists were beaten by Israeli forces before being dragged out of the ship to be detained. She continued by saying that "people on board were tasered and hit by masked Israeli soldiers. We did not get our passports or belongings before we got off the boat. Do not believe reports of peaceful interception."
Gaza's National Committee confirmed that the activists deportation back to their countries, comes two days after being detained following an attack by Israeli naval forces on the ship in international waters.
Zaher Birawi, head of the committee, said in a statement that a number of international activists have already been deported on Tuesday, including a Malaysian professor, Dr. Mohd Afandi Salleh, and on Wednesday the rest would also be deported.
Birawi stressed that many of the activists rejected to be voluntarily deported, preferring to delay it for more than 72 hours, the legal deadline for accepting voluntary deportation from the country.
Birawi continued that the activists are attempting to delay their deportation, in order to appear before an Israeli court to expose the unjust practices of Israeli naval forces who attacked the humanitarian ship in international waters, and to later prosecute Israel for its actions.
The committee quoted the testimonies of some of the activists as being exposed to "beatings and violence" including the ship's captain, his assistant, and other solidarity activists.
Swedish human rights activist, Divina Levrini, who was among international detainees, said in a statement that she declares a hunger strike, as a form of protest against the treatment she received by Israeli forces and against the harsh conditions she is going through while being detained in the Israeli Givon prison.
Levrini had conducted an interview with Ma'an in July, while aboard the Freedom Flotilla ship, in which she discussed the Flotilla's intention on raising awareness about the Israel-Gaza conflict and on breaking the illegal and inhumane Israeli blockade of Gaza.
In addition, two days prior, Israeli authorities already released two Israeli activists on bail. One of the released activists, Zuhr Chamberlain Regev, confirmed that several activists were beaten by Israeli forces before being dragged out of the ship to be detained. She continued by saying that "people on board were tasered and hit by masked Israeli soldiers. We did not get our passports or belongings before we got off the boat. Do not believe reports of peaceful interception."
31 july 2018
Gaza's National Committee for Breaking the Siege expressed its concern for the safety of international solidarity activists who were aboard the Al Awda Freedom Flotilla ship when it was attacked by Israel in international waters.
The Freedom Flotilla members were detained by Israeli naval forces on Sunday and are still being held in the Israeli Givon prison in al-Ramla in central Israel.
The National Committee confirmed that Dr. Swee Chai Ang, a British activist, author, and orthopedic surgeon, suffered injuries due to being assaulted on board by masked Israeli naval forces.
Sources also confirmed that several activists were beaten by Israeli forces before being dragged out of the ship to be detained.
Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Zaher Birawi, said that this information contradicts Israel's statements and claims that the detention of the activists was peaceful and that no one was harmed.
Birawi holds Israel fully responsible for the safety of the activists, pointing out that Israel must provide them with medical care and demanded Israel to immediately release them.
He stressed that Israel will be prosecuted for the "crime of kidnapping" the Freedom Flotilla ship and its activists, who did not impose a threat to Israel's security.
Birawi requested Israel to also return media equipment belonging to journalists who were aboard the ship.
On Monday, Israeli authorities released two Israeli activists on bail, who were identified as Jonathan Shapira and Zuhr Chamberlain Regev, while the remaining 20 international activists were not given the option of release upon bail.
Regev said in a statement that "people on board were tasered and hit by masked Israeli soldiers. We did not get our passports or belongings before we got off the boat. Do not believe reports of peaceful interception."
Israel charged both, Regev and Shapira, with attempting to enter Gaza and conspiracy before being released on bail.
In 2010, one of the Freedom Flotilla ships was attacked by Israeli naval forces in international waters. The ship, which was carrying aid to Gaza, was attacked while being unarmed, killing 10 pro-Palestinian activists and injuring dozens of other peaceful activists.
The Freedom Flotilla ship peacefully sailed towards the shores of Gaza, with aim to draw the world's attention to the unjust siege and intending on breaking Israel's nearly 12-year blockade of the Gaza Strip.
The Freedom Flotilla members were detained by Israeli naval forces on Sunday and are still being held in the Israeli Givon prison in al-Ramla in central Israel.
The National Committee confirmed that Dr. Swee Chai Ang, a British activist, author, and orthopedic surgeon, suffered injuries due to being assaulted on board by masked Israeli naval forces.
Sources also confirmed that several activists were beaten by Israeli forces before being dragged out of the ship to be detained.
Head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Zaher Birawi, said that this information contradicts Israel's statements and claims that the detention of the activists was peaceful and that no one was harmed.
Birawi holds Israel fully responsible for the safety of the activists, pointing out that Israel must provide them with medical care and demanded Israel to immediately release them.
He stressed that Israel will be prosecuted for the "crime of kidnapping" the Freedom Flotilla ship and its activists, who did not impose a threat to Israel's security.
Birawi requested Israel to also return media equipment belonging to journalists who were aboard the ship.
On Monday, Israeli authorities released two Israeli activists on bail, who were identified as Jonathan Shapira and Zuhr Chamberlain Regev, while the remaining 20 international activists were not given the option of release upon bail.
Regev said in a statement that "people on board were tasered and hit by masked Israeli soldiers. We did not get our passports or belongings before we got off the boat. Do not believe reports of peaceful interception."
Israel charged both, Regev and Shapira, with attempting to enter Gaza and conspiracy before being released on bail.
In 2010, one of the Freedom Flotilla ships was attacked by Israeli naval forces in international waters. The ship, which was carrying aid to Gaza, was attacked while being unarmed, killing 10 pro-Palestinian activists and injuring dozens of other peaceful activists.
The Freedom Flotilla ship peacefully sailed towards the shores of Gaza, with aim to draw the world's attention to the unjust siege and intending on breaking Israel's nearly 12-year blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Norwegian diplomats are providing consular assistance to 5 Norwegians who were among 22 passengers, crew detained on the Kaarstein, the 1st Norwegian 'aid vessel' attempting to breach Israel's Gaza blockade.
Norway has asked Israel to explain the legal grounds for detaining a Norwegian-flagged fishing boat seized while activists tried to sail with aid to the Gaza Strip, Norway's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
The ministry said its diplomats in Israel had been providing consular assistance to five Norwegians who were among the 22 passengers and crew detained onboard the vessel Kaarstein on Sunday. Two Israelis on board were quickly released.
"We have asked the Israeli authorities to clarify the circumstances around the seizure of the vessel and the legal basis for the intervention," the spokesman for the Norwegian foreign affairs ministry in Oslo said. A spokesman for Israel's Foreign Ministry declined to comment.
Torstein Dahle, head of the group Ship to Gaza Norway which organized the shipment, said it was the first Norwegian aid vessel to attempt to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
The captain had been struck on the head by Israeli soldiers who ordered him to sail for Israel, but no one was seriously hurt, Dahle said.
"This is a peaceful boat; it's impossible that it can threaten Israel's security," he said.
The Gaza Strip is controlled by the Islamist terror group Hamas, which has fought three wars against Israel in the decade since taking power there.
Israel maintains a naval blockade of Gaza amid security concerns that include fears of Hamas weapons smuggling, and along with Egypt also restricts imports by land.
The territory is home to 2 million Palestinians, mainly the stateless descendants of people who fled or were driven out of what is now Israel at its founding in 1948. Under the blockade, Gaza has suffered an economic crisis creating what the World Bank describes as a "collapse in humanitarian conditions" including access to clean water, medicine and electricity.
Numerous activist ships have been prevented from reaching Gaza in recent years. An Israeli raid on a Turkish flotilla in 2010, in which ten activists were killed, caused a serious rupture in relations between Israel and Turkey, one of Israel's few friends in the Middle East, at least at the time.
Audun Lysbakken, leader of Norway's opposition Socialist Left party, called on the foreign ministry to protest against what he described as Israel "hijacking" the Norwegian boat in international waters.
Among those detained is Mikkel Gruner, a Danish citizen who lives in Norway and is the Socialist Left representative in the municipal council of the Norwegian city of Bergen. Lysbakken said the activists had legal rights to protest against Israel's blockade, demanding the release
Norway has asked Israel to explain the legal grounds for detaining a Norwegian-flagged fishing boat seized while activists tried to sail with aid to the Gaza Strip, Norway's foreign ministry said on Tuesday.
The ministry said its diplomats in Israel had been providing consular assistance to five Norwegians who were among the 22 passengers and crew detained onboard the vessel Kaarstein on Sunday. Two Israelis on board were quickly released.
"We have asked the Israeli authorities to clarify the circumstances around the seizure of the vessel and the legal basis for the intervention," the spokesman for the Norwegian foreign affairs ministry in Oslo said. A spokesman for Israel's Foreign Ministry declined to comment.
Torstein Dahle, head of the group Ship to Gaza Norway which organized the shipment, said it was the first Norwegian aid vessel to attempt to breach the Israeli blockade of Gaza.
The captain had been struck on the head by Israeli soldiers who ordered him to sail for Israel, but no one was seriously hurt, Dahle said.
"This is a peaceful boat; it's impossible that it can threaten Israel's security," he said.
The Gaza Strip is controlled by the Islamist terror group Hamas, which has fought three wars against Israel in the decade since taking power there.
Israel maintains a naval blockade of Gaza amid security concerns that include fears of Hamas weapons smuggling, and along with Egypt also restricts imports by land.
The territory is home to 2 million Palestinians, mainly the stateless descendants of people who fled or were driven out of what is now Israel at its founding in 1948. Under the blockade, Gaza has suffered an economic crisis creating what the World Bank describes as a "collapse in humanitarian conditions" including access to clean water, medicine and electricity.
Numerous activist ships have been prevented from reaching Gaza in recent years. An Israeli raid on a Turkish flotilla in 2010, in which ten activists were killed, caused a serious rupture in relations between Israel and Turkey, one of Israel's few friends in the Middle East, at least at the time.
Audun Lysbakken, leader of Norway's opposition Socialist Left party, called on the foreign ministry to protest against what he described as Israel "hijacking" the Norwegian boat in international waters.
Among those detained is Mikkel Gruner, a Danish citizen who lives in Norway and is the Socialist Left representative in the municipal council of the Norwegian city of Bergen. Lysbakken said the activists had legal rights to protest against Israel's blockade, demanding the release
30 july 2018
International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza on Monday announced that Israeli naval forces are still holding 20 international activists, that were aboard Freedom Flotilla ships, in detention, while two Israeli activists were released on bail.
Zaher Birawi, head of the committee, said in a press statement that the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's lawyer met on Monday with the detained activists in Givon prison.
Mass demonstrations have been launched in several countries that have nationals among the detained activists to call for the release of Freedom Flotilla activists and show solidarity with besieged Gaza.
Israeli naval forces attacked Freedom Flotilla ships on Sunday as they were approaching the shores of besieged Gaza and arrested all international activists aboard.
Zaher Birawi, head of the committee, said in a press statement that the Freedom Flotilla Coalition's lawyer met on Monday with the detained activists in Givon prison.
Mass demonstrations have been launched in several countries that have nationals among the detained activists to call for the release of Freedom Flotilla activists and show solidarity with besieged Gaza.
Israeli naval forces attacked Freedom Flotilla ships on Sunday as they were approaching the shores of besieged Gaza and arrested all international activists aboard.
29 july 2018
Israeli forces attacked one of the Freedom Flotilla ships on Sunday as it was approaching the shores of the besieged Gaza Strip and redirected its sail toward the southern Israeli seaport of Ashdod.
The Freedom Flotilla is a new flotilla made up of four ships, which intend on breaking Israel’s nearly 12-year blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Gaza’s National Committee for Breaking the Siege called upon the residents of Gaza to participate in the official welcoming reception of the Freedom Flotilla ship, which was to take place at noon at the fishermen’s port in Gaza City.
Adham Abu Salima, a spokesperson for the National Committee, confirmed the attack of Israeli forces on the Freedom Flotilla ship and that the committee has lost contact with the flotilla members.
Abu Salima added that 36 solidarity activists, including Israelis and Palestinians, from 15 various countries are onboard of the attacked ship.
Abu Salima also mentioned that before the attack, the flotilla members did not face any obstacles on their way.
One of the Freedom Flotilla ships was previously attacked by Israeli forces in international waters in 2010. The ship, which was carrying aid to Gaza, was attacked while being unarmed, killing 10 pro-Palestinian activists and injuring dozens of other peaceful activists.
Additionally, many attempts have been made throughout the years to draw the public’s attention to the on-going siege of Gaza. From 2008 through 2016, international activists have sailed 31 ships to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza.
MP Jamal al-Khudari, the head of the popular committee against the siege, condemned Israeli forces for preventing the Freedom Flotilla from reaching Gaza, seizing the ship in international waters, and redirecting it to the Ashdod seaport.
He pointed out in a statement that the solidarity activists aboard the ship sailed towards Gaza peacefully and legally. He added that the ship’s planned arrival in Gaza is aimed at breaking the unjust siege and is a right guaranteed by international law.
The Freedom Flotilla is a new flotilla made up of four ships, which intend on breaking Israel’s nearly 12-year blockade of the Gaza Strip.
Gaza’s National Committee for Breaking the Siege called upon the residents of Gaza to participate in the official welcoming reception of the Freedom Flotilla ship, which was to take place at noon at the fishermen’s port in Gaza City.
Adham Abu Salima, a spokesperson for the National Committee, confirmed the attack of Israeli forces on the Freedom Flotilla ship and that the committee has lost contact with the flotilla members.
Abu Salima added that 36 solidarity activists, including Israelis and Palestinians, from 15 various countries are onboard of the attacked ship.
Abu Salima also mentioned that before the attack, the flotilla members did not face any obstacles on their way.
One of the Freedom Flotilla ships was previously attacked by Israeli forces in international waters in 2010. The ship, which was carrying aid to Gaza, was attacked while being unarmed, killing 10 pro-Palestinian activists and injuring dozens of other peaceful activists.
Additionally, many attempts have been made throughout the years to draw the public’s attention to the on-going siege of Gaza. From 2008 through 2016, international activists have sailed 31 ships to challenge the Israeli naval blockade of Gaza.
MP Jamal al-Khudari, the head of the popular committee against the siege, condemned Israeli forces for preventing the Freedom Flotilla from reaching Gaza, seizing the ship in international waters, and redirecting it to the Ashdod seaport.
He pointed out in a statement that the solidarity activists aboard the ship sailed towards Gaza peacefully and legally. He added that the ship’s planned arrival in Gaza is aimed at breaking the unjust siege and is a right guaranteed by international law.
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Joe Meadors was selected as the delegate from the United States on the final 1,000-mile voyage to Gaza with the 2018 Gaza Freedom Flotilla.
He was on the Al Awda or Return boat that was intercepted by Israeli authorities in international waters on July 29th. The 2018 flotilla took a 75-day voyage from Scandinavia to reach Gaza. https://jfp.freedomflotilla.org/news/ports/upcoming-ports Joe was a signalman on the bridge of the USS Liberty during the 1967 Israeli attack on the boat off the coast of Gaza. The Israelis killed 34 U.S. military and wounded 174. Joe and Francis Brown hauled up a second American flag after the steaming colors were shot |
down early in the air attack. That flag can be seen at www.ussliberty.org/g/battleflag.gif. He was on the bridge throughout the Israeli attack and was one of several eyewitnesses to the Israeli machine-gunning of the ship’s life rafts.
Mr. Meadors has been associated with the USS Liberty Veterans Association since it was first founded in 1982 and is a past president of the association.
Joe described the Israeli attack:
“I watched some jets pass us, then turn left after they passed our ship, then they started strafing us. The attack lasted 90 minutes, during which we got a message off to the Sixth Fleet asking for assistance. We learned later that Joe Tully, commanding officer of the USS Saratoga, launched aircraft within minutes of the attack, but he told us later they were recalled before they reached the horizon. We found this out 20 years after the attack.
“The most frustrating thing has been a lack of reaction from the U.S. government. On June 8, 2005, we filed a war crimes report, and they are required to investigate these allegations. They’ve created reports about our mission, but they never did conduct an actual investigation of the attack itself.
“It was an illegal attack. We were on the high seas conducting legal activities. They admitted that they closed the area for military purposes but we tried to find out the boundaries of that area and they wouldn’t tell us.
“The Israelis break international laws with impunity and the U.S. government is not going to hold them accountable, nobody is. There is no doubt that the Israelis were committing piracy on the high seas against the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla and used deadly force against unarmed humanitarians.”
In 2010, Joe was a passenger on the Sfedoni, in the 2010 Gaza FreedomFlotilla. He was in Greece for the 2011 and 2015 Freedom Flotillas. He is from Corpus Christi, Texas.
Follow Al Awda and Freedom on the seahttps://jfp.freedomflotilla.org/
Mr. Meadors has been associated with the USS Liberty Veterans Association since it was first founded in 1982 and is a past president of the association.
Joe described the Israeli attack:
“I watched some jets pass us, then turn left after they passed our ship, then they started strafing us. The attack lasted 90 minutes, during which we got a message off to the Sixth Fleet asking for assistance. We learned later that Joe Tully, commanding officer of the USS Saratoga, launched aircraft within minutes of the attack, but he told us later they were recalled before they reached the horizon. We found this out 20 years after the attack.
“The most frustrating thing has been a lack of reaction from the U.S. government. On June 8, 2005, we filed a war crimes report, and they are required to investigate these allegations. They’ve created reports about our mission, but they never did conduct an actual investigation of the attack itself.
“It was an illegal attack. We were on the high seas conducting legal activities. They admitted that they closed the area for military purposes but we tried to find out the boundaries of that area and they wouldn’t tell us.
“The Israelis break international laws with impunity and the U.S. government is not going to hold them accountable, nobody is. There is no doubt that the Israelis were committing piracy on the high seas against the 2010 Gaza Freedom Flotilla and used deadly force against unarmed humanitarians.”
In 2010, Joe was a passenger on the Sfedoni, in the 2010 Gaza FreedomFlotilla. He was in Greece for the 2011 and 2015 Freedom Flotillas. He is from Corpus Christi, Texas.
Follow Al Awda and Freedom on the seahttps://jfp.freedomflotilla.org/
Head of the International Committee for Breaking the Siege on Gaza Zaher Birawi on Sunday called on Britain's Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt to intervene to protect Freedom Flotilla 5 from any possible Israeli attacks.
In a letter sent to Jeremy Hunt, Birawi said that al-Awda (Return) vessel, one of the three vessels in Freedom Flotilla 5, has two British citizens on board: Press TV's correspondent Richard Sudan and the famous orthopaedic and trauma consultant Dr. Swee Ang.
Birawi said in his letter that Israel's attacks on former anti-siege vessels require the British government to take a serious action to ensure the safety of the peaceful activists on al-Awda vessel.
Freedom Flotilla 5 has passed by 28 European ports and al-Awda vessel is scheduled to arrive at Gaza port on Sunday, 29th July.
Freedom Flotilla has on board 36 activists from 15 countries, including Britain, Austria, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, Algeria, East Asia, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
In a letter sent to Jeremy Hunt, Birawi said that al-Awda (Return) vessel, one of the three vessels in Freedom Flotilla 5, has two British citizens on board: Press TV's correspondent Richard Sudan and the famous orthopaedic and trauma consultant Dr. Swee Ang.
Birawi said in his letter that Israel's attacks on former anti-siege vessels require the British government to take a serious action to ensure the safety of the peaceful activists on al-Awda vessel.
Freedom Flotilla 5 has passed by 28 European ports and al-Awda vessel is scheduled to arrive at Gaza port on Sunday, 29th July.
Freedom Flotilla has on board 36 activists from 15 countries, including Britain, Austria, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, Algeria, East Asia, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Zaher al-Birawi, Head of the International Committee for Breaking the Siege affirmed that the 3-ship Freedom Flotilla goes on sailing en route to the Gaza Strip, expected them to arrive at the shores of the besieged coastal enclave either on Sunday evening or Monday morning.
In a press statement on Saturday, Birawi said that the ships passed the Egyptian borders towards the east and hoped they will make it safely to Gaza.
Many international activists and public figures are taking part in this latest attempt to break the siege on Gaza, which is organized by Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
He pointed out that the boats are carrying 45 international solidarity participants coming from 15 countries in addition to basic aid such as medical tools that may help in treating the injured in the March of Return events.
Birawi did not rule out the possibility of Israeli piracy, warning of Israeli attacks on the boats and arresting the activists on board. He asked international human rights organizations to exert efforts for protecting the ships.
In a press statement on Saturday, Birawi said that the ships passed the Egyptian borders towards the east and hoped they will make it safely to Gaza.
Many international activists and public figures are taking part in this latest attempt to break the siege on Gaza, which is organized by Freedom Flotilla Coalition.
He pointed out that the boats are carrying 45 international solidarity participants coming from 15 countries in addition to basic aid such as medical tools that may help in treating the injured in the March of Return events.
Birawi did not rule out the possibility of Israeli piracy, warning of Israeli attacks on the boats and arresting the activists on board. He asked international human rights organizations to exert efforts for protecting the ships.
19 july 2018
The European flotilla of Gaza-bound ships, which launched a campaign in mid-May under the slogan “For a just future for Palestine,” are getting prepared to start their journey on Thursday from the Italian Port of Palermo in Sicily.
The International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza stated that this journey was organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition as a renewed effort to break the 11-year blockade on Gaza and to confirm the Palestinians’ right to free movement from and to their homeland.
The committee also pointed out that this convoy of ships would be carrying vital medical supplies for Gaza hospitals.
The International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza stated that this journey was organized by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition as a renewed effort to break the 11-year blockade on Gaza and to confirm the Palestinians’ right to free movement from and to their homeland.
The committee also pointed out that this convoy of ships would be carrying vital medical supplies for Gaza hospitals.
18 july 2018
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Yonatan Shapira says Israel’s ‘democracy’ is, in fact, an apartheid state led by fascist Jewish supremacists.
TRNN video & transcript: DIMITRI LASCARIS: This is Dimitri Lascaris, reporting for The Real News Network from the port of Naples, Italy. We are seated in front of the ships of the Gaza flotilla, the Freedom Flotilla, which have been docked here for a couple of days, and I’m pleased to be joined today by Yonatan Shapira. Yonatan is a former rescue pilot in the Israeli Air Force. He’s also a founding member and prominent activist of the Israeli movement Boycott From Within. And I’d like to thank you very much for joining us today, Yonatan. YONATAN SHAPIRA: Thank you. Thank you for coming. |
DIMITRI LASCARIS: So I’d like to start by talking about your experiences within the Israeli Air Force, and your decision ultimately to become a dissenter from military service. Could you tell us about that?
YONATAN SHAPIRA: Well, there is a long story to tell here, but I’ll just try to say in a few words that in 2003, after more than 10 years of service in the Israeli Air Force, I was a Blackhawk helicopter pilot doing rescues and flying soldiers, and doing everything that I was asked. I realized together with other friends in the air force that we are fighting for the wrong side, and we are part of an organization that commits a crime against innocent Palestinians, and we do not want to be part of it anymore. So together with a group of about 27 pilots from all different squadrons of the Israeli air force, attack pilots, rescue pilots like me and others, veterans and active, we send this letter to our commander and the whole society in Israel telling them that we are no longer willing to obey the orders and be part of this illegal and criminal, immoral, occupation. That’s what started my life as an activist fifteen years ago, on the eve of the Jewish year, Rosh Hashanah.
DIMITRI LASCARIS: And subsequently you became a prominent member, as I mentioned, at the outset of this movement, Boycott From Within. Can you tell us, what is it like being an Israeli citizen advocating for the imposition of a boycott given the attitude of the Israeli government towards the whole boycott movement?
YONATAN SHAPIRA: As a human being, I’m very proud of it. I feel super confident about what we, we are many activists. We are still a minority of a minority. But there are activists in Israel who are calling for boycott, divestment, and sanctions because we believe it’s for the benefit of all people; Palestinian people, and Jewish people, and everyone living there and everyone in the world. Of course, the Zionist society in Israel doesn’t like it. So you pay the [little] price of being a dissenter in an apartheid. So you get some benefit, some of your privilege away. But overall I’m still able to be there when I’m there, and lead a relatively comfortable life.
And slowly, slowly, the apartheid system is trying to make it harder and harder and more difficult on us. But again, when I look and compare my life to the life of a Palestinian or a refugee in Israel, or even a non-white Ashkenazi Israeli man in Israel, I’m still able to live quite comfortable. As we speak there are many trying in Parliament to make the apartheid in Israel more official. So different laws that are trying to constitute, that will make it even harder for us to still be free to still act.
And it’s just important to remember that Israel claims to be a democracy. It is not. It’s, it’s an apartheid. It’s led by a group of fascist Jewish supremacy people, and prime minister, and ministers. But if you’re a Zionist Jew, you can feel great democracy. If you are not a Zionist, and if you’re not a Jew, you’re living in apartheid.
DIMITRI LASCARIS: Now, you’ve participated in prior missions of the Freedom Flotilla. Could you tell me why, and also how you were received by your former colleagues within the Israeli military when the vessels were intercepted on those occasions?
YONATAN SHAPIRA: The first time I tried to break the blockade with a group of activists was 2010. About three months after what happened on the Mavi Marmara, where Israeli, the Israeli army shot and killed about 10 activists from Turkey, most of them. The helicopter that landed, the soldiers that killed and massacred people on the Mavi Marmara, were helicopters from the squadron I used to fly in, this Blackhawk squadron in the Israeli air force. And therefore I decided that I must participate in the second boat that will try to break the blockade. It happened in September 2010. We were very small, and we were intercepted by many warships, small and big.
And if we were Palestinians or Turks I guess they would shoot us and kill us, maybe, but I got the better treatment of a Taser gun in my heart. So maybe they thought that they will resuscitate my Zionist behavior. My Zionist heart will start beating again.
But instead it just made me more clear about my decision, and confident about the need to struggle against apartheid and against this illegal crime of ghettoization and that concentration of two million people. The second attempt was 2011, a year, about a year later. I was on a crew of The Audacity of Hope. It was a big American boat, and we were part of the second flotilla trying to leave from the port of Piraeus in Greece. Unfortunately, the Greek government was coopted by Israel and the U.S., and with different pressure, I guess, they obeyed Bibi Netanyahu. And we had a big sign saying, who’s your commander, Netanyahu or Poseidon? Who is the god of the sea. Is it Israel, or the Greek Poseidon?
Unfortunately, it was Netanyahu and on a gun show on a gunpoint. We were stopped by the Greek coast guard just a few minutes after leaving the port of Priaeus, and we had to go back, and were detained by the, by the Greeks. And the third attempt was 2012, with the Ship to Gaza, the Swedish group that was with many international organizations, and the Finnish flagged boat. We had other Israelis on board. And we were also stopped about 40 miles from, from shore, from Gaza. This time it was a big operation. I guess they used it as a maneuver for training their forces, because they know that we are not posing any threat, like military threat, on them. So they were hundreds, maybe thousands of soldiers participating.
About 15 warships, big and small. And also one Blackhawk helicopter that came in circled above us. And when I looked at it on the tail I could see that the number on the tail is 852, which is the same helicopter, tthe same piece of metal that I used to fly some years before. They again arrested us, tasered us, and took us to the Navy base of Ashdod, and we spent a few days arrested.
DIMITRI LASCARIS: I’d like, I’d like to talk to you about the future, to conclude. And you know, those of us in the West watching with trepidation what’s happening seem, it seems to be that every day the predicament of the Palestinian people is worse, and that the Israeli government’s sense of impunity is on the increase, if anything. Do you, are you feeling hopeful, based upon what you see, for the cause of Palestinian justice, justice for the Palestinian people? Do you see signs that this is a battle that is being won, ultimately, and that this is something that may actually be won within your lifetime?
YONATAN SHAPIRA: Well gives me hope is nothing about the governments and the system that controls us in your country, in my country. I see a lot of hypocrisy all over Europe and elsewhere, and also Canada. What gives me hope is to see the popular struggle of Palestinians that are showing incredible bravery. That reminds me what I grew up on, you know, the struggle in the ghettos, in the Warsaw Ghetto, in other ghettos. With the, with all the courage to walk into the fence, towards the fence of this biggest prison in the world, without bearing any arms. Walking and trying to protest this siege. It gives me a lot of hope, because I think that’s where the mighty power of the Israeli military collapses, when we have thousands and thousands of Palestinians that are uniting, holding hands and standing in front of the Israeli snipers.
That gives me hope. That means that it’s not going to be able to last forever. And things like that gives me hope to be together with the Spanish, Italians, Americans, Canadians, Norwegians, Swedish, everyone. It means that somewhere on a deep nerve of many people around the world, it’s quite clear that this symbolic struggle of the Palestinians for freedom will be won at some point. And our job is to not be deterred, and not be, not lose our hope when we see the hypocritical governments in one hand saying something against Israel’s crimes, and on the other hand still doing arms trade with them and giving them all the impunity and all the actual support to continue with this massacre and this illegality.
But it’s important to to say to everyone who listens to us that we need you. We need the person that now maybe sits in Canada, or in the U.S., or in elsewhere in Europe, or somewhere else. We need you to join this struggle. And this struggle is not just about freedom for Palestinians. It’s about the struggle against what Europe and the U.S. and other countries are doing to refugees that are trying to escape the horrors in Africa. It’s the same struggle. It’s the struggle of the people who have less to be recognized and to get their basic human right. So if you want to be part of the struggle, wherever you are, you don’t have to come all the way and join us in this flotilla. You can be active on your, in your local community, for justice for, for everyone. And then you are part of the struggle for justice for Palestine.
DIMITRI LASCARIS: I’d like to thank you very much for speaking with The Real News today, Yonatan. It’s been a pleasure.
YONATAN SHAPIRA: Thank you for coming here. And good luck with your health.
DIMITRI LASCARIS: Thank you very much. And this is Dimitri Lascaris, reporting for The Real News from Naples, Italy.
IMEMC Interview 06/26/18: Jewish American Explains Why She Supports Palestine and BDS
YONATAN SHAPIRA: Well, there is a long story to tell here, but I’ll just try to say in a few words that in 2003, after more than 10 years of service in the Israeli Air Force, I was a Blackhawk helicopter pilot doing rescues and flying soldiers, and doing everything that I was asked. I realized together with other friends in the air force that we are fighting for the wrong side, and we are part of an organization that commits a crime against innocent Palestinians, and we do not want to be part of it anymore. So together with a group of about 27 pilots from all different squadrons of the Israeli air force, attack pilots, rescue pilots like me and others, veterans and active, we send this letter to our commander and the whole society in Israel telling them that we are no longer willing to obey the orders and be part of this illegal and criminal, immoral, occupation. That’s what started my life as an activist fifteen years ago, on the eve of the Jewish year, Rosh Hashanah.
DIMITRI LASCARIS: And subsequently you became a prominent member, as I mentioned, at the outset of this movement, Boycott From Within. Can you tell us, what is it like being an Israeli citizen advocating for the imposition of a boycott given the attitude of the Israeli government towards the whole boycott movement?
YONATAN SHAPIRA: As a human being, I’m very proud of it. I feel super confident about what we, we are many activists. We are still a minority of a minority. But there are activists in Israel who are calling for boycott, divestment, and sanctions because we believe it’s for the benefit of all people; Palestinian people, and Jewish people, and everyone living there and everyone in the world. Of course, the Zionist society in Israel doesn’t like it. So you pay the [little] price of being a dissenter in an apartheid. So you get some benefit, some of your privilege away. But overall I’m still able to be there when I’m there, and lead a relatively comfortable life.
And slowly, slowly, the apartheid system is trying to make it harder and harder and more difficult on us. But again, when I look and compare my life to the life of a Palestinian or a refugee in Israel, or even a non-white Ashkenazi Israeli man in Israel, I’m still able to live quite comfortable. As we speak there are many trying in Parliament to make the apartheid in Israel more official. So different laws that are trying to constitute, that will make it even harder for us to still be free to still act.
And it’s just important to remember that Israel claims to be a democracy. It is not. It’s, it’s an apartheid. It’s led by a group of fascist Jewish supremacy people, and prime minister, and ministers. But if you’re a Zionist Jew, you can feel great democracy. If you are not a Zionist, and if you’re not a Jew, you’re living in apartheid.
DIMITRI LASCARIS: Now, you’ve participated in prior missions of the Freedom Flotilla. Could you tell me why, and also how you were received by your former colleagues within the Israeli military when the vessels were intercepted on those occasions?
YONATAN SHAPIRA: The first time I tried to break the blockade with a group of activists was 2010. About three months after what happened on the Mavi Marmara, where Israeli, the Israeli army shot and killed about 10 activists from Turkey, most of them. The helicopter that landed, the soldiers that killed and massacred people on the Mavi Marmara, were helicopters from the squadron I used to fly in, this Blackhawk squadron in the Israeli air force. And therefore I decided that I must participate in the second boat that will try to break the blockade. It happened in September 2010. We were very small, and we were intercepted by many warships, small and big.
And if we were Palestinians or Turks I guess they would shoot us and kill us, maybe, but I got the better treatment of a Taser gun in my heart. So maybe they thought that they will resuscitate my Zionist behavior. My Zionist heart will start beating again.
But instead it just made me more clear about my decision, and confident about the need to struggle against apartheid and against this illegal crime of ghettoization and that concentration of two million people. The second attempt was 2011, a year, about a year later. I was on a crew of The Audacity of Hope. It was a big American boat, and we were part of the second flotilla trying to leave from the port of Piraeus in Greece. Unfortunately, the Greek government was coopted by Israel and the U.S., and with different pressure, I guess, they obeyed Bibi Netanyahu. And we had a big sign saying, who’s your commander, Netanyahu or Poseidon? Who is the god of the sea. Is it Israel, or the Greek Poseidon?
Unfortunately, it was Netanyahu and on a gun show on a gunpoint. We were stopped by the Greek coast guard just a few minutes after leaving the port of Priaeus, and we had to go back, and were detained by the, by the Greeks. And the third attempt was 2012, with the Ship to Gaza, the Swedish group that was with many international organizations, and the Finnish flagged boat. We had other Israelis on board. And we were also stopped about 40 miles from, from shore, from Gaza. This time it was a big operation. I guess they used it as a maneuver for training their forces, because they know that we are not posing any threat, like military threat, on them. So they were hundreds, maybe thousands of soldiers participating.
About 15 warships, big and small. And also one Blackhawk helicopter that came in circled above us. And when I looked at it on the tail I could see that the number on the tail is 852, which is the same helicopter, tthe same piece of metal that I used to fly some years before. They again arrested us, tasered us, and took us to the Navy base of Ashdod, and we spent a few days arrested.
DIMITRI LASCARIS: I’d like, I’d like to talk to you about the future, to conclude. And you know, those of us in the West watching with trepidation what’s happening seem, it seems to be that every day the predicament of the Palestinian people is worse, and that the Israeli government’s sense of impunity is on the increase, if anything. Do you, are you feeling hopeful, based upon what you see, for the cause of Palestinian justice, justice for the Palestinian people? Do you see signs that this is a battle that is being won, ultimately, and that this is something that may actually be won within your lifetime?
YONATAN SHAPIRA: Well gives me hope is nothing about the governments and the system that controls us in your country, in my country. I see a lot of hypocrisy all over Europe and elsewhere, and also Canada. What gives me hope is to see the popular struggle of Palestinians that are showing incredible bravery. That reminds me what I grew up on, you know, the struggle in the ghettos, in the Warsaw Ghetto, in other ghettos. With the, with all the courage to walk into the fence, towards the fence of this biggest prison in the world, without bearing any arms. Walking and trying to protest this siege. It gives me a lot of hope, because I think that’s where the mighty power of the Israeli military collapses, when we have thousands and thousands of Palestinians that are uniting, holding hands and standing in front of the Israeli snipers.
That gives me hope. That means that it’s not going to be able to last forever. And things like that gives me hope to be together with the Spanish, Italians, Americans, Canadians, Norwegians, Swedish, everyone. It means that somewhere on a deep nerve of many people around the world, it’s quite clear that this symbolic struggle of the Palestinians for freedom will be won at some point. And our job is to not be deterred, and not be, not lose our hope when we see the hypocritical governments in one hand saying something against Israel’s crimes, and on the other hand still doing arms trade with them and giving them all the impunity and all the actual support to continue with this massacre and this illegality.
But it’s important to to say to everyone who listens to us that we need you. We need the person that now maybe sits in Canada, or in the U.S., or in elsewhere in Europe, or somewhere else. We need you to join this struggle. And this struggle is not just about freedom for Palestinians. It’s about the struggle against what Europe and the U.S. and other countries are doing to refugees that are trying to escape the horrors in Africa. It’s the same struggle. It’s the struggle of the people who have less to be recognized and to get their basic human right. So if you want to be part of the struggle, wherever you are, you don’t have to come all the way and join us in this flotilla. You can be active on your, in your local community, for justice for, for everyone. And then you are part of the struggle for justice for Palestine.
DIMITRI LASCARIS: I’d like to thank you very much for speaking with The Real News today, Yonatan. It’s been a pleasure.
YONATAN SHAPIRA: Thank you for coming here. And good luck with your health.
DIMITRI LASCARIS: Thank you very much. And this is Dimitri Lascaris, reporting for The Real News from Naples, Italy.
IMEMC Interview 06/26/18: Jewish American Explains Why She Supports Palestine and BDS
13 july 2018
Zaher al-Biraw, Head of the International Committee for Breaking the Siege, said that the Jerusalem court’s decision to confiscate 2 Norwegian ships planning to sail to Gaza, is a serious unprecedented step that legitimizes Israeli piracy in international waters.
In a statement on Thursday evening, Birawi opined that this resolution exempts Israel from legal responsibility in case of attacking the ships which are carrying unarmed civil activists who call for breaking the siege on Gaza.
He affirmed that the Israeli court’s decision will not affect the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the voyage program of the ships which are going to sail from Italy to Gaza in the coming few days.
In a statement on Thursday evening, Birawi opined that this resolution exempts Israel from legal responsibility in case of attacking the ships which are carrying unarmed civil activists who call for breaking the siege on Gaza.
He affirmed that the Israeli court’s decision will not affect the Freedom Flotilla Coalition and the voyage program of the ships which are going to sail from Italy to Gaza in the coming few days.
28 june 2018
Freedom and Return, two of the Freedom Flotilla campaign vessels left Qadish port southwest of Spain and headed to Port of Cagliari in the Italian island of Sardinia to break the 11-year blockade by the Israeli occupation on the Gaza Strip.
Moreover, two sailing boats will arrive along with the Freedom Flotilla ships to the French city of Lyon across the Seine on Friday evening.
They will leave the port on Saturday evening to join the two ships mid of July on one of the Italian islands.
Zaher Birawi, Head of the International Committee for Breaking Gaza Siege and founder member of Freedom Flotilla Coalition, hailed the solidarity efforts exerted in all cities and ports they have already crossed. He expressed hope that these efforts will succeed in pressuring politicians in Europe to end Gaza siege.
Moreover, two sailing boats will arrive along with the Freedom Flotilla ships to the French city of Lyon across the Seine on Friday evening.
They will leave the port on Saturday evening to join the two ships mid of July on one of the Italian islands.
Zaher Birawi, Head of the International Committee for Breaking Gaza Siege and founder member of Freedom Flotilla Coalition, hailed the solidarity efforts exerted in all cities and ports they have already crossed. He expressed hope that these efforts will succeed in pressuring politicians in Europe to end Gaza siege.
7 june 2018
“Freedom,” one of the Freedom Flotilla campaign vessels traveling from Sweden to Palestine to break an 11-year blockade by the Israeli occupation state on the Gaza Strip, docked at the British port of Brighton last Tuesday.
According to Anadolu news agency, the boat was welcomed by a group of activists gathered at Brighton Marina with chants and slogans, including “Freedom to Palestine” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”.
Horns were also blown by activists as the boat approached the marina before making its way to a harbor in Shoreham, a British seaside town, where it will remain anchored for three days.
Zaher Birawi, a British Palestinian journalist and head of the International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza, said all the Freedom Flotilla campaign boats left the Dutch capital of Amsterdam a few days ago and are visiting various ports across Europe before heading for Gaza.
“’Freedom’ came to Brighton. We are here to salute it,” Birawi said, speaking to Anadolu.
He said the flotilla’s boats would gather in Spain at the end of June to set sail for Gaza in a bid to break Israel’s illegal naval blockade on the population.
Birawi, as a British citizens, called on the government in the UK to stop supporting Israel and stand with the oppressed people of Palestine.
For his part, James Godfrey, spokesman for the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, told Anadolu that it was the first time for an international Freedom Flotilla boat challenging the illegal blockade in Gaza to come to an English port.
“So it is important to highlight the British government’s complicity in the blockade of the two million Palestinian people in Gaza,” Godfrey said.
Later, “Freedom” headed for Shoreham, where it will remain anchored before sailing off to a French port.
At least 100 people holding Palestinian flags and banners also welcomed the boat in Shoreham.
As part of this year’s campaign launched by the international Freedom Flotilla Coalition, six boats set sail on May 15, which also marked the 70th anniversary of the Israeli occupation of Palestine (the Palestinian Nakba).
Under the slogan "Right to a Just Future for Palestine", the boats will stop at a number of European ports including in Denmark, Britain, Italy, Spain and Greece before their last leg to Gaza.
Every year for eight years now, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has been launching a new campaign to challenge the blockade.
On May 31, 2010, Israeli commandos killed nine Turkish activists in the Mavi Marmara boat convoy in international waters. The convoy, which was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was headed for Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid. Another activist later succumbed to his injuries.
According to Anadolu news agency, the boat was welcomed by a group of activists gathered at Brighton Marina with chants and slogans, including “Freedom to Palestine” and “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free”.
Horns were also blown by activists as the boat approached the marina before making its way to a harbor in Shoreham, a British seaside town, where it will remain anchored for three days.
Zaher Birawi, a British Palestinian journalist and head of the International Committee for Breaking the Siege of Gaza, said all the Freedom Flotilla campaign boats left the Dutch capital of Amsterdam a few days ago and are visiting various ports across Europe before heading for Gaza.
“’Freedom’ came to Brighton. We are here to salute it,” Birawi said, speaking to Anadolu.
He said the flotilla’s boats would gather in Spain at the end of June to set sail for Gaza in a bid to break Israel’s illegal naval blockade on the population.
Birawi, as a British citizens, called on the government in the UK to stop supporting Israel and stand with the oppressed people of Palestine.
For his part, James Godfrey, spokesman for the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, told Anadolu that it was the first time for an international Freedom Flotilla boat challenging the illegal blockade in Gaza to come to an English port.
“So it is important to highlight the British government’s complicity in the blockade of the two million Palestinian people in Gaza,” Godfrey said.
Later, “Freedom” headed for Shoreham, where it will remain anchored before sailing off to a French port.
At least 100 people holding Palestinian flags and banners also welcomed the boat in Shoreham.
As part of this year’s campaign launched by the international Freedom Flotilla Coalition, six boats set sail on May 15, which also marked the 70th anniversary of the Israeli occupation of Palestine (the Palestinian Nakba).
Under the slogan "Right to a Just Future for Palestine", the boats will stop at a number of European ports including in Denmark, Britain, Italy, Spain and Greece before their last leg to Gaza.
Every year for eight years now, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has been launching a new campaign to challenge the blockade.
On May 31, 2010, Israeli commandos killed nine Turkish activists in the Mavi Marmara boat convoy in international waters. The convoy, which was part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was headed for Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid. Another activist later succumbed to his injuries.