25th June 2009 Video Free Gaza Special Edition Departing to Gaza

subtitles in French and Italian
Boats have not left today due to Israeli pressure on the Free Gaza Movement. We try again tomorrow.
More on public advisory on www.freegaza.org
(25 June 2009, LARNACA) - This is not the statement we in the Free Gaza Movement intended to release today. We had hoped to announce that our two ships, the Free Gaza and the Spirit of Humanity, departed from Larnaca Port on a 30-hour voyage to besieged Gaza, carrying human rights activists who have travelled to Cyprus from all across the world for this journey, 3 tons of medical supplies, and 15 tons of badly needed concrete and reconstruction supplies.
(...)
Instead, our ships were not given permission to leave today due to concerns about our welfare and safety. Our friends in Cyprus tell us that the voyage to Gaza is too dangerous, and they are worried we will be harmed at sea.
(...)
The risks we take on these trips are tiny compared to the risks imposed every day upon the people of Gaza.
The purpose of nonviolent direct action and civil resistance is to take risks - to put ourselves "in the way" of injustice. We take these risks well aware of what the possible consequences may be. We do so because the consequences of doing nothing are so much worse. Anytime we allow ourselves to be bullied, every time we pass by an evil and ignore it - we lower our standards and allow our world to be made that much harsher and unjust for us all.
In addition to the concerns expressed by our Cypriot friends today, the American consulate in Nicosia warned us not to go to Gaza, stating that:
"...[T]he Israeli Foreign Ministry informed U.S. officials at the American Embassy in Tel Aviv that Israel still considers Gaza an area of conflict and that any Free Gaza boats attempting to sail to the Gaza Strip will "not be permitted" to reach its destination."
Former U.S. Congresswoman & presidential candidate Cynthia McKinney responded to this warning by pointing out that, "The White House says that cement and medical supplies should get into Gaza and that's exactly what we are attempting to take to Gaza."
"Instead of quoting Israel policy to us," McKinney continued, "...the U.S. should send a message to Israel reiterating the reported White House position that the blockade of Gaza should be eased, that medical supplies and building materials, including cement, should be allowed in. The Free Gaza boats should be allowed to reach their destination, traveling from Cyprus territorial waters, through international waters, and straight into Gaza territorial waters."
"The State Department has chosen to advise us to take the Israeli notification seriously. Our question is, Can we take President Obama seriously?' Will he stand by his own words and allow us to provide relief for Gaza or will he back down?"
Tomorrow we will deliver a waiver, signed by all going to Gaza, that we absolve Cyprus of all responsibility for our safety. We would like to tell our friends here in Cyprus that though we understand and appreciate their concerns, we will not back down to Israel's threats and intimidation.

This video has been realized while all the above was going on.
Footage by : Alex (Free Gaza)
Footage by : Dianne Lee
Footage by Amed Badwan
Footage by : Intenational Solidarity Movement activists in Gaza
Photo by : Sameh A. Habeeb
Music by : Plastilina Luminosa

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• 25th
• June
• 2009
• Viddeo
• Free
• Gaza
• Special
• Edition
• Palestine
• Israel
• siege
• block

[sarahmarshall77]

If there were a few more people like this around the world would be a better place. You have my deepest admiration and I shall be thinking of you every step of the way.

[jayezzo]

Gaza will not surrender to the Zionist Criminals, neither will we.

God will be with you.

[electango]

What are you talking about.  God is on Israel's side!

[dida060]

It will be held on January 31 in December 2009 and 1 January 2010 "march for freedom gaza"

[BehRooZok1]

Zionist are dommed to failure.I know this by heart & mind(experience of the historical facts)....Down with them...long live the solidarity of the freedom loving people with the palestinian people !!Keep up the good work....world loves you !! Payman Piedar

[IDANNYI1]

We are so deeply sorry to hear that the sailing was not able to go ahead on June 25th. We wish you every success on forthcoming attempts, and of course condemn the Israeli Government for their oppressive and illegal actions to prevent the sailings. Our thoughts are with you as always.

Denis and Joan Thompson, Manchester, UK

[kevpeace]

May Allah bless you on your trip!

[plarson54]

Don't give up - you're doing a wonderful and brave thing!

[anamdelmar]

It has been very moving to see so many of my friends with whom I was happy to participate in last year's break of the siege on 23rd August, and so many new. We will go again unarmed, nonviolently and with resolution as many times as are necessary until Gaza is not sieged, the whole of Palestine free. We are by our sisters and brothers in Palestine. Have a good voyage my dear all and send my love to the people of Gaza.

[djigivara1]

God Bless All of You

Why Israel can do all what it want

Why Arabs countries do nothing at all for they Palestinien brothers

Israel will pay all the crimes in Palestine and Lebanon!! God will ERASE them!!!