Palestinians being oppressed by the Israeli government is old news (but no less important). As the saga continues U.S. officials are passive. Word of the Palestinian plight echoes across foreign seas and activists from different countries have organized to orchestrate relief efforts. Unfortunately, bringing aid such as "medicine and construction equipment" to Gaza Strip are continually thwarted. Earlier boats from the international flotilla (fleet) were sabotaged while docked at port off the coast of Greece. Currently, the latest relief effort involves organized activists on U.S. boat poignantly named "The Audacity to Hope", which was allegedly stalled by the Israel Law Center on an unfounded complaint. Greek authorities inspected the U.S. boat which was soon released but sabotaged at gunpoint by the Hellenic Coast Guard five days later. Its captain, John Klusmire was arrested on suspicious maritime charges and taken prisoner by Greek authorities.
According to the USTOGAZA website,
" The Hellenic Coast Guard intercepted the ship and ordered that the ship stop. This order was obeyed. Commandos with drawn rifles ordered the ship to return. It is now impounded at a military dock in Athens and the captain has ben arrested.
Captain Klusmire faces two charges: disturbing sea traffic and endangering passengers; and moving away from the dock in violation of an order not to do so. He is being held in a cell without a bed and does not have access to toilet facilities. The only food and water he has had has been brought in by visitors. He has not been visited by anyone from the U.S. Embassy even though he is entitled to such a visit by international law."
The USTOGAZA campaign is literally sending out a virtual S.O.S, pleading with citizens to support the initiative and pressure Congress to take action and rightfully represent Klusmire so Greece will drop the charges, release him and The Audacity of Hope. "The U.S. Embassy provided standard consular services to the American citizens in the flotilla "before and after" the interception of their vessel", spokesman Stuart Smith said..and the Obama administration warned American activist against getting involved in the first place. Yet, activists are adamant and intend to continue fighting on behalf of humanity.
*Update 8/2011:
Former CIA Analyst Ray McGovern tells his story about
being aboard the Audacity of Hope flotilla to Gaza.
