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Update: Freedom Flotilla departs for Gaza

The Freedom Flotilla departs for Gaza. Photo from Freedom Flotilla Coalition

London Chapter co-chair David Heap has been in Palermo, Italy, working to help refugees and supporting the Gaza Freedom Flotilla which sailed from Sicily yesterday, July 22.

New Zealand-based activist Mike Treen blogged about the departure and his experience so far, including support in Sicily and elsewhere: “The Freedom Flotilla participants were […] warmly welcomed by thousands of Italian and Spanish supporters of refugee rights and open borders in a joint march through the fantastically beautiful city at night.” Members of the Flotilla have had training from US professionals in non-violent resistance, support from Portuguese port workers and Scandinavian fisherman, and endorsements from sympathetic MPs and Ambassadors.

Now that the Flotilla is on the final leg of its journey, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition is asking supporters to amplify their message and help ensure a successful voyage. The Coalition Facebook page asks supporters to: 1) contact elected officials; 2) stay up to date on social media; 3) encourage others to spread the word; and 4) demand fair news coverage from local and national media.

You can read the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s Facebook post here.

You can read Mike Treen’s blog here.

See our previous blog on this year’s Freedom Flotilla here.

The Council of Canadians has long called for an end to the blockade of Gaza, and highlighted the water crisis created by the ongoing conflict.