Update from Zaytouna-Oliva Day 3 and 4: Morale is good

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The following is a compilation from the Captain, crew and participants on the boat.

Wednesday, September 28

We had heavy showers and several women are seasick. There were not many takers of the cous cous salad we had for lunch.  But our discomfort at sea pales in comparison to the people of Palestine.

Thursday, September 29

Today has been easier and we are enjoying calm conditions. We are sitting together enjoying the noon sunshine. It is nice to see everyone smiling and finding their sealegs. Women are singing “I am sailing to be near to you”.

https://wbg.freedomflotilla.org/news/update-from-zaytouna-day-3-and-4-moral-is-good

Update from Zaytouna-Oliva, Day 2

women-on-boat-28-9-16Our course remains the conscience of humanity.

As reported yesterday, the Zaytouna-Oliva has departed Messina with its course set for Gaza. Difficult weather conditions last night caused damage to her rigging. All on board are ok and she continues her course under engine power. Presently, we are considering our options for repair. We want everyone to know that the safety and well-being of all those on board remain our priorities.

https://wbg.freedomflotilla.org/news/update-from-zaytouna-oliva-day-2 

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Zaytouna-Oliva departs for Gaza; Amal-Hope II to follow soon

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Photo from dockside this morning, credit: Freedom Flotilla Italy

Zaytouna-Oliva departs for Gaza

Amal-Hope II to follow soon

For Immediate Release 
September 27, 2016 

Contacts people: Lucia Intruglio / Wendy Goldsmith
Phone: +39 368 746 8528 /  +39 328 718 5648

Email: lucia.intruglio@gmail.com / wendy goldsmith 

Messina, Italy:  This morning at 9:50 am, women representing 13 countries spanning five continents began their journey on Zaytouna-Oliva to the shores of Gaza, which has been under blockade since 2007. On board are a Nobel Peace Laureate, three parliamentarians, a decorated US diplomat, journalists, an Olympic athlete, and a physician. A list of the women with their background can be found here

Continue reading Zaytouna-Oliva departs for Gaza; Amal-Hope II to follow soon

Interview with Gail Miller, activist on the flotilla

Gail Miller, an activist on the flotilla from Barcelona to Gaza these days, in an interview to Israel Social TV on the reasons for her support in the flotilla. The flotilla, which began with a happening event to raise awareness to the siege on Gaza is a feminine initiative and is composed entirely of women from various countries around the world who have chosen to raise awareness of the issue through the flotilla.

Watch the interview here

Zaytouna-Oliva leaves Ajaccio, Corsica for Messina, Italy – its final European port before sailing to break the illegal blockade of Gaza

For Immediate Release 
20 September 2016

Ajaccio, Corsica, France: The Women’s Boat to Gaza (Zaytouna-Oliva) left the port of Ajaccio at 09:30 this morning. It is due to arrive later this week in MessinaSicily, Italy, where it will dock for the last time, prior to sailing to challenge the illegal blockade of Gaza. 

One of the participants aboard, Lisa Gay Hamilton said: “It is an honour to be here and join this extraordinary group of women. This issue is bigger than me, than any of us. As a mother, as a daughter, as a sister, I cannot help thinking of Palestinian women in Gaza, who live in an open-air prison because of the occupation. It is so painful to think of them, we have to take action to end the blockade of Gaza.” A full list of the participants on this leg is available at: https://wbg.freedomflotilla.org/participants

Lucia Intruglio, spokesperson and one of the local organisers in Messina said: “We are very pleased to host the women on Zaytouna-Oliva before they embark on this historic voyage.”  During their stay in Messina, all of the women will participate in non-violence training, whilst finalizing supplies and equipment for the boat.  

A previous Freedom Flotilla Coalition ship, the Marianne av Göteborg from Sweden, departed from Sicily last year. It however was raided in international waters by the Israeli Occupation Forces. When asked whether the Zaytouna-Oliva will reach its destination, Intruglio replied: “Our destination remains the conscience of humanity. It is up to every one of us to help them succeed in this.”

The Women’s Boat to Gaza is an initiative of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition composed of civil society organizations and campaigns from more than a dozen countries. 

In Canada please contact:

Sandra Ruch: miriamswell@hotmail.com    +1-416-716-4010

Irene Macinnes: iremac@shaw.ca   +1-778-870-2448

 

Donate: 

You can support the Women's Boat to Gaza by donating online:  https://canadaboatgaza.org/donate/

Those who can benefit from a U.S. tax receipt can contribute online at

https://womensboatgaza-nonviolenceinternational.nationbuilder.com/contribute

 

Other ways to get involved:

Follow us at www.canadaboatgaza.org and freedomflotilla.org

www.facebook.com/FreedomFlotillaCoalition/ and www.facebook.com/CanadaBoatGaza/

Twitter @GazaFFlotilla  @CanadaBoatGaza 

Canadian Boat to Gaza:  www.canadaboatgaza.org email: canadaboatgaza@gmail.com

Bateau Canadien pour GAZA:  www.canadaboatgaza.org courriel: canadaboatgaza@gmail.com