THREE BRAVE ISRAELIS BOUND FOR GAZA

Three Israelis who care enough to try and make a difference; I am speaking about those that are about to sail to Gaza on the Humanitarian Flotillas…. despite threats from both the Israeli and US governments …

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The first is Yonatan Shapira, a crew member on the Audacity of Hope ….

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In his own words … I was a captain in the Israeli Air Force and a Black-Hawk Pilot until 2003 when together with other pilots I initiated the pilots’ letter and refused to take part in the crimes of the occupation. Today I am a member of Boycott, a group of Israeli citizens who are actively supporting the Palestinian call for Boycott Divestment and Sanctions from within. I have a Master degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, I facilitate dialogue groups and volunteer as a sailing instructor for children with disabilities. I’ve been sailing since I was a child and in September of 2010 I was a crew member on the Jewish boat to Gaza that was intercepted by the Israeli Navy. I work as a commercial pilot in the US and am still dreaming to be a musician.

The second is Amira Hass, journalist for HaAretz. Her work frequently appears on this site. She is a passenger on board the Canadian ship to Gaza, ‘The Tahrir’, named after the now famous Square in Egypt.

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Her first report, Fear and no clean clothing: Amira Hass preparing to sail for Gaza can be read HERE.

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Last, but not least is a dear friend, another frequent contributor to this Blog, Joseph Dana. Joseph has joined the passengers on the American Boat as well. His first report from Athens can be read HERE.

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About Joseph; (from his Blog) Joseph Dana, a journalist and writer based in Tel Aviv and Ramallah, is a contributing editor to the independent web magazine +972. His work has appeared in The Nation, Le Monde Diplomatique, The National, Tablet Magazine, Al Jazeera English The Jewish Daily Forward and Haaretz. His reporting from the West Bank has been cited in the New York Times, the Guardian and the BBC. Dana is a regular media commentator with appearances on Al Jazeera English, BBC Arabic and National Public Radio.

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A recent interview with Al Jazeera …