On Tuesday, June 1, at 5 p.m., peace and justice activists in Duluth will gather at the Federal Building to denounce the Israeli government’s assault on the Gaza Freedom Convoy and call for an end to U.S. aid for Israel.
Israel’s attack in international waters in the early morning of May 31, which left 19 convoy members dead and dozens wounded, has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community as a brutal act of piracy against a humanitarian effort. Activists in Duluth will demonstrate in solidarity with protesters in the Middle East and around the world. They will demand an end to U.S. aid to Israel and for the State of Minnesota to divest from its Israel bonds, as part of the growing worldwide movement of Boycotts, Divestments and Sanctions against Israeli apartheid.
The six ships of the Gaza Freedom Convoy were loaded with 10,000 tons of supplies, including medicine and building materials, bound for the Gaza Strip, which has been completely blockaded by Israel since its December, 2008 assault on Gaza. The ships were meticulously inspected by Cypriot authorities before departing for Palestine. The convoy was organized by IHH, a Turkish charity organization, along with the Free Gaza Movement. Notwithstanding the claims of the Israeli military that its commandos were attacked by convoy members as they boarded, journalists and eyewitnesses aboard the ships have reported that convoy members were unarmed and flying a white flag when the commandos opened fire. At least 50 of the 700 activists on board the ships have been taken prisoner by Israeli authorities. Two of the boats in the convoy are U.S.-registered vessels.
WHAT: Emergency protest against Israeli attack on Gaza Freedom Convoy
WHEN: Tuesday, June 1, 5 p.m.
WHERE: Duluth Federal Building
SPONSORED BY: Twin Ports Break the Bonds Campaign & Northland Anti-War Coalition
