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Wednesday's Connector: Greta Berlin
As the controversy over the Israeli raid on the Gaza aid flotilla continues, one of the groups at the center of the dispute says it is still looking for answers.
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caption="Greta Berlin is your Connector of the Day."]
Greta Berlin, founder of the Free Gaza Movement which helped organize the aid convoy, has been trying to locate volunteers who were taken off vessels by Israeli security forces on Monday as they tried to deliver aid to Gaza.
The six ships in the convoy were captured after a pre-dawn raid by Israeli commandos. Israel says that at least nine activists died; while the Free Gaza Movement says the number is higher.
The Free Gaza Movement international alliance is a coalition of pro-Palestinian human rights organizations and activists. It seeks to publicize Israel’s blockade of Gaza that followed the election of Hamas in the territory in 2007.
The Israeli government says the blockade –which covers all land, sea and air routes – is designed to stop the smuggling of arms into the territory that are ultimately used against it. It points to the fact its civilians have been plagued by rockets and missiles fired into Israel from Gaza that originated in countries including Iran and Syria.
The Free Gaza Movement has previously boats with aid toward Gaza in defiance of the blockade. Berlin says the group is determined to continue with its work and plans to send two more aid ships next week, despite Monday’s events.
Hello Greta Berlin and CNN friends,
I would like an answer from Greta Berlin on the following questions:
– Why is Palestine NOT a member of the United Nations, whose stated aim is to achieve WORLD PEACE?
– What needs to be done to establish PEACE between Palestine and Israel?
– What can we expect from you in 2010?
– How are you inspiring people all over the world to make our world a Better Healthier and Beautiful Place?
I am awaiting Greta Berlin’s replies.
Greetings,
Jurgen R. Brul
Hometown: Paramaribo
Country: Suriname
Latin-American
I strongly condem what happened but I'd like to know why your group didn't accept the mediation offered by the parents of Gilad Shalit and refused to deliver a letter to his son, who remains being captived.
also I would like to ask whether she feels that they have been manipulated by Turkey.
hi greta,
you started your flotilla in turkey. why not first go lend a hand to the kurds? and then to the chechens?
Dear greta. I want to ask you jest one thing.
In the picturs filmed by the activists on the ship, we can see an activist stabing a soldier. I saw the soldier jest landed on the ship, why was he stabed? Why the pice activists had knives?
Hello Greta Berlin
Gaza siege, It's a shame for entire humanity and the effort u took is incomparable and a the message of nonviolence resistance was profound.
Whatz next? Siege is still there? Shall we expect a bigger one soon?
infact, a flotilla with all nationalities...
Best Regards
Shameer,
India
First, I strongly condemn Israel's actions. Simultaneously, the flotilla participants had to know that they would fail in their mission of delivering relief supplies to Gaza and so one might assume it was only a publicity stunt to begin with. Nothing wrong with that either per say however it seems to me that a more permanent solution for everyone would be for both parties to ask themselves, "who do we need to be and how to do we need to show up in order to begin the process of trust building and movement toward peace for our families, our neighbors, our communities, our world?" Specifically, HOW and WHAT is your organization doing to build a bridge of peace between both parties as opposed to confrontational acts?
I recently saw videos on YouTube of activists with what appeared to be large sticks of some sort (the video claimed they were metal rods) and metal chains (that could be clearly seen). Stun Grenades were thrown down into the boat in the video. I'm curious why a group of peace activists would have weapons of resistance instead of relying on non-violent methods of resistance (like on the other boats where people didn't fight). Why not let the boat be taken over when board by the Israeli Navy instead of resort to violence which escalated into the deaths of activists.
Thank you.
Joshua C
A few questions for Greta:
1. It was quite obvious that the Israeli navy would intercept that convoy before it would reach Gaza and that some kind of violence will take place on the ship- so why didn't the "Free Gaza movement" agreed to Israel's suggestion and transferred the aid through Israel?
2. Shortly after Israel seized the ship- the "Free Gaza movement" clearly said that "the activists were not going to poise any violent resistance". However- videos which were released by the Israeli army and by the reporters which were on the ship, as well as heavily wounded Israeli soldiers- prove otherwise. What's the "Free Gaza movement" current version of the events?
3. The IHH, the country which joined the Free Gaza Movement in this aid flotilla is suspected to have connections with terror organizations including Al-Qaeda, the Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. How can a human right organization join forces with such an organization?
4. Five of the six ships which were captured by Israel were captures without any resistance and without any casualties, or in other words- neither the Israeli soldiers nor the activists used violence. Why was the faith of the Mavi Marmara different?
Hello my Hero Greta, I am in Sydney Australia, please let me know how can myself, my family and my friends help your nobel cause.
Kind regards,
Tom
What are you going to do to avoid Israeli propaganda against the activists? They will start saying that you guys support terrorism and all that non sense to shift the blame away from them.
Greta is looking for publicity. Anything to do with Israel creates world curiosity; hence Greta is riding on that global consciouness showing her desperaion for world attention.
The main achievment is that the peace talks that just begun,will now freeze that is the legacy of the free gaza flotilla,if it really wanted to deliver aid it could have been done via El Arish the Egyptian port or via Ashdod, the main aim was to cause a fight that is what is seen on the videos why were there axes knives night vision goggles body armour etc not the tools of Gandi but of violent resistance
The UN Red Cross etc delivers aid not individual anachistis hooligans
The Irony is the flotilla traveled via Turkish Occupied Cyprus carrying the opressers of Kurdistan with the stain of Armenian Genocide but that seems to be just ignored
Dear Greta,
Your peoples films show the people on board attack and stab the soldiers as they land on the ship, with no provocation on the soldiers part. As well, European newspapers, as well as Turkish ones, show the connection between at least 4 people from the convoy to known terror organizations and 3 of them (all 3 are Turkish) left notes that they want to be martyrs ("shaid"). This all lead any objective person with the strong notion that the flotilla was not a peace convoy but a terror convoy.
Why did you allow those terror activists on board if your mission is supposed to be a peaceful one??
It is said that Israel agreed to let you transfer your aid to Gaza through land after inspecting the aid at their Ashdod ports. I dont see anything wrong in that and why wasnt that offer accepted? It sounds acceptable enough to me unless you had something to hide or your organisation went there looking for trouble.
Thanks.
Hello Greta,
Since the intention of the flotilla was supposedly peaceful and non-violent I'd like to know for what purpose the participants have brought along knives, metal rods and slingshots with loads of marbles for shooting? How would you explain the lynch-mob type behavior of your organization's activists shown in the footage?
Another question, what was the reason for refusing Israel's offer to transport your humanitarian aid to Gaza overland and choose confrontation instead? How do you reconcile this decision with your declared purpose of actually helping people in Gaza? It seems that there was another reason for that decision, I'd like you to clear it up.
Thanks in advance for your answers.
Val
I think that a flotilla of humanitarian aid was a very effective way to make a political statement about the illegal, immoral and inhumane siege. Peace activists can do little more than gain the attention of the media. Hence the media black out by the Israelis and confiscation of the journalist and citizen cameras and laptops aboard the flotilla. This has been the case for a very long time. At some point the power of truth overcomes the power of lies. The attention of the media forces the parties to build bridges at some point. This was very effective during the boycott of South Africa years ago. The action was very effective, sadly the loss of life was part of it. However, every day that the siege goes on more and more people are dying quietly out of the public eye.
With regards to your having to moderate my comments in my above statement, Is that because the truth has an ugly ring to it?? I am not a violet person I have no criminal history I was born into a peace loving democracy and I feel that all people need every chance to have the same and what is being done to the people of Palestine RIGHT NOW is not in the the best interest of world peace! again a Canadian perspective.
Greta, Did the turkish "peace activist" on the ship, manipulate you as they seemed to want a confrontation by wanting to lynch the Israeli soldiers.
5 of the 6 ships used passive stuggle against the Israeli's and none of those passengers were hurt.
Were you set up by professional provocateurs?
This shows that your group really wanted was a fight and just a publicity stunt.
Hello Greta,
if your organization claims that your aim is to help Gaza people, why was your response to the Israeli Naval invitation to supply ALL of your humanitarian aid through Israeli harbor and land convoy answered by "JIHAD! JIHAD!" and curses over the radio? and why was the total amount of aid found on the 6 ships only enough to fill a few trucks – so there were 10 times more thugs and weapons on board than actual commodities? and most important, how do you call yourself a peaceful organization, when your activists RECORD themselves BEFORE boarding the ships saying that they want to be "SHAHEED" – holy martyrs?
The islamic movement in Turkey is up since the akp party came to power eight years ago.. Turks never had much love for the arabs since they back stabbed Turks in first world war... i would like to ask Greta Berlin that whether she feels the Turkish support is geiune or she feels that Turkish government backing this campaign to play for a bigger role in Middle East and In the World..
guillermo b.
If you want, you can give aid to any turkish citizen(includes kurds) and no-one will deny you. Also there is no blockage in any area of Turkey and
Turkish seas. What about you? Why you are blocking all ways to GAZA and GAZA is not a part of ISRAEL!!!
I would like to ask her why is she in support of a territory that was in effect violently seized and thousands died. And who's sole raison d'etre is to be at war with their neighbours based on Iranian direction – As per Abbas himself.
I would like to ask her why they didnt try and go via Egypt to break this blockade ,
If the Free Gaza movement doesn't trust the Israeli's to deliver the aid, why didn't the aid go through Egypt?
How come the footage by both the IDF and the activists show a completely different scenario than that being said by the activists?
How come the footage clearly shows Israeli soldiers being attacked, but the activists claims to say they did nothing? Why did 5 of the 6th ships let them on without anything as atrocious as the 6th?
Hello Greta,
I wanted to ask you:
1. Why did you not let Israel transfer the goods to Gaza themselves?
2. Why didn't you try to get through Egypt's blockade of Gaza?
3. Why did you refuse to carry a letter to the kidnapped Israeli soldier from his father?
4. Why did the peace activists attack and stab the Israeli soldiers?
5. Were there really Jihadists on board the ship? If so, how did the peace activists allow people whose adjenda is violence to get mixed in?
Hi greta and Becky,
First I regret the loss of lives on the flotilla ship.
While I watched the clips from the israeli operation, I could see clearly the israeli soldiers descending from their helicopters right into the waiting hands of viciously attacking people on the ship. The soldiers were being attacked even before they had the chance to say why they were there.
My question is – how could you justify your claim that the IDF soldiers were the aggressors in the face of such an overwhelming evidence to the contrary? The video clips were not made up I suppose.
Hello, Greta,
If a riot-policeman was surrounded, outnumbered and beaten, he wouldn't hesitate to use lethal force.
We can plainly see from video footage that your passengers presented Israeli soldiers with the same situtation.
Why were 'Peace Activists' allowed on board with knives and other weapons, with the stated intention to use violence?
This has brought the credibility of your entire organization into question.
Dan,
London,
UK
Hi Greta,
Although the action by the Israelis may have been grave, the Free Gaza group has not shown to be peaceful, as can be seen by the video.
Or do you believe the video has been tampered with.
Question: Why take so much effort and people to visit Gaza.
Why not visit Chechia, Kashmir, Kurdistan, Tibet , IRAN or North Korea.
Especially North Korea since those people are STARVING to death because they are prevented to obtain medicine and food you tried to supply to Gaza.
The reason is simple. you know Israel is democratic with a certain rule of law. Israel is a small country of 7 million people and is not that aggressive as the ones I mentioned.
That is why you dare and not dare to take 600 people to North Korea or Tibet crossing the border. You know that N.Korea or the Chinese will be much more merciless in treatment of those 600 people.
Isreal has a problem with Gaza that is true, but somehow all world attention is focussed on this tiny country and dare not do focus on i.e. Nortrh Korea.
Why does the US consistently (no matter what administration) continue to allow Israel to behave as it does?
Even though Egypt, a friendly Muslim nation is ready to deliver the aid to Gaza, why you are choosing a way to confront Israel by going directly. Do you want more people to be killed and by hearing this news more and more people are radicalized ....Why do you want to do that ?
Hi.
If the purpose of this flotilla was humanitarian, how could you accept to cooperate with the IHH, which according to the International Studies Danish Institute and US court of law is an organization that actively support terror organization (Hamas, Al-Qaeda, etc) financially and provide them weapons as well ?
In the last month the Gaza borders with Israel is opened to transfer humanitarian aid, why didn't you used it? or even transfer the aid throw Egypt?
How did you react when a large group of the "humanitarian" came to the boat with supply of clubs, knifes and other weapons? did you try to stop them or to clarify that you are not interesting in this kind of activity on the boat?
hi Greta,
i'm fr Malaysia where some of the missing volunteers are from.
i would like to post only 1 question to u....which is ... Are u accountable for your actions and the lost of lives resulting from your irresponsible action???
From what i have seen all this while,activists are a gung ho bunch of antagonists who have no respect for others....they try to be like Gandhi but went overboard with their ignorance about other people's culture and sovereignty.
Doing charity and saving the world is fine and dandy but doing it in a dangerous manner provoking retaliation is just plain irresponsible.
Would u have regretted the whole publicity stunt if it was your husband and children who were killed in the raid ??? Pls think before u act.....for others sake else u would be no better than Hitler !!!!!
The Israeli action was a disgrace, as is their continuing blockade of what should be a free country.
The citizens of a country need to have pride in themselves and their governent if the country is to survive peacefully, and theire is no way that the Israeli blockade encourages this. By continually preventing Gazans from developing this pride, they stir up the trouble that gets the Israelis their valuable foreign support.
I hope that the governments of the sane world will support you by providing more ships, more humanitarian aid, and more volunteers willing to defend themselves and their much-needed aid against pirates. I also hope that the UN and others will prosecute the Israeli military, or their commander in chief, for this illegal action.
I'm shocked by interviews of activists claiming that they absolutely had no weapons and didn't attack the soldiers. The video which clearly shows otherwise is out there for anyone to see. How do you manage to lie in the face? How do you do it?
HOW CAN THE WOLRD STAND BY AND BE WATCHING ISREAL DOING THESE BARBARIC ACTS ,AND ITS SUPPORTS CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THEM.THE WORLD SHOULD CONTROL ISRAELS EXCESS.THE WESTERN WORLD SHOULD HAVE A RETHINK ON THE PERSECUTION OF PALESTNINES BY ISREAL
videos clearly show the activists attacking israeli soldiers without any prior action by the soldiers, who weren't even armed, but holding paint guns. metal rods, knives (not kitchen knives but military ones), flashbangs, and various sorts of weapons were used to attack the soldiers, and it seems that the activists weren't peaceful but a fanatic mob. also, documents prove links between some of the activists to terrorists (al qaeda, hamas). i would like to hear your explaination to this barbaric-like behavior by the alleged peaceful activists.
i do believe most of the people were peaceful, but how can you explain the violent group that joined you? i would like to support your cause, but it seems like you guys were the violent side, not the israelis (it's a fact that on the other 5 ships no violent incidents occured). i really hope you can reply to this because i want to believe you guys were peaceful – but even your own videos show the violence and stabbings.
I have three questions that I hope you could enlighten me about.
-Why didn’t the convoy except to take the parcel for the kidnapped IDF soldier?
-Can one be considered a humanitarian mission if you refuse the last?
-And why where the protesters beating the soldiers to the point where one was nearly killed?
Greta,
Given that you are a 'humanitarian', what do you do for a day job?
Presumably you earn a living – who pays your salary?
What is the payroll for the Free Gaza employees?
Where does the money for the flotilla and supplies come from?
Why not spend that money on supplies that Israel would let through over land? You could alleviate more suffering that way? Or isnt that the issue?
Joe
'Nothing is more profitable than giving away money'
Can you explain why, if the stories about indiscriminate shootings by the Israelis are indeed true, shooting occured only at one single ship and not at any of the others?
IBRAHEEEM AHAMADU you clearly haven't watched any video – the israelis weren't the barbaric side, the activists were, and they risked the soldiers' lives, thus forcing the commandos to shoot them.
Hi Greta,
If the Arab nations are more likely to co-operate with aid to Gaza, why didnt you sail thru Egypt? and if you did sail thru Egyptian waters – do you think they would have boarded the ships as well?
Regards,
Alan James
New York, NY
Hi Greta
I can see packs of Zoinist activists puting silly questions here and asking the questions they already know the answers, all you will get from these people is lying and deception, the audited video shown by IDF is nothing but a attempt to shift the blame on unarmed aid activitists, the reality that they actually killed 9 people speaks on top of all the paty excuses these shameless people coming up with. I think your mission done a great job in exposing how brutal, murderer extrmist regime this Israel is and what Pelistenian people have to put up with from many decades, so my sincere condolences and wish you very best.
Dear Ms. Berlin,
Since both Israel and Egypt have been blockading Hamas in Gaza since 2007 why doesn't your literature reflect this? Is "the siege" immoral for Israel but not Egypt?
Wouldn't it make more sense, if your aim was to actually get aid to gaza, to go through Egypt which would presumably be more amiable to your cause?
Hello Greta
Just two question – children in Gaza are NOT starving. basic needs like food and medicine are being transported. Does your organization aids people and children which are really in need, like in Africa and many other parts of the world? because, frankly, there many people suffering from worse conditions than the Gazan people.
Second question – Hamas is known for taking aid aimed for the people and SELLING the aid to the people for profit. what would you have done to avoid it, and to really help the simple PEOPLE in gaza reciving the goods, and not their terrorist government?
I am a pacifist,never been in trouble in my life.However if at the break of dawn I was confronted by attack helicopters and armed to the teeth swaat commandos I just might think they were going to kill me.If someone shouts "duck" you don't ask why or reason so i can fully understand why they defended themselves against a hostile invading party.What I don't understand is why the Israelis think by wheeling out the propaganda machine/usual old stories, this will make things any better.They already have a reputation for brutality and this merely confirms a long litany of similar cases.They need to get real and start building bridges not bombs.Why not put all this insane effort into diplomatic paradigms,they might be surprised what can be achieved by shaking more hands rather than biting them. They have overplayed their hand on this one and need to step back.
Dear Greta,
I am just a little curious. If yours was a "mission of peace" why did your fellow travellers immediately attack the Israeli boarding party. Maritime blockades have been commonplace for centuries so I am sure the ships' captains knew what to do. Why would "peace-activists" so quickly turn to violence?
Obviously so many Israelis and its supporters flooding comments to this arena, pointing their fingers to other directions.
In fact, Free Gaza movement (also involving fellow Jews) is just concerned with "humanity", something that Israeli rulers already lost.
These guys always crying when recalling Nazi's brutality, but in fact they are the Nazis of today.
Well, time will come when these guys will be at the same state of Ariel Sharon's nowadays physical condition.
Gil
I'm glad that your organization has decided to show how Israel is truly reprehensible for trying to keep weapons away from people who've attacked it in the past by sending thousands of missiles its way and hanging on to a kidnapped soldier. Israel should just let Hamas continue with such behavior – I'm sure that's what the USA and England would do under similar circumstances. I'm wondering if after you're done in Israel, you'll set your sights on showing the world how peace-loving and liberal countries like North Korea, Somalia, Iran and Saudi Arabia really are. I mean, I'm sure the Saudis would let you out in public in a miniskirt with your head uncovered, right? But for some reason no one believes that. You should set the record straight.
The Israeli commando that pirated the ships claimed they where initially beaten up by the peace activists. If so, why did they jam all the media transmission , and why did they destroy all the media cameras on board ! The weapon most feared by the israeli army is the camera....
If only the good people of the US, knew better how they are being manipulated..
Gerald, I'm sure that you, as a true pacifist, while going on a trip like this, should bring along a couple of military knives, a metal rod, a sling shot with 2-3 packs of marbles (what good is a sling shot without them anyway?).
Also, next time you shouldn't forget to leave a taped message proclaiming yourself as a "martyr" - no self-respecting pacifist wouldn't have that hope.
I support Israel's actions. I lived there and have seen far more that what American public is spoon fed by news channels.
Gaza was taken over by Hamas (equivalent of Al Qaeda) in 2007. They keep shooting rockets into cities. I have been in that city, in college Sapir, and students get killed by the rockets all the time. Israel blocked Gaza to make locals turn away from Hamas so that violence can be stopped. Well, the world wants Gaza to remain open so that more civilians die on a daily basis on Israeli side (an US media doesn’t give a damn about these casualties). Turks send ships to Israeli territory like it’s their own backyard. Turks and the rest of the activists got what they deserved.
Israel offered to deliver the supplies the ships were carrying and the activists refused so it wasn’t about getting supplies to Gaza. The ships were carrying concrete which Hamas uses to build bunkers yet they call that humanitarian. Israel delivers thousands of tons of food to Gaza so they citizens aren’t starving. Not only that but Egypt shares a border with Gaza and was part of the blockade so it wasn’t just Israel.
Dear all
Some of the guys insisting on askin questions why the people on flotilla use knife ;
I want to know if they see what happen before all the soldiers enter the ship from helicopter.
Because some of them say they firing of the gun start from helicopter.so how could they meet when they enter the ship?(with soldiers) do you think it can be with flower with this conditions.
How can a "peace activist" attack anyone with pipes/bars/knives/anything, and still be considered a peace activist? They knew the Isrealis would intercept, so it looks like a planned ambush: if one wants to declare war, how can one wear the guise of a peace activist without shame?
I think the Israelis were completely within their rights to board and search the ships in international waters, because of the prior stated purpose of the flotilla was to break a military blockade. Until HAMAS is removed, then the blockade must be maintained. Side point, it is not only Israel that is maintaining the blockade. Contrary to what the activists say, the video clearly shows the soldiers being attacked as they quick roped onto the vessel, so it was the activists that initiated the violence. The soldiers had no choice but to act as soldiers are trained to act. I think the fact that only 9 or so activists were killed shows incredible restraint on the part of the Israel soldiers. They MUST stop every attempt to breach the blockade. If they let 1 ship though, then others will expect the same, and then explosives and weapons will pour into Gaza from the Governments and organizations that have openly stated their goal is the extermination of Israel.
Greta? What are you going to do now that you have failed?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6sAEYpHF24
This ia a "Humanitarian Aid Convoy" ?
Really ?
I don't think so .
why do the "peaceful" savages say the soldiers fired prior to the boarding? there were 6 ships. 5 of them were boarded and taken peacefully. obviously soldiers didn't shoot there. the only difference between these 5 to the big one is the barbaric bahavior of the "peace activists" attacking the soldiers with various weapons including knives, metal rods and flash grenades. it's a fact that this was the only ship where activists attacked soldiers and thus they were shot. in other ships the resistence was verbal so the soldiers didn't harm anybody. when you brutally try to lynch commandos – dont expect them to hug you. when their lives are in risk they have a 'go-ahead' to shoot under self-defense.
Got some questions to you all regarding Palestinian and Israel. Please read it with open mind and be honest to yourself.
1. How many attack being led by Palestinian to Israel's territory and almost all of UN's countries treated these action as terrorist activities? I think, almost all were being published as Terrorist activities.
2. In most cases, what were the weapons of Palestinian? Rock, probably some old machine gun (AK-47), and some another old rocket launcher.
3. How many attack and massacre were being triggered by Israeli's? Uncountable but rarely being published
4. What were the weapons of Israeli's soldier when they did these massacres? Well, just high tech weaponry, and some of the most advanced tanks ever made
5. What were their reason for these action? They said it for self defense (yeah, by killing thousands of people for fun and amusement).
6. And how UN's countries act? Just criticized Israel that their action was bad action. (You can call it anything you like such as condemned or whatever. But as long as there is no action, I still count it as criticized).
For any of you who think that what Greta did were wrong, it's all because all of you live in a nice place where there is no fear of death will be coming anytime. Try to live in Gaza with Palestinian for a week or so, then you will reconsider about your thought
If your mission was to bring supplies into Gaza why did you not accept the Israeli offer to deliver the supplies? Why did you allow terrorists on board the ship? Why did you attack people armed with paint ball guns? Why are you not trying to free women in Iran? Do you think we are stupid?
Dear Greta,
Thank you.
I am an African and a Christain. I strognly believe in the security of Isreal and her right to existence and will always stand up to this conviction. However, I am completely aginst the violence on civilians trying to treat the suffering masses in Gaza with some milk of kindness. The IDF action was illegal and the killigns against the law of God.
These so called aid helpers for Gaza are the true attackers – we know how they want to gain reputation for themselves and their motives are very much in doubt. This has got nothing to do with humanitarian aid, but a lot of attention seekers that want adventure under the protection of the UN
Dear Greta,
I understand your feelings and your engagement but the results of your actions have led to a number of dead, the suspension of peace talks and risk of a major war even between Israel and Turkey which has supported you heavily and which has a prime minister which does today whatever Ahmedinejad asks him to do. To remind you Ahmedinejad has declared yesterday that Israel's end is near. Is the future death of over 7 million Jews will be enough for you? Do you want another holocaust? Will you then be happy for Gaza?
I think your action is wrong and dangerous and the result is clear. Israel is a very small country with many enemies. You should have tried to gain their trust not try to force things as you did.
Finally, on your boats, you did not verify who is on it. As you may know many jihadists try to get into Gaza for ideological reasons. Peace is the last of their concerns. You have no idea who was part of your flotilla. Your action has been hijacked and it is also your responsibility. Finally, I saw some pictures of arms being prepared pictured by the accompanying press well before the Israeli seizure of your ships. This includes axes, knives and metal bars. You cannot tell me that you were not aware of any of these and the plans made by the men on the ship or maybe you are so incompetent and stupid something that I have difficulties to believe.
Finally, I am always very apprehensive of peace activists. FYI, the largest peace rally in Paris was six months before Hitler was marching on the Champs Elysée. The peace activists had signs saying Hitler does not want war or we should not arm etc. The peace movement was more often wrong than right unfortunately and led to the Chamberlains of the time and of today. Are you the new Chamberlain?
1- Israel is the problem. It keeps Gaza under the siege, all goods are not allowed to reach Gaza. Thats why the activists were not allow Israel to control thier Humanitarian aid.
2- killing thousands of people in Gaza is a mistake of Gazans!!!, Killing activists is activists mistake!!! Israel is then a peaceful country??a 2 years old children knows the answers...
Shame on Israel, which claims to be "a democracy", and civilised!
Such actions prove just the reverse.
Of course, the pro-Israel crowd will hit us with spin, spin, spin.
I won't believe a word of it!
Greta, how do you sleep at night?
Commandos were doing the normal procedure to take control of the ship. But what to do when suddenly the activist are trying to kill the commandos with basic weapons. Even me in a desperate action to safe my life. I will pull the trigger too!!!!
Adhitya Rachman, you are very biased. palestinians attempt to terrorize in israel daily. using mostly machine guns (ak-47 as you said, and believe me this rifle is not less dangerous than m4/m16), and also in most cases they use suicide bombers, car bombs and grenades. and even though the launchers are old, a missile is a missile and once a missile hits a human being, he's dead. you also put the palestinian terrorist attacks as rare and un-noticed, yet you say the israelis "massacre", as u say, the palestinians. but, the facts are israel never went on a armed conflict without being previously attacked. the israeli war on gaza came after 8 years of rocket launching to israeli cities, making civilians fear for their life and spend whole days in the shelters. in this period of time 20 thousand wockets were launched, dozens died, and citizens felt abandoned by goverment, though being attacked daily by terrorists. israel had to go on this war under every state's duty to protect its civilians. you are very biased and un-accurate.
Dear Greta
As an Israeli, who lives in a democratic country, I believe protesting is noble act, as you said, in the past ships have try to break the blockade, Never before met with violence,
I think it would be very brave of you to admit that most of the people were peace activist, however some were terrorist, because the video shows it clearly,
What do you think? Are you willing to test the IDF's will again?
Though I regret the situation and do believe the blockade is not the solution to the problem, I would like to ask the following question to pro-palestinian activists:
If the blockade is lifted, but rockets keep being fired from Gaza into Israel, and Israelians get killed, how should Israel react?
And please be aware that diplomacy has sofar seen very little success.
In my view, as long as the discussion is being held between pro-Israelians and pro-palestinians, no solution will be found. Only when people can understand the horrors committed by, and experienced by both parties, can a solution be crafted. Unfortunately, there are very little people that seem to have the capabilities to comprehend both sides, and step over the 'who is to blaim' question.
As such, also in the pro-palestinian camp there should be an understanding that as long as organisations vow to destroy Israel, there will be no piece. At the same time, as long as Israel's right wing keeps dreaming of a Grand Israel, no piece will ever emerge.
Last point is that it IS very important to solve this situation, soon and permanently. It works as a catalysator for very much anger and hatred in the world, from both sides. Ans it has been doing so for many decasdes already. I personally feel we are running out of time.
Dear Greta,
The Turkish government has violently seized half of Cyprus in 1976. Since then Turkey has ethnically cleansed the occupied part of Greek Cyprus, expelling 150,000 inhabitants of Greek ethnicity to the unoccupied part of Cyprus, and colonizing the occupied part with Turkish citizens.
Why, then, did you find it appropriate to collaborate with the Turkish government on a humanitarian mission? Why did you use occupied Cyprus as a base for your operation? What is your view on the situation in Cyprus?
Greta,
Could you make public a list of financial supporters for your recent activities that resulted in loss of life? I presume peace-loving person should have nothing to hide.
Why is a humanitarian convoy waiting with arms?
Greta, are you responsible for this great planning?
I say, your mission was quite UNsuccessful.
Hi Greta
You have achieved what you set out to do namely let the world know about the barbaric blockade of Gaza, where pasta and childrens toys are not allowed in. I for one will volunteer for the next flotilla. No amount of israeli PR through its army of bloggers will disguise the fact that this was a murderous act which will go down in history with sharpville, bloody sunday and tiananmen square. Keep up the good work, the world needs people like you.
Greta: Why did the peace activists attack and try to kill the Israeli military personnel as soon as they landed on the ship?
Greta, do you really believe this incident has improved the chances for peace? If not, why do you intend to repeat it? The people of North Korea are (unlike the Palestinians in Gaza) literally starving to death. When can we expect one of your flotillas to try to deliver aid directly to them, refusing inspection from the North Korean authorities?
Hello,
I would like to ask Ms. Berlin one question:
Please explain why does the Hamas is refusing to accept your aid now waiting at the border after Israel moved it from Ashdod to the Gaza strip?
Hi Greta.
I was hoping you could enlighten us as to why activists aboard the Marvi Marmara were armed to the teeth and began savagely beating the soldiers who boarded the ship, who had clearly stated that their goal was to sail it into a separate port and simply check its cargo before redistributing the aid to Gaza?
A few other yes/no answers would also be helpful...
– Are you funded by groups with ties to global jihad networks?
– Do you support Hamas, and as a "humanitarian" does that conflict with the way they have systematically starved and tortured the Palestinians in Gaza who do not support them?
– Do you recognize Israel's right to exist? If not, do you recognize the Palestinians' right to a state of their own?
– Do you accept responsibility for the deaths of 9 people who seem to be encouraged to pursue martyrdom?
– Are you "peace activist"? If not, how would you define your position?
Since two Turkish members that were killed had previously wanted to be martyred – do you not feel used by IHH – which is also a front for HAMAS activities that support terrorism?
Do you have any shame – that you support the same people that stopped other Palestinians from voicing their opinions and legitimate vote in the last Palestinian elections – to top it off – you support groups that fire rockets into Israel – that the whole GAZA embargo is based on.
why do Israeliers start about Gilat (1 prisoner, held by a resistance group under siege, by the way Israel itself has thousands of Palestinian prisoners!) to defend agressive and wrong behavior of Israel? Is Gilat an excuse to kill 9 people who have peacefull intentions and have no guns to defend themselves??
The most alarming thing I read today (in The Netherlands, I don't see this on CNN) is that THE EXPORT OF WEAPONS FROM US TO ISRAEL is 'going on as planned'!!!
So, this for the real American reaction. It is very sad, I had high hopes of Obama but unfortunately the policy towards whatever Israel does has not changed.
I think VS and Israel will isolate themselves from the rest of the world, in the end.
Israel & Gaza – the history behind the blockade:
Did you ever stop to ask why Israel enforces a blockade on Gaza but not on The West Bank? The answer is a bit long, but worth reading:
Israel left Gaza on 2005 in the hope that the Palestinians will prosper and do well on their own.
Instead Hamas (youtube.com/watch?v=Wyq-bcS98Kg) started accumulating thousands of rockets supplied by Islamic countries such as Syria and Iran and firing them on
Israel's southern cities within its range on a daily basis.
Israeli government had to do something to stop the rocket attacks on its citizens, however it was not interested in getting back into Gaza again.
Instead Israel enforced a blockade on the Gaza strip to prevent weapons from getting into Gaza.
This helped only partially due to the hundreds of tunnels Hamas built, used to smuggle weapons into Gaza through Egypt.
Last year during "Cast Lead" operation, the Israeli army tried to destroy as many of these tunnels as possible to minimize Hamas ability to accumulate more rockets
and by doing so, preventing its attacks on Israeli civilians.
In addition, Israel is keeping the blockade on Gaza since its clear that once the blockade will be lifted, Hamas will start getting artilary again and attack Israeli
civilians.
Hamas has stated numerous times that its goal is to destroy the State of Israel and that they are in no way interested in peace with Israel.
Note that Hamas was elected by the Palestinians in Gaza to be the govern the Gaza strip.
The only way Israel would agree to lift the blockade, is if it had another way to prevent Hamas from getting weapons which will be later used against Israeli
civilians.
Since there is no way for Israel to do it and since history shows than whenever Israel is trying to pull back, Hamas is attacking Israeli civilians, the blockade
won't be lifted until another solution is found.
Greta: The palestinian people elected Hamas as their govenrment in Gaza. Hamas has a stated mission of destroying Israel. and consistent with that mission launched rockets into Israel as recently as yesterday. My question to you in the face of these facts is how you would propose that Israel defend itself if not by inspecting cargo going into the territory?
In addition, Israel stated that the cargo ships would not be allowed into Gaza as per the blockade. How do you justify trying to run a blockade as anything but an act of defiance, in short was Israel's response in any way unexpected?
And as a followup to that second question, why were the captains of those ships unwilling to allow their cargo to be inspected and brought in through the proper channels?
The Israeli government acted correctly. The activists were in direct violation of the Israeli blockade of Gaza and now they must face the consequences. This was a tragedy but the blame falls on those who insist on breaking the rules. The Palestinian people have suffered a long time but supporting a terrorist regime (Hammas) also has consequences. Israel has every right to protect it´s territory against any and all who want to inflict harm on it or it´s citizens.
If you ignore the brainwashed Jewish vote on here, and the US anti-Arab (well, anti-The World outside their borders) sentiment, then we can all agree that something good and something bad came out of this.
Do you think something positive will come out of this? Would you, given the loss of life, have attempted the journey differently?
Of course you are not going to be able to go back in time, and the Israeli attack in international water was not expected, and is in fact as illegal as their blockade, but can the loss of life be justified to make a point?
Hey, Adhitya Rachman
Why don't you come live in Shderot, a city in Israel being bombed for more then 8 years?
Any other country in the world would attack anyone who will fire one rocket at any of it's cities or towns, destroying them.
and for your information AK-47 is pretty good weapon.
Does the Free Gaza movement fully support the IHH, your Turkish partners who used the iron bars, chains and stun grenades and which has been linked to arms smuggling and support for violent jihadist movements? If not, are you willing to make a statement dissociating Free Gaza from the IHH and their activities?
Turkey is involved in this operation. Would you recommend that Israel implement the same policy as Turkey did in Western Armenia/Eastern Turkey 85 years ago? If Israel had done the same to Palestinians as the Turks did to the Armenians and then just gone into denial (and made it a crime to criticize 'Israeliness'), there would be no need for any aid flotillas. I think there are valid points to be made but not by Turkey – it damages the whole statement.
It is far more urgent to deliver aid to Somalia or Darfur. I will gladly personally contribute when these free Gaza volunteers deliver aid there.
While the actions of the Israeli military were reprehensible and clearly excessive, one has to ask the question, "Why were the fatalities and serious injuries limited to one vessel?"
Based on video obtained of the event, activists aboard the Marmara clearly acted aggressively towards the Commandos as they were attempting to board, clubbing them with sticks, and thowing at least one off of a deck. Whether justified or not, these actions would have further aggravated the situation, a situation that resulted in the deaths of at least 9 people. It should be noted that given the number of people reported to be aboard the vessel, this behaviour appears to be restricted to a select few.
By all accounts the intent of this convoy was to bring much needed aid to a struggling region. Having said that, it is apparent that the actions of a select few ultimately ruined it for the many and may have contributed to the loss of at least nine individuals.
1. As the organizer of a legitimate aid effort, what plans do you and your committee have to investigate the actions and motivations of the activists aboard the Marmara?
2. In the event of wrong-doing, what actions would your organization take to hold them accountable for their role, so as to ensure that the efforts and integrity of your organization are not compromised in the future?
Dear Greta and CNN'
If the mission according to you was to kill as much as possible during the operation. How come the only sadly injured and killed were aboard the Marmara and not the other vessels?
Answer: the only Holigans were aboard the Marmara and guess what they didn;t have any documentations on them....but surely knives.
Greta,
As many others have asked, why didn't the activists bend over instead of trying to repel the invaders with make-shift weapons? Isn't "peace activist" the same as coward? I'm confused.
Dear Greta
Since you had the opportunity to pass the goods through Egypt and/or Israel, your mission was political rather than humanitarian....
So my question is as follow:
What are you going to say to those 9 famillies? was their "sacrifice" worthwhile? How can you look in the mirror each morning?
Ignoring the law does not permits its breaching. You are therefore accountable for the killing of those activists. I hope there will be an inquiry and you will be jailed for negligeance, provocation and breach of international laws
Peace
"I would like an answer from Greta Berlin on the following questions:"
Greta Berlin is an aid worker aiming to end the inhuman siege of Gaza by the chosen ones.
"Why is Palestine NOT a member of the United Nations, whose stated aim is to achieve WORLD PEACE?"
Because Palestine is not a country, and PLO is to apartheid Israel what ANC was to apartheid South Africa. The only difference is that under South African apartheid the majority of Africans still lived in South Africa whereas Israel has forced majority of Palestinians out of Palestine, creating an artificial majority of chosen ones.
"What needs to be done to establish PEACE between Palestine and Israel?"
As the ex-Prime Minster and President of Israel Mr. Simon Perez suggested, Israel needs to give independence to Palestine, merge Palestine into Israel and become officially apartheid, or merge Israel into Israel without apartheid and end the existence of Israel.
"What can we expect from you in 2010?"
Status Quo. Israel will not give freedom to Palestine, Palestinians would continue to struggle, and the world would continue to support israel attrocities.
"How are you inspiring people all over the world to make our world a Better Healthier and Beautiful Place?"
One world united under the ownership of chosen ones.
Everyone seems to be blaming the Turks. However Turkey is an ally of Israel and even today these two states are taking part in military exercises.
If you are so worried about right and wrong, is it right for the people of palestine to die every day?
Also the United Nations has stated that not all aid shipments are making it through to Gazza. This is due to Israel not letting it through.
Dear Greta,
1.) I heard that before operation and assault of commanders from helicopters, Israel Army had fired on the ship randomly. Is that true?
2.) If that is true, then can we say is it normal the activist wont welcome the soldiers?
3.) Is the operation done on waters of Israel or international waters?
4.) How should reaction be to the people who doesnt carry any guns, bullets but metal rods and knfies where is used in kitchen? They should be fired and killed?
5.) Can there be any other way to stop activists?
6.) The first ship carries all activists and other ships are full of aids, is that true?
Hope I can get the answers of all these and I condemn all actions done against civillians and activits who does not carry gun. There is no excuse of killing anybody who does not carry any gun.
With warm regards,
Dear Greta Berlin,
Congratulation for this initiative. Turkey will support civilians and humanitarian aids in Gaza. Similarly we accepted Jewes from Spain five hundred years ago.
There are many pro-Israil comments that support Israil terrorism in international seas. Can anybody explain that who decided to siege of Gaza? Is there an UN rule? This is a new piracy style. The attack happened in international seas. It is ridiculous that to say Israili soldiers were stabbed? Non-sense. Why Israil forces did not allow any other camera and video records?
As a Turk, I would like to warn Israil Government about killing innocents after that. This is the redline for us.
Why don't you deliever your aid through the Egyptian border to Gaza?
Surely they would open their closed border for your humanitarian aid to their brothers. Why is that border closed?
Greta,
Not sure if you are aware that Israel:
1. is the only (so called) democracy in the world that can have WMD's and do not have to say anything about it.
2. Is the only country in the world that can attack a ship (any ship) in internationall waters, kill people on board, and get away with it.
3. Israel is only country in the world that can keep millions of people within walls, deprive them of basic human rights and get away with it for more than 50 years now.
4. Yes they can also occupy your house, land and country and ask you to get out.
5. Israel can also bomb Gaza with "white posperous" bombs on women and children and claim it's OK.
And Greta, you got to realise that the USA will always let Israel get away with all of the above without a problem.
just listen to your conscience, and a helpless child who you think you are living in gaza. And then make a comment...dont forget we are human...
Did the Israeli Defence Forces shoot before they boarded the ship? If so then that probably scared the activities and let them to think that the solidiers wanted to harm them and hence the attack? Please comment.
We live in times were the obvious is becoming obscure and the truth is marred. The arrival of the ship was announced well in advance and the Israeli government could have sent inspectors rather than commandos!
Now another ship is going and I think more initiative should follow and it will break the blockade. I hope Israel does not take the same course of action otherwise it will ignite another world word with messy consequences to all people.
For all of you how say that israeli troops fired before boarding the ship, as former soldier , i most say that that is not possible, since IAF Blackhawks do not carry guns, and all the commandos are carrying paintball guns... however they did carry side arms, but you can believe me that non of the soldiers is stupid enough to fire them for the air, we know better, and if any one of the ships would have open fire, well there would be something like 100 people dead.... after seeing the video the commandos should be decorated, if this would have taken place in any other country in the world it would have ended with more them nine dead
Dear Greta,
I would like to ask you to stop sending the humanitarian aid in order to break the blockade, and try to really help Israel help Palestinians with humanitarian aid sent in such way that Israel can assure it doesn't contain any weapons hidden within.
Our fear that aid may contain weapons is not related to our misstrust towards your particular organization. Israeli citizens and their luggage are being controlled in same manner on the international airport. You can never know if someone hid into yourown luggage something that could pose a risk. Therefore, everyone cooperates with Israeli security forces as it is in their own interest (unless they are terrorists).
We have reasons to believe that rockets will be inside the aid, and that they will be used on our homes. It happend more than once that humanitarian aid contained weapons hiddin within – both in Israel and around the world.
I would also like to add that I am expecting Israel to stop trying to take over humanitarian aid ships that try to brake the blockade. That is too risky for our soldiers and they get hurt in the operations both phisically and mentaly.
Instead I would expect that next ship that disobeys three stop warrnings issued by our border check units, will be taken down by a torpedo.
If you want to break the blockade in Gaza, you will need to send army ships, and that is what you are probably trying to provocate – the next world war of the world against the Israel.
We, Israelis, we see our G*d as our Father in the skys, and we are not afraid of having such war, although we would not like it to occur for obvious reasons. We will do it only if it is imposed on us, and we will hopefully exit as the winners with the help of our Holly Father.
People seem to forget:
1) Gaza blockade illegal
2) Occupation of Gaza / West Bank illegal
3) Settlements Illegal
4) Boarding the boats in international waters illegal
If I had soldiers attack my boat and had a metal bar I hope I'd react with the same courage of these people.
IDF not so mighty anymore. If Israel continues this way they will lose everything. They better start thinking about their future
I would like to know, if the important thing was to get aid to Gaza, why you didn't accept Israel's offer to move the aid overland? Is it because your real motives were to embarrass Israel? Why is it other countries have every right to follow and obey international law but Israel doesn't? Why is it acceptable to be able to discriminate against Israel? Careful, your anti-semitism is showing....
Greta,
You wrote in an email to the Free Gaza mailing list yesterday that Israel informed the US and UK that the flotilla had nuclear weapons. Do you stand by that statement?
Hi Greta,
Why were there (light) weapons on board and what kind of confrontation were you expecting to get involved in?
I wonder if there were any members of the group that brought undeclared weapons in, which in turn lead to the situation going out of control?
Thanks,
Majid
interesting arguments and comments here, some of them more interesting than the CNN news in this case. It helped me to form an opinion about it:
it's difficult to judge what happened. And it looks like the aims of the "Free Gaza Movement" (or of some activists affiliated with them) is really publicity and confrontation. For some activists the aim might even be Jihad: a shaheed is only a martyr in jihad. So if Ms Berlin doesn't distance herself from jihadists, I would be wary - even distrusting her answers to all these questions.
I would like to know why you had terrorist on your ship. What were you thinking. Also, you're "humanitarians" were obviously ready to battle with weapons. You're a fraud.
Hi Greta,
I was wondering-since it is well known that hamas is a violent organization that not only fires missiles indiscriminately at civilians but removed Abbas's supporters from Gaza by throwing them off the roof of buildings-why would you and your humanitarian organization object to Israel inspecting your cargo before it reached Hamas controlled gaza.After all the Israelis begged you to simply let them inspect the cargos and that they would then be sent to Gaza.In fact, this is exactly what they did with the cargo.
What you and your organization seems to have done was to cause the unnecessary deaths of 9 people-just to drive home the point that Hamas has the right to get uninspected cargos.Even a simpleton knows that after the first ship brings wheel chairs the next ship will be from Teheran with missiles.
Is it such a crime against humanity to try to prevent this?
Also, my understanding is that when the Israelis off loaded your cargo and sent it to Gaza as promiced , it consisted of 20 trucks-that compared to 100 trucks each day that the israelis send into Gaza.
Apparently the awful Israelis are bigger humanitarians then you- but I guess everybody really knew that anyway.
Good job and keep up the good humanitarian work.BTW have you considered doing any humanitarian work any where else-perhaps the Kurds who are murdered daily by the Turks or maybe in Turkish occupied northern Cyprus?My guess is that your humanitarian urges can only be truly fullfilled by assisting the enemies of Israel to get their hands on bigger and better rockets.As Goebbells would say-the bigger the lie the more people will believe it.
Greta:
It is true that Israeli commandos raided your boat in International waters.However responsibility for the loss of lives lays solely with the protesters themselves. The video footage clearly shows violent protesters attacking soldiers with clubs and knifes. It is understandable that the soldiers had to open fire as a last resort to protect themselves from being lynched by the mob. Any military in the world would have done the same thing in such a situation.
Madam: Is delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza your organization's true motive? or are you guys primarily concerned about publicizing Israel's blockade by staging such high risk media stunts?
Israeli government had already offered to deliver the aid overland. Nevertheless your organization chose the confrontational approach. If delivering humanitarian aid is your true objective, your organization can do it in other peaceful, effective ways, rather staging such politically motivated media stunts that put human lives at risk.
Regards,
Hassan from Pakistan
After spending a wonderful time in Turkey, talking to many people, and with gaining great respect of the Turkish dream of showing the world tolerance, peace and dialogue with all people, I am curious to know if your organisation is inspired by the teachings of Fetulah Gulen? Was this a true humanitarian operation? We hear and see so many conflicting stories. What is the truth??
Dear Greta,
Why can't pro-Israel people admit that an attack on a humanitarian ship in international water COMPLETELY ILLEGAL?
I am sure that if Israel inspects all the ships, they will not find any weapons. If this is the case then why did the IDF attack these ships?
The fifteen or so sticks that were found on board were probably flag poles that the activites used once they thought that their lives were in danger. Also, I counted 7 or so knives that we saw on board. Didn't the crew of activitists have 550 or so activists to feed? so it is completely understandable that knives will be used in the kitchen to cook meat and the such. Again once the activitists heard the gunfire, the images of the GAZA WAR came to mind and they felt that they needed to protect themselves.
There are many comments here which echo the 'pro-Israeli' position of western media in particular CNN and CNN International.
The proposition is simple:
1. Israeli troops boarded the ships in international waters. If they claim the right if self-defence – then the passengers on board have an equal right of self-defence.
2. Launching the raid at 4.30 am does not smack of a government acting with peaceful intent!
3. Gaza has been blockaded for over 3 years and ALL international aid agencies have including the UN, Red Cross / Cresecent – have said this is illegal.
4. Resolution 1860 of the UN states clearly that Israel should remove the blockade of Gaza and allow humanitarian and commercial goods.
5. Israel has violated countless UN resolutions and has created a virtual prison for 1.5 million Palestinians in Gaza – collective punishment is a crime against humanity under international law!
6. In the last few years it has lanched wars against Lebanon, Gaza, bombed, killed and maimed tens of thousands – all in the name of 'its security'. If they want security they should try and achieve peace – not simply bomb, kill and maim Palestinians and others – killing people is NOT the way to achieve peace.
7. Let's look at the Israeli record – terrorism against the British; Nuclear weapons but not a member of the NPT; Sabra and Shatila; Lebabnon wars; Gaza wars; Occupation of Palestine; Arab-Israeli wars 1967 / 1973; Building on Palestinian land; Treating Palestinians as second class citizens in their won country; Building an illegal wall which contravenes all international laws; Confiscating Palestinian land in Jerusalem; No right of return of Palestinian refugees ethnically cleansed by Israel whilst allowing tens of thousands of Soviet right wing extremist Zionists to move there freely; Blockading Gaza for 3 years after bombing it for 3 weeks and now even allowing materials to rebuild the UN school which the IDF deliberately targetted! Need I say more?
DOES ANYONE LOOKING AT THE HISTORY OF ISRAEL THINK THAT THEIR IINTENT IS PEACE?
8. Israel ONLY survives because of the USA. It has no legitimate roots in the Middle East. The biggest Jewish cities are in New York, London and Maimi – perhaps if they want security so much they could all move there!!!
9. Israel is only building up international and regional resentment. The end result will be just what they claim they are avoiding – more violence – more bloodshed and never any peace! One day this dam of resentment will explode in their faces and then their arrogance will prove to be their weakness.
10. The peace flotilla has every right to go directly to Gaza and anyone who after reading this thinks otherwise is not only short-sighted but does not have the Jewish people's interest at heart!
Now go and educate yourselves before posting here and if youa re a CNN reporter or employee – go do your research before writing what you patently know very little about!
Might is NOT always right and sooner or later you will get what you sowed!
MA – London
So,
1) do you have any idea why Israel is continuing the blockade on Gaza?
2) Isn't collective punishment illegal?
3) The majority of palestians did not vote for hamas (43% voted for Hamas in 2006- not a majority), so why are all the Palestinians punished in Gaza? Again Isn't this collective punishment?
4) The Israeli embrago on Gaza includes not allowing coffee and cooking spicies. Why? Can coffee be used to make WMD? or is it just an Israeli EGO that we can control everything in palestinian lives including coffee and tea consumpation?
Thank you Greta,
We all love you and appreciate all that you are doing to help out the palestinians.
Please keep up the good work,
Elias Khoury
Acca-Acre
Why your " activists" tried to kill Israel soldiers ? Perhaps you think that their blood is not quite red as the Palestinian population have ? Why you don't try to deal first with the Human rights problems in Turkey, Egypt, Syria, Iran, and etc.
The PM of Turkey called Ahmadinejad as 'dear friend'. Why don't you criticize Ahmadinejad who just recently killed dozens of people in peaceful demonstrations. Is that OK ? Why you and the other world are looking forward constantly how to blemish Israel. You refers to Israel as the main devil in the world. Even though you're criticizing Israel for something, you lost any proportion. You don't have any conscience. The group of activists you had collected to this trip, are criminals and it's a pity they will not sit in jail.
I admire what you're doing greta, and I wonder what you think the solution is to the broader conflict?
Hi Greta,
Thank you for taking questions.
Do you think that the international community will be more open to your cause after this incident?
Greta you are a very naive, or worse stupid women if you knew the boat load of activists would yield weapons when Israel stopped aid. Why did you participate in the movement if you knew some of your activists would react this way? Was this a stunt to gain support? If so I believe you failed, and moreover should be charged with supporting efforts that ended in death for at least nine people. I believe your type are disgraceful, and you do not truly understand what the Jewish people face on a daily basis from radicals who would dearly love to kill all Jews. I thank God that Israel will never back down to this type of behavior from anyone.
Great Berlin,
Just want to remind you, who is Hamas, what kind of "peace seeking" organization it is.
Hamas over took Gaza by force and masacred FATAH organization supporters and deported the elected president of the palentinian people – Abu Mazen.
Since than HAMAS has not recognised Oslo agreement and does not recognize Israel right to exist. Since than HAMAS fired thousand of missiles and mortars bomd on citizens (mainly at 8:00 oclock in the morning trying to hit children on the way to school) in the city of Sderot and other cities near Gaza.
Hamas is holding an Israeli Soldier 4 years not allowing any red cross visit or other "peace seeker" organization and "human right" activist.
This is the organization you support, this is the organization the "human rights" activists are appraising.
Finally one question Great Berlin, what are you going to do about Gilad Shalit ? What kind of pressure are you going to put on HAMAS to allow a red cross visit ? What about his human rights ?
There seems to be so much focus on this happening in International waters. I am not a layer in maritime law (law of the sea so to speak, but think about it this way. What's better, to try and peacefully take the ship in international waters, or blow it out of the water in a declared military Zone?
Chris from somewher in Germany
Why didn't you deliver the aid to Israel in Asdod so that Israel will deliver it to Gaza? Personally, i would be worried that Israel will confiscate the aid or at least prevent most of its contents from making it to the Gaza strip. They do not allow construction material into Gaza, so did you carry construction material on board?
Were you trying to rebuild some of the housing units that palestinians need after so many houses were destroyed in the 2009 GAZA WAR? what were your intentions?
Finally, do you think that the blockade will end soon?
Did these "terrorist" activists want a confrontation? Did they think that their lives would be in danger? If so, why did not they bring live weapons on board from Turkey and Greece before the ships left the ports? Do you think that the descent of the IDF onto these ship scared the activists and lead them to look for anythink to protect themselves?
Dear Greta, do you think that IHH can be called "humanitarian organisation" ? It is well known and proved it has ties to terrorist organisations (as mentioned by sen. Mc Cain). Thank you
Hi All,
Let us be very just and fair on this issue, instead of forming an opinion on the basis of misleading hearsay.
IThe Israeli navy invited their boat to enter the Ashdod port. The navy's radio operator can be heard assuring the boat's captain that once in Ashdod, humanitarian aid would be inspected under the activists' observation and subsequently transported overland to Gaza, after which the activists could return to their home ports in their own vessel.
So if delivery of aid was the primary intention, why didn't these 'peace activists' accept this offer?
And then why did the activists on board the vessel attack soldiers with knives and clubs? In fact the soldiers had to open fire to protect themselves from being lynched by the mob, as can be seen in the video footage on tv. The loss of any human life is extremely sorrowful. However had the activists not attacked the incoming soldiers, this could have ended peacefully.
The so called peace activists themselves are responsible for the unfortunate outcome.
Regards,
Hassan from Pakistan
My questions to Greta are:
1) In light of the indisputable FACT that Hamas – who currently controls Gaza – maintains an avowed mission to attack and ultimately destroy Israel, coupled with the indisputable FACT that Hamas is still officially considered by both the US and EU to be a terrorist organisation – coupled with the FACT that Israel recently did indeed uncover illegal arm-shipments intended for Gaza, sent by Iran, who has indisbutably voiced its view that Israel should be destroyed – coupled with the fact that Israel remains in a state of war with Hamas – HOW CAN ANYONE EXPECT THE ISRAELI'S TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN BLOCKADE GAZA AND INSPECT EVERY SINGLE SHIPMENT INTO GAZA TO ENSURE IT DOES NOT CONTAIN WEAPONS?
2) If the flottila was warned, repeatedly by Israel that it would be intercepted – as it indisputably was – and if the offers by both the Israeli's and Egyptians to rather deliver the aid to their ports for inspection before transfer to Gaza – which was rejected by Greta's movement – what alternative did they leave the Israelis other than to confront the ships and forcibly stop them reaching Gaza?
3) If we assume hypothetically that an enquiry does find that the activists attacked the Israeli commandos – and that the Israeli's indeed responded in self-defence – would they absolve the Israelis of any guilt?
Do you think that the latest footage released by the IDF will help their story? Or is the damage already done?
Do you also think that it will help the Palestinians in their reconciliation attempts?
Do you think that Israel is behaving as a civilized state? Do you think that it is a ROGUE STATE?
OK let me start (within the last six months only):
1) The assassination of Mabhouh was a disaster. Several Israeli diplomats have been asked to leave "friendly" countries. The whole world knows that the Mossad executed this very poor assassination attempt.
2) The announcement of the settlement building in Ramat Sholmo during the visit of Biden (Israeli greatest ally) was a fiasco. After all, Biden is one of the most pro-Israel politicians in the US. Poor project and even poorer timing!!
3) The flotilla fiasco now. These activists were sailing in international waters (not Israeli regional waters) and were attacked by one of the strongest and well-trained forces in the world. Did they intentionally attack the IDF? well I would think that they would have brought live weapons on board, not fight back with sticks and knives.
4) The Goldstone issue. Again using White Phosphorous in highly populated areas in Gaza is just immoral. The whole world can see that.
Finally Greta, do you think that Israel recognizes that "if everything keeps coming your way, you are probably driving in the wrong lane"? or they are too tied up with a superiority complex even up to this day?
Greta- one of the people in your armada was notorious Dutch Hamas leader
[" Amin Abou Rashed is the leader of Hamas in the Netherlands", says a source. "Under the alias Amin Abou Ibrahim he shows up in a number of intelligence reports; he worked for the notorious Dutch Al Aqsa Foundation, suspected of raising funds for the Hamas terror-organization. He is also very active in the foundation 'Palestinian Platform for Human Rights and Solidarity", according to the intelligence spokesman.
Hamas has, as their source of funds, numerous Islamic "charitable foundations" around the world. The Dutchman Amin Abou Rashed is named in connection with the Holy Land Foundation, a notorious charitable organization that was terminated in the United States because of their financing of terror
What screening process did you use to keep supporters of terror off your ships, and how did you miss Rashed?
Dear Gretha
Can you please explain something:
1, What type of aid besides publicity aid were you taking to the people of Gaza
2. Why did u ignore the offer to dock in Ashdod ?
3. Do you think that the American military would have let you get away with what you tried in waters near America.
4. True or false- all you are, are a big propaganda machine out to discredit Israel, at all cost- what do you really care about the Palestinians
Doesn't anyone else think it completely hypocritical of any nation that claims to stand against terrorism – including nations such as Russia, Spain, The UK, Turkey etc...who all have fought separatist movements that use terrorist tactics in their own right – to then allow their citizens or vessels to deliberately attempt to undermine Israel's own fight against terrorism (and side with Hamas – an official terrorist organisation). How can any nation claim to be a friend of Israel's...or at the least maintain diplomatic/ economic ties with Israel – but then send ship's from their own ports, with the stated intention of defying a military blockade that is being implemented by Israel? If a nation deliberately sides with Israel's enemies – there is no need to threaten afterwards to cut diplomatic ties with Israel (as Turkey is doing) – their actions already place them on the side of terrorism. Thereafter, they have no grounds to use military force on The Kurds...ETA....The IRA...or Chechnya....unless they believe in a double-standard when it comes to 'terrorism'.
Why help HAMAS terrorits?
You can simpley give the aid to israel.
Dear Greta, now that you have another smaller flotilla en route, how many more innocent puppets will need to die before your ultimate goal of turning the whole world against Israel, to achieve your ultimate goal of their genocide? You are the perfect "Useful Idiot" for this task...heck, you probably believe that Hamas wouldn't re-arm if given still another chance...
I would like to ask Greta and all of you,
1) Has she seen the video of the soldiers being attacked as they landed on the boat?
2) Is the request to inspect the cargo before transport to Gaza unreasonable?
3) How many rockets and mortars have been fired from Gaza into Israel over the last 5 years?
4) How would you suggest Israel stop the rocket attacks?
5) Why would Hamas not allow Gaza citizens to escape into Egypt while the border is open?
6) If your neighbor was lobbing bombs into your country what would you do?
7) What do you think happens to the aid supplies that Israel lets into Gaza?
8) Why does Iran constantly threaten to blow Israel off the face of the earth?
9) Why would an Israeli soldier shoot someone after he is attacked as the video clearly shows they were?
10) Why do countries that are not under constant attack from their neighbors condemn Israeli actions when Israel was clearly provoked into action by these so called peace activists?
I'm sure I could go on but answers to these questions would help.
Correction: Israel began the blockade of Gaza after Hamas's military coup (not "after Hamas was elected") during which they ousted the also-elected Fatah leadership (PM Mahmoud Abbas). Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United Stated and most of Western Europe. It vowes the destruction of Israel; does not even acknowledge Israel's right to exist and has launched thousands of missiles into Israel. Israel has done nothing more than insist that they inspect all cargo entering Gaza. Egypt also maintains a blockade of Gaza.
This was the 6th of six ships to be boarded...the first five were inspected without incident...but then again, they didn't attack the inspectors...
Hello Greta Berlin and CNN friends,
Do you believe in 2 states solution when Israel remains as a jewish state?
What do you say about Hamas political agenda to wipe off Israel from the map? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamas)
Israel left Gaza and kept the borders open until Hamas took over and fired rockets. Do you think Hamas had the right to being this daily attack on Israeli citizens?
Why didn't you demonstrate and sailed when buses exploded in Israel and Hizballa kidnaped Israeli soliders?
Thanks,
Roy Shoyer,
Haifa, Israel.
Poor Greta,
No body wants to buy her sculptures, so she needs some free publicity.
i was just watching cnn and u claim that the ship was carrying nothing more then olive trees, crayons, and paper....then why did the people on the ship start beating and attacking and trying to throw the israel soldiers off the side of the ship... animals. god bless isdf!
Hello Greta Berlin ;
I don't know CNN guys will also this message to be delievered as they are biased too. You did a great job .You proved to the world the blocking of Gaza is illegal .Complete and utter disregard for human rights, complete and utter disregard for human life, complete and utter disregard for basic human necessities, complete and utter disregard for respect of other human beings, complete and utter disregard for human emotions, complete and utter disregard for human SANITY.
These are not the actions of a Sovereign nation/government, they are acts of barbarians/inhumane sickofants/bloody cannibals..
Don't you think that considering the times we're living in, it's a dangerous and warmongering action to do what the flotilla did?, didn't you fear (before launching the operation) the response of Israel?
– And most importantly, if you consider yourself to be a pacifist, don't you think you've put the Middle East on the edge of war?
– Lucas Dantiaq from Georgetown, Guyana.
a question to greta – is it true that the arab speakers sang a song khabuir khabuir . which celeebrates the murder of jews ?
another question to greta – i have never seen a skinny gazan woman but many in darfur. why give preferential aid to those not in dire need ?
Dearest Greta, it's great that you get all this attention & media exposure , but is the deliberate provocation really more important then trying to find the fath to a solution? the provocative manner of action of the so called has unfortunately only caused more havoc & a deeper tare between the nations? do you really seek peace ? how is it possible to reach it by provoking?
becky why cant anyone stop israel from what they are doing?they cant be right all the time..if israel didnt intercept 10 lives will not be lost just like that..and nobody is doing anything now where is the united nation please
I have just read now that IDF tried to deliver the "aid" which consisted of expired medicine and toys- what is your comment to this ?
please ask him why is he lying they are killing innocent people why dont they want peace please
If peace and civil rights, are your authentic concerns act to free GAZA from HAMAS.
Israel will continue to defend it self from potential smuglers and potential terror supporters.
Humaniterian aid is welcomed and I'm sure will be fully transfered to it's destination.
I just listened to her statement that the reason Egypt goes along with the blockade is becuase america / Israel pays Egypt so much money every year and Egypt will do whatever America and Israel wants. She should join reality. Egypt has supports the Blockade becuase they dont want a uncheck Irainian proxy of Strickt Islam on thier border.
Why do you allow people like Great Berlin to speak almost unchallenged and will not even allow any Israeli spokesman to answer your questions or finish a comment?
It makes your coverage sound very biased and almost seems like you are trying to make a story fit your preconceived notions.
Your reporting would be a lot more credible if you went after Greta Berlin and others like her as agressively as I have seen you go after Israeli officials. You should challenge both sides in this situation, rather than just accepting everything said on the Palestinian side as fact.
Dear Greta,
What do you think is the appropriate actions that should be taken by western governments such as USA in order to punish Israel for its actions?
Secondly, Do you think that there is any peaceful solution for the conflict in this region?
thank you
Mrs. Berlin,
We, Israelis and Palestinians alike, are here to stay to deal with our predicament in general and specifically with the aftermath of your organization's actions. Whereas you and your fellow protesters will always have a safe home in your countries to get back to when all is over or when you decide you had enough. Both the Palestinians and us Israelis have a lot to lose if yet another war breaks here again. From this perspective, I would appreciate an honest answer to the following questions:
– Do you have any second thoughts? Would you have done things otherwise?
– How would another convoy improve the situation between Israel and Palestine or that of the Gazan population?
– Are you satisfied with the result of your initiative?
– Do you feel in any way responsible for the death and maiming of the protesters and soldiers involved?
Thank you
Hi Greta
I just heard you live and would like to reffer to one of your remarks. You told the narrator that you don't trust what the IDF publishes. Well i would like to point out that the IDF doesn't trust you (or Hamas) so when you say that there are only humanitarian supplies and that there are no terrorists on board why should they belive you (because you are peaceful ???). And for that it was offering (peacefully) to check the containt and help you pass it to Gaza. Now as a piece activist you should know that you would have had a better response from the world if the ship would have stopped (as the other 6 ships had) and gone quitely and saved 9 lives.
So now you have flared the angre from both sides and even more then before because as you will see most israelis citizens condem the one ship that didn't stop and especialy they condem Turkey that help them (as could be seen in the demonstration infont of the Turkey embassy in Israel). So your piecefull ship might trigger a not so pieceful war this summer.
Dear Greta,
While the events were still unfolding on Monday, I heard an interview with you on Israeli radio, in which you claimed that IDF soldiers boarded the ships and immediately started firing live ammunition on the passengers. You claimed that this is seen in live footage transmitted from the ships.
I searched for this footage but could not find anything of that kind. Instead, I saw videos in which the soldiers board the ships and are attacked with clubs and knives by dozens of people, who are obviously highly trained.
I would like to ask, where is the footage that you mentioned on Monday? Or, if it does not exist, do you regret having made the claim, that the Israeli soldiers opened fire without provocation?
The bottom line to all this is that Israel is yet again trying to justify their killings of the innocents and labeling the innocents as "terrorists" or supporters of hamas since hamas is the only excuse they have to go by.
This time they have gone too far by killing the innocents on international waters. Israel should now be counted as a tyrant state such as Iran or N.Korea.
It is about time, the USA government start re-evaluating Israel's selfish and ruthless policies and counter?-terrorism actions against all second and third parties they confront with.
Israel's elected rulers have long fallen into greed, conceit and moral corruption. Taurat tells us that when the sons of Israel (or any nation) go astray from the path wisdom, conscious, mercy and compassion, the Holy Creator shall punish them.
1. Why does the world condemn and bother Israel?
2. If Palestinian want to earn money, why not work in Jordan, Egypt, or any other surrounding countries?
3. Biblical, God promise to "One" man which is Abraham and "One" land called Israel which is from Gaza to Iraq and partially Iran and Egypt!
This will happen by God's help.
No other land or any other name is mention in any holy book !!!
So let's keep the US a blessed Christian country of Hope and Glory.
We own this faith and facts to God's eye apple.
We can only pray for them when they do wrong.
4. The US is not treating your Mexican nicely either and therefore it should not judge Israel.
5. Turkey should be ashamed too. They have no rights at all!, since they never acknowledge the Armenian Holocaust.
Even the Kurdish people get slaughtered on their border.
It's all ridiculous ! Turkey will never enter the EU unless they have their facts straighten and change their attitude.
6. BTW, I do not agree any harsh treatment and would believe the Israelite weren't gentle but how could anyone expect them.
We only get treated as we treat them.
7. Israel has their reason to protect and keep suspicious people at a distance!
US security is not friendlier than Israel's, especially after 911.
Now that the humanitarian aid ship, "Rachel Corrie" is headed for Gaza, I hope CNN will repeatedly air the horrific film footage of her brutal murder at the hands of the Israeli military. This historic film footage is undeniable evidence of just how Israel deals with unarmed, humanitarian, peace activists. Then let Mark Regev put his spin on it to get us to swallow the mercifulness of the Israelis. Even Somali pirates are more merciful.
Hey Greta,
1) Is Bill Ayers (Weather Underground) a supporter of yours?
2) How much cash have you looted from this so called charity?
3) Who did the vetting on your so called "activists"?
4) Who's side was your family on in WWII?
Greta,
Did you happen to watch the "activists" on video savagely attacking the first Israeli who boarded?
Did that make you feel good?
Dear Greta,
Why did the IHH and Free Gaza Movement refuse to deliver a letter and package to captured Israeli Soldier Gilad Schalit, and for the transfer of the humanitarian aid aboard your ships through either Israel or Egypt under your direct supervision?
It seems that your endeavor has caused a international condemnation of Israel, which is what you wanted, but on the ground it has hurt the people you claim to try and help.
1) Your activists were put in harms way, and 9 were killed because of their violent resistance
2) Hamas, the brutally oppressing government holding the Palestinians of Gaza captive to their hard-line Islamist goals has been strengthen through your mission. This is not helping the more the moderate Palestinians trying to negotiate a peace agreement with the Israelis
3) The negotiation process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority has just begun, and your endeavor does nothing to push the process, but rather threatens to stop it.
Why is it, Greda, that a peace activist like yourself, and a so-called human rights organization seems to be doing more damage than good for all sides of the conflict. The only one who seems to gain from all of this is yourself.
Ron
Greta,
First, thank you for all of the hard work you are doing to help the people of Gaza. Have the people on the Rachel Corrie taken any special precautions to protect themselves from the Israeli military this time as they approach the blockade? Please keep up the good fight, you have much of the world behind you.
Kim in South Dakota
Hey Greta,
Would you pleases tell us the real reason your husband left you?
As long as you are telling the truth, let's hear about the other Jihadi he caught shagging you.
I would like to tell Israel's side about all of this –
I am an israeli guy who served in the i.d.f and what i say is what i have seen.
when the palestinians aproach our fence they want to see how are we going to react so they could infiltrate Israel, but they do it with children, yes with children, they send one or two kids to the fence when they know it is dangerous, when there is a riot they don't protect their children, they hide behind them like a shield.
so when a young kid dies in a riot you ask yourselves why did the i.d.f killed him but you do not ask yourselves what did he do there, or why did his mother let him go there at first. would you send your kids to a riot?! would you hide behind a small kid when you shoot at soldiers?! i believe that the answer is NO! do you even know why we have fences?! do you even know why do we have a blockade on Gaza?! that is because a few years ago arabs came in our cities and bombed buses, killed people, terrorized our cities, our country! people were affraid to go out to the streets for years, people were affraid to go on buses because it might explode! now, in these days there are cities that people there are living in fear because hamas is launching rockets to those cities, injuring and killing innocent people, if that thing would have happen in the u.s you would kill them or put them in quarentine right after the first missle. we, Israel have waited 8 YEARS with a few dead and lots of injured people. kids there are affraid to go outside and play cause if a missle will be launched from Gaza the will have about 20 seconds or leed to find a shelter! there are some roads that if you drive through there, in Israel, you will get hit by a rock, as happened to a lot of people. these rocks are thrown by arabs and cause damage to the cars and almost get pepole killed! the world does not live this reality. WE DO! and about the flotilla, those soldiers came on those ships with PAINTBALL guns, they had their real gun as last resort! as soon as they got aboard the ship they were beaten stabbed and even shot at, they were almost massacerd on those "peace activists" ship! and even after they were stabbed and beaten and shot at they didn't shoot back! only when they were close to die and had no choice they opened fire.now tell me if the i.d.f was so violent how come it happened only on one ship?! how come our soldiers didn'ty shoot people on the other ships?! because on the other ships people didn't resist, so our soldiers weren't forced to defend themselves!
and the soldiers by the way didn't just came on those ships by surprise, the i.d.f announced and talk to those ships for a long time and gave them a warning, not one or two but many!the i.d.f asked the ships to go to the Ashdod port (a near by city) to unpack their humanitary shipment, but no, they didn't care3 about the shipment, they wanted to provocate! Israel said that their shipment will be delivered to Gaza, after checking it for weapons, bombs and so on. but the flotilla people didn't care and said that they will enter Gaza, so they forced us (Israel) to act!!!
and on top of all if they were human rights activists, why did they denie to pass a few thing to Gilad Shalit, which is an israeli soldier held in Gaza, things like letters from his famiuly who haven't talked or saw him for the last 4 years?!?!
and another fact – Israel is supplying food and medicine and clothes to the people of Gaza, every day 100,00 tons of humanitary things are transfered from Israel to Gaza. i know because i have seen this happend lots of times during my service in the i.d.f which is from what i have seen, the most humanitary army in the whole world!!! the problem is that you get to see one side, the palestinians side, and you don't look for things about the other side, our side!
all of those who think the arabs are the victims, come to Israel and see how we live. arabs walk free in our cities but if you try to go in to one of their cities, you find yourself badly injured or even worst, if you could even get out!
Why there was a fight in only 1 boat?! I mean- if IDF was trying to simply kill the "Peace Activist", Dont you think that many more people would have been killed?How come there was troubles in only 1 ship, if the IDF just wanted to kill you all?! Did you know that the Turkish organization that organized the flotilla is well known as a terror- supporting organization by governments all over the world, including Turkey up until Arduan took power?and how do you explain all the videos- some were taken by the Turkish TV- that clearly shown the "Peace Activists" atacked the Israeli troopers before 1 Israeli bullet was fired?
How do you explain the fact that in all its years, the UN council for human right condemned no country but Israel? not North Korea, Not Iran, Libya, Kongo, Turkey (Armenian, Kurds), Russia (Chechnya, Georgia), Uganda, Sudan and many more- non of the above were ever condemned by this important institute?
why didnt you took the Israeli offer simply to let the Cargo be checked before it arrives to Gaza, an action that could of prevent this horrible event?
And one last question: the Palestinian prisoners in Israel are getting regular visiting from the Red Cross, Why didnt you agree to take a letter from the Parents of the Israeli prisoner that being held in Gaza by the Hamas and never got a visit from the Red Cross or anyone els for this matter?
I would really LOVE to get some answers.
Obviously, Greta Berlin, founder of the Free Gaza Movement (like most of other opinioned souls expressing their moral outrage herein) has a better viewpoint of moral principles than my compatriots. That natural, as it's always easier to judge the danger from a safe distance than through the tunnel-vision of someone living behind a security fence within the range of arbitrarily targeted rockets. But I, too, can see far and wide when my personal safety is not at stake. which makes me wonder: Would you apply similar moral logic to NATO's operations in Afghanistan, where humanitarian disaster is a fact, not propaganda? For example, will you suggest that NATO soldiers in Kandahar should allow free movement of "humanitarian" supplies between Pakistan and Taliban controlled areas in their vicinity? And assuming you thinks so, would the Army generals listen? Would they instruct their soldiers to lay down their weapons when attacked by peace loving thugs – as some miserable UK sailors did not so long ago in the Persian Golf? When I served in the army we were instructed that it's a civilian right to defend oneself when attacked – but it's a soldier duty! Would you use the criterion "he who is less effective in inflicting punishment on his enemies is obviously the right party" to pass judgement on their mission?
Yehuda Elyada, Israel
Dear M A
Its perfectly ligal to take over a boat at International water, and its ligal and logical to ressist the IDF soldiers that are trying to, but if its so, let the "Peace Activists" know that there is a chance that they will be shot at by these soldiers..You cant expect the soldiers not to fight back..
And about all the other things you said- Well, sad you say that..All the wars you have mentioned- it was the "Peacfull" neighbours of Israel that begane with it..
The Biggest Jewish cities might be N.Y and London, But the Biggest Israeli cities are Tel Aviv, Jerusalem (even if you mean just the western part of it) and Be'er Sheva. Dont you forget it. but still- How many Muslems are living in London? Berlin? to whos side was the world press bias for this time?
And one more thing- You keep saying that the UN condemned Israel..Did you know that the UN never condemned, for example, Sudan for the circumcision of weman, Iran for pursuit Homosexuals, Kongo for the Mass Murder of inocent people, or even North Korea??
The UN lost his dignety a long time ago..
Now go and educate yourself, and stop talking in Slogans..
to dearest Greta:
did you know that some 40,000 (!!!!) Kurds were killed by the Turkish army in their fight for Independence at the past 30 Years (!!)- a number much much MUCH higher than all the Palestinian that were killed in the past 70 years?
What are you going to do about it? a flotilla?
if you do orgenize a flotilla or at least a deligation- do you plan going to Turkish Cypruss- a teritory acupide iligaly by the Turks?
If you do- Count me in!
Greta, you posted this to your mailing list after the ship interception:
Quote:
"As Israel's hysteria mounts, "they now claim “self defense” in attacking ships in international waters today, killing 9. Israel informed the US and Britain that the convoy was ferrying stolen nuclear weapons that would be used for a terrorist attack on Israel. "
Do you stand by this statement, that Israel actually believed nuclear weapons were on board?
You also said earlier before all the videos came out that there was no violence by the activists. The videos have proven otherwise so why did you say it in the first place?
MA writes (amongst other rubbish);
"8. Israel ONLY survives because of the USA. It has no legitimate roots in the Middle East. The biggest Jewish cities are in New York, London and Maimi – perhaps if they want security so much they could all move there!!!"
This is the kind of people Israel deals with. By the same logic all the Palestinians (who are after all arabs from arabia) should move to cairo.
Tony
The Palestinian have to think about THEIR future...If you think that that was the IDF preformance on the boat was the "Best" it has, You are mistaken..
They Boarded with Paintballs at first (Not to harm the "Peace activists") and only when they felt danger they shot real bullets...Im sure you know that only in 1 ship there was a riott..ther other 5 were ok...)
The only problem is that this horrible event coused the anti- liberal forces in Israel go stronger..which is so very sad.
But Im sure you are cool with that..after all- you seems to like Theocracies...
By the way- Did you know that all the things you wrote beginning in "only Israel" is being done dayly by Turkey, Iran, Sudan, North Korea and many more??What are you going to do about it?! or maybe- Just maybe, Its just Israel that is annoying you and you do not really care??
Wow!
I thought this only happened in the police stations in Brazil:
Suddenly, the victim is briefly transformed into a guilty
im tired of people like you Greta. do you really think that it is Israel who is imposing the crisis in Gaza? Gaza has a terrorist government !! you want to make peace and you defy a legitimate government's right to allow (or not) whatever comes into their ports? and yet not consent to their offers of transferring the aid to the palestinians. you are sick. and remember that israel's blockade started with Hamas' establishment and more than 10,000 rockets into israel in its aftermath. Moreover, do all your boats carry weapons such as knives, granades and clubs? or was something else in the minds of those organizing the flotilla?
ridiculous. and this is your way to peace. hopeless.
How about the state of Gaza and his eternaqk capital Haniones?
Insted the flotilla internacioinal community must help the state of Gaza whihis people to build a democratic parlament based on hamas headlines on his eternal capital Haniones. They need a medicals institutions and medicines called Rapha.
What about Gaza premier minister Barguti ?
When the Gaza people will start to build Gaza road maps in Gaza state,
in order to facilitate Rapha medicines aid to arrives?
To all those who have been asking why the activists attacked the soldiers first, my friends, its the other way. The soldiers shot 2 activists from air before landing on the ship, which but naturally forced them to avoid their intrusion by dodging them with sticks or what ever they had. Remember every human has the right to defend himself, though its a brick against a bullet.