As you may know, Israel is currently under fire for actions related to the
Flotilla that was recently prevented from reaching the Gaza. There is a lot
of information and misinformation on the subject available, so I am sending
a few resources to help educate you or inform you. The information comes
from the Canadian Federation of Jewish Students as well as the Canada-Israel
Committee (5 key talking points and links to videos and other resources).
-Ashley
*Overview*
The ships carried several hundred activists and supplies for Gaza, and had
refused Israeli offers to offload supplies at Ashkelon for transfer to Gaza
following appropriate security clearance.
One ship, sponsored by a terrorist Turkish organization known as IHH, was
the site of violence when Israeli soldiers were attacked as they boarded the
ship. The IHH has a long history of cooperation with Islamic terrorists. As
a result of this violence, it is being reported that some 10 activists were
killed and 2 IDF soldiers were wounded.
The Government of Canada has expressed concern about the loss of life, and
is waiting for more information to emerge before commenting further. We
appreciate the prudence shown by the Government and by the opposition
parties in this regard.
It is our belief that as this story emerges, it will become clear that far
from a neutral humanitarian relief effort, the Gaza flotilla represents a
conscious and deliberate attempt to manipulate public opinion by placing
naive civilians in harm's way in callous disregard for their safety.
Responsibility for the tragic loss of life rests squarely with those who
organized the flotilla and provoked this confrontation.
1. *The Canadian Federation of Jewish Students* information can be found on
their studentsforisrael website by clicking the following link:
http://www.studentsforisrael.ca/search/node/Flotilla. Please note that if
you use this source you will have to log in, if you do not have an account
please sign up for one, as the site is a great way to communicate with other
students across Canada, find resources, and hear about conferences and
opportunities.
2. *Canada-Israel Committee (CIC) - 5 key talking points*
Key Points for Consideration Re: Gaza Flotilla
Israeli sailors, attempting to board one of the six ships of the protest
flotilla en route to Gaza, were attacked by dozens of activists armed with
knives, metal bars, and handguns. Fearing for their lives, the Israeli
soldiers had no choice but to respond. At least four Israeli personnel were
wounded by various means, including by gunfire from activists.
Israel made every effort to provide the flotilla organizers with an
opportunity to avoid a confrontation. Israel offered to bring the flotilla
into the port of Ashdod, and to transfer their aid to Gaza following
appropriate security checks. The organizers rejected this offer, stating
clearly that "this mission is not about delivering humanitarian supplies,
it's about breaking Israel's siege." (Greta Berlin, AFP, 27 May 10).
Israel gave repeated warning of the maritime blockade in effect off the
coast of Gaza and that the flotilla would be turned away and brought to an
Israeli port to offload their cargo.
The organizers of the protest deliberately invited a confrontation with
Israeli sailors. This was not an aid mission, but a PR stunt designed to
undermine Israel and bolster Hamas, internationally recognized as a
terrorist organization. Among the protestors were a group of highly-trained
extremists with links to the Muslim Brotherhood and jihadist groups in
Afghanistan.
There is no blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza. In fact, Israel delivers
15,000 tons of humanitarian aid - including medical supplies, food, and
water - to Gaza every week. The blockade exists to prevent unauthorized
individuals and unknown cargo from entering Gaza and falling into the hands
of its ruling Hamas regime.
Hamas is presently smuggling in massive amounts of military supplies into
Gaza to fortify its positions and continue its attacks. Under international
law Israel has the right to intercept vehicles that are "believed on
reasonable grounds to be carrying contraband or breaching a blockade, and
after prior warning they intentionally and clearly refuse to stop, or
intentionally and clearly resist visit, search or capture." (Section 67A of
the San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at
Sea).
For an excellent overview of the situation, please click
here<http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3896796,00.html?utm_source=CIC+Ma…>
.
For video footage, please click
here<http://www.youtube.com/verify_age?next_url=http%3A//www.youtube.com/watch%3…>
.
For further information, please click
here<http://idfspokesperson.com/?utm_source=CIC+Mailing+List&utm_campaign=2a488e…>
.
I hope everyones summer is going well.
Just a couple announcements:
1. Canadian Federation of Jewish Students (National) is now accepting
applications for board positions, for more information and to apply please
click the following link.
http://www.studentsforisrael.ca/2010-2011-cfjs-board-chair-application
2. JSA still has a couple board positions available, please email
wpg_jsa(a)hotmail.com for more information or to apply. You can do this alone
or find a co-chair.
3. FREE DINNER! The Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee (CJPAC) is
sponsoring a dinner and discussion with Provincial Minister of Water
Stewardship Christine Melnick. This dinner will take place Tuesday May 18th
at 6:30pm at the home of Shelley Faintuch. For more information, to RSVP,
or get the address please email ashleyfaintuch(a)gmail.com. If you are
planning on attending or considering attending please let Ashley know so the
correct amount of food is ordered and no one leaves hungry.
Interested in volunteering in Israel during the summer for only $100 plus the cost of airfare? We have the program for you! Dates are flexible beyond the poster dates. Need more information: call me @ 918.2358.
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Samantha Loxton
Director of Campus Life/Israel Experience Centre
C300-123 Doncaster Street
Winnipeg, MB R3N 2B2
SLoxton(a)jewishwinnipeg.org
204.918.2358
Ask about the combined Jewish Appeal Endowment Fund
