August 23: Running the Gaza Blockade

Two boats of the Free Gaza movement, carrying forty-six human rights activists, landed in Gaza on this date in 2008 after the Israeli Navy decided against enforcing its blockade. The activists, ages 22 to 81 and hailing from fourteen countries, set sail from Cyprus on the SS Free Gaza and the SS Liberty, carrying 200 hearing aids for children and thousands of balloons. Among the activists were Lauren Booth, a sister-in-law of British former prime minister Tony Blair, Anne Montgomery, an American nun, and Jeff Halper, co-founder of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions. About 2,000 Gazans came out to greet them in the seaport of Gaza City, some swimming or advancing to the two boats in fishing vessels. Israel has blockaded Gaza (calling the operation “Sea Breeze”) since Hamas took over the territory in 2007. Free Gaza repeated its deed four times on the SS Dignity from October to December, 2008, but then Israel invaded Gaza in December’s “Operation Cast Lead” and cracked down on all violations of its blockade. A fairly comprehensive account of efforts to run the blockade is available by clicking here.
“We didn’t have anybody famous. It was old-fashioned ‘people power.’ We just wanted to show what happens when ordinary people from around the world get together to try breaking this immoral siege on Gaza.” —Jeff Halper