June 1 Flotilla Update from the American Jewish Committee

From Dr. Payne:

Dear Friends:

In the wake of yesterday's tragic events in the Mediterranean Sea, we want to share with you some preliminary information that we hope will prove helpful.


1. Immediately after we learned of the incident yesterday, AJC Boston distributed to key media outlets the release below.

According to AJC Boston president, Michael Tichnor, "For those of us who pray for peace in the region, it is shocking that the Israeli soldiers were viciously attacked as they tried to peacefully enforce their policy of direct Israeli aid to the people of Gaza".

The flotilla was led by a Hamas affiliated organization. Hamas rejects co-existence, non-violence, and peace. It was therefore not altogether surprising that they turned a purportedly peaceful humanitarian effort into an opportunity for violence and confrontation. Hamas, which violently took control of Gaza, has been officially designated as a terrorist organization by both the E.U. and the United States.

This is a moment when people of moderation, who support peace, need to speak out against Hamas and its supporters who will stop at nothing to undermine efforts to promote coexistence.

We applaud Israel for continuing to deliver hundreds of thousands of tons of relief supplies to the people of Gaza and pray that outside groups will refrain from supporting Hamas and resorting to violence.


2. AJC National has posted on its homepage (www.ajc.org) critical videos that graphically display the attack on Israeli commandos. We urge you to view this video, which provides vital context for what actually transpired.


3. AJC National is putting together a packet of material that we will forward to you as soon as it becomes available.


4. As you review information about this tragic set of circumstances, we urge that you keep in mind the following key facts:

a. The convoy to Gaza is frequently termed a humanitarian convoy. In fact, it had among its leaders an organization called the Foundation for Human Rights, Liberties, and Humanitarian Relief or IHH. This is an Islamist organization that was much more invested in confrontation than conciliation.
b. The Israeli government repeatedly tried to avoid a confrontation and even offered to transport all humanitarian cargo from Ashdod directly to Gaza. This proposal was rejected.
c. Israel has been sending 100 trucks a day that provided 15,000 tons of supplies a week to Gaza. Supplies have been getting into Gaza. The convoy was intended to break the Israeli blockade not help needy civilians.
d. The Israeli blockade was necessitated by Hamas commitment to attack Israeli civilians and Israel's obligation to protect its citizens. Israel has made clear that as soon as Hamas foregoes violence and commits to live in peace the blockade can be stopped.