Last week, six courageous Palestinians attempted to defy racism, segregation and apartheid by boarding Jewish settler-only buses in the hopes of reaching Jerusalem, a city off limits to Palestinians in the West Bank. However, the symbolic, media-friendly act — and its debatable relevance to the average Palestinian — begs some important questions. Read more about Are the Freedom Rides a detour for the struggle?
Only six out of the original 27 Freedom Waves participants have been released, twenty-one participants are still detained in Israeli prisons. Egyptian journalist with Almasry Alyoum, Lina Attalah was the first to be released, she was handed over to officials at the Egyptian Embassy in Israel who later escorted her back home to Egypt through Taba crossing, Lina wrote an eyewitness account which can be found here. Read more about Freedom Waves participants still detained in Israeli prison
UPDATED (16:40 – 4 November 2011). PRESS RELEASE: Freedom Waves to Gaza – ‘FREEDOM WAVES TO GAZA BOARDED BY ISRAELI MILITARY’.
Canadian and Irish ships sailing with Freedom Waves to Gaza have been illegally boarded by the Israeli military in international waters a short while ago. Read more about UPDATED: Urgent: ships BOARDED by Israeli Navy
In anticipation of the arrival of both Tahrir and Saoirse (#FreedomWaves boats) currently en route to the besieged Gaza Strip, Palestinian youth in the Strip have organized a welcome event. The event will be held tomorrow morning at Gaza’s main seaport where the boats are expected to harbor. Read more about Palestinian Youth to Welcome #FreedomWaves Boats Tomorrow
Demonstrations were held today in Ramallah and Gaza in support with the Freedom Waves flotilla on it’s way to Gaza.
Protesters in Ramallah marched from Manara Square to a UN building to demand protection for the Freedom Waves flotilla.
Palestinian youth also submitted a statement demanding UN action to protect the boats and end complicity with the Gaza siege. Read more about Actions in support with the FreedomWaves ships