Tell President Obama to Ensure Safe Passage for the U.S. Boat to Gaza

As the Gaza Freedom Flotilla II, "Stay Human," is preparing to set sail this month, it's more important than ever to ensure its safe passage. Israel may follow through with its threats of using attack dogs and other violent--potentially life-threatening--means to intercept the boats, as was done to the previous international flotilla in 2010.

We need to keep the pressure on! Please sign this letter to President Obama to support the right of The Audacity of Hope to safe passage.

Subject:

Your Letter:

Dear Mr. President,

50 unarmed Americans will soon be sailing on a U.S.-flagged ship, The Audacity of Hope, as part of an international flotilla to the besieged Gaza Strip. This peaceful demonstration will challenge Israel’s blockade of Gaza, which has effectively imprisoned 1.6 million civilians, of whom almost half are under the age of 16. The blockade has impoverished the people of Gaza, deprived them of needed materials and supplies, impeded the ill and infirm from seeking medical aid abroad, and prevented students from seeking education outside of Gaza.

In addition to 36 passengers, four crew, and 10 members of the media, The Audacity of Hope will carry thousands of letters of support and friendship from people throughout the U.S. to the people of Gaza. There will be no weapons of any sort on board. The passengers will carry no goods of any kind for delivery in Gaza. The mission is by U.S. civil society to the civil society of Gaza. The passengers are engaged solely in nonviolent action in support of the Palestinian people and their human rights.

Mr. President, you have noted the unsustainability of the Gaza blockade. Your administration has spoken boldly in support of peaceful demonstrations throughout the region's broader “Arab Spring.” I expect your administration to help ensure the flotilla’s safe passage to Gaza – as you should also support the passengers’ humanitarian demand that Israel's blockade be lifted.

This should begin by notifying the Israeli government in clear and certain terms that it may not physically interfere with the upcoming flotilla, of which the U.S. boat, The Audacity of Hope, is part.

I join the boat's passengers--who are authors, builders, firefighters, lawyers, social workers, retirees, Holocaust survivors, former government employees and more—in saying that we expect no less from you and your administration.

The boat will sail through the Eastern Mediterranean in the last week of June. Please act promptly and decisively to uphold the rights of civilians to safe passage through international waters.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

Phone:(202) 456-1111

Fax:(202) 456-2461

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End the Occupation

US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation

Tell President Obama to Ensure Safe Passage for the U.S. Boat to Gaza

President Barack Obama