A converted fishing ship arrived in Bristol today as part of the ‘Freedom Coalition’ European tour. The group of activists began their trip in Norway on The Freedom Flotilla boat ‘Handala’ last month.
Campaigners are attempting to raise awareness about the Gaza Strip blockade, which began 16 years ago. It's the third most densely populated place in the world with almost 50 per cent of the population being under 15.
The ship docked in Cumberland Basin shortly after 11am this morning (July 10) and will remain in Bristol until July 19 before sailing to Southampton. The ship, which will eventually arrive in Gaza, has already been to Aberdeen, Glasgow, Liverpool and Cardiff.
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Alex Macdonald who is 62 flew from Texas to Norway for the Handala European tour. While additional crew members will join the ship in Bristol, Alex will be flying back to Texas from Bristol Airport as he needs to get home 'to mow his lawn'.
The semi-retired engineer grew up supporting the Israeli occupation of Palestine and it wasn’t until he was in his forties that he began to take a different view and become critical of the Israeli government and the role of the United States in supporting the military occupation of Palestine. He has since written two books on the topic and founded the Texas Coalition for Human rights.
Alex said: “I believe in the flotilla because the situation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza is horrendous. As an American I’m here because I believe the United States is complicit by providing the weapons which are used to bomb people in Gaza.
“I think this campaign is important so the people of Gaza know that we haven’t forgotten them and a good way to raise awareness throughout the world. I’m really inspired by the warm reception we’ve had along the way.
“It’s been lovely, we’ve had people come to us and bring us groceries. We were in a restaurant off the Caledonian canal and the guy saw what we were doing and gave us a meal on the house.
“It’s really nice to be part of this community and show solidarity with Gaza but I am flying home tomorrow. I have to mow the lawn, it’s getting overgrown.”
The boat is named Handala after the famous cartoon image of a refugee Palestinian child. Over the following days, Bristol Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) has a range of events planned to raise the issues around the 16-year blockade of Gaza and the effects of this on children in particular.
This will include tours of the Handala, a film about a previous mission to break the blockade, a fundraising concert, panel talks, middle eastern buffet and a picnic. The 16-year blockade of Gaza has had devastating effects on the population of the territory, many of whom are refugees.
Water consumption is well below the internationally recommended minimum, while electricity is frequently only available for a few hours a day. Earlier this year, Israel’s bombardment of Gaza killed 49 Palestinians, including 17 children.
The UN and human rights monitoring bodies have repeatedly condemned the blockade as illegal, drawing attention to its disastrous effects including on services like essential healthcare, education and sanitation, access to food, and on Gaza’s economy. The blockade has a particularly harsh impact on children, with Save the Children reporting that four out of five children in the Gaza Strip live with depression, grief and fear.
After finishing its tour of Europe, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has announced its intention to sail to the Gaza Strip in 2024. Helen Wheeler, Secretary of Bristol PSC, said “The blockade of Gaza is illegal, immoral and barbaric.
“It is designed to punish and control an entire population by limiting their access to the resources required to live fulfilled lives. It needs to be brought to an end alongside Israel’s wider system of apartheid exercised over all Palestinians.
“The flotilla’s visit to Bristol is an important means of raising awareness of these injustices and building the pressure on our Government to take meaningful action to hold Israel to account for its violation of Palestinian rights and of international law.”
Itinerary:
- 10 July - 5:30pm Welcome the flotilla to Bristol, Cascade Steps, Anchor Road.
- 11-16 July 12 -6pm Bristol Docks PSC and Flotilla stall, tours of the Handala.
- 11 July 7pm Film “The Truth: Lost at Sea”, Palestine Museum and Cultural Centre, Broad Street. The story of the 2010 Freedom Flotilla, the Mavi Marmara, which was attacked by Israel en route to Gaza.
- 12 July 7pm Fundraising concert for the flotilla at Palestine Museum and Cultural Centre, Broad Street. An evening of Moroccan and Sudanese music. Also live link with the Edward Said National Conservatory in Gaza.
- 13 July 7pm Frome Friends of Palestine’s music night “Freedom Sounds”, 23 Bath Street, Frome. "Breaking the blockade on Gaza” panel talk about the effect of the blockade and why the flotilla is important with Flotilla Crew members and link up with Gaza.
- 14 July 3pm The flotilla crew join Bristol’s Vigil for Gaza that has been going for over 5 years. Cascade steps.
- 15 July 7pm “Breaking the Blockade in Gaza” panel talk about the effect of the blockade and why the flotilla is important with crew members, National Director of PSC Ben Jamal, and link up with Gaza. Palestine Museum and Cultural Centre, Broad Street
- 17 July 6pm Picnic with Palestinian music and poetry. Queen Square
- 19 July 6:30pm Farewell to the flotilla, Bristol Docks.
More information about the Freedom Flotilla Coalition can be found here.
