Soon after it was announced that Jim Manly had accepted to be on the Ship to Gaza Estelle attempting to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, there has been an outpour of support for Jim. A large number of e-mails have been arriving wishing well to Jim on his journey.

Here is a short selection of those messages from a diverse group of people expressing all sorts of emotions, surprise, happiness, caution, celebration, but all with words of encouragement.

Jim’s wife, Eva, has been filing these e-mails but she decided that it is a tribute to Jim, and the Palestinians he attempted to help, to make these messages public.

We, at Gaza’s Ark, would like to add that these messages are a tribute to both Jim and Eva and all their work for the liberation of all Palestinians, in particular those virtually imprisoned in the Gaza Strip by a cruel and inhuman blockade.

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Eva and Jim:

I have seen pictures of the return of Jim.  We are very proud of you both, you are an amazing couple giving us an example of committed solidarity and principles.  We love you.

I hope your are both well.

Love

Cecilia

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When we stand in the place of those who suffer, we taste a small amount of the humiliation and pain that is borne by those who live this treatment every day, for an entire generation or more.
Ive watched and will continue to circulate the prerecorded message from Jim and join you in hope that he will be home for his 80th next week.

Ive spent the morning watching video footage of the Estelle’s voyage, from many differenct lenses as it orchestrated support from various European ports of call, It is the stuff of humanity and will survive as a sign of the spirit of hope for our collective survival long after rogue states collapse into the falacies that brought them to be.

Blessings and strength from the Okanagan dear Eva,

Sue

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Eva,
Just caught CBC television coverage.It was brief.I will continue to stay tuned.GazaArk on facebook is updating frequently.

Embracing you, Jim and all on the Estelle in my thoughts and my prayers,
Nadine

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I have been a friend and colleague of Jim’s for 40 years, and am deeply appreciative of his work and solidarity with B.C. aboriginal people. I have learned so much from Jim about faithful solidarity with those seeking justice and right relationship. I am moved by his courage, risk, and commitment to join others in visibly standing with- and sailing towards- the people of Gaza to end this terrible blockade.

Rev. Vicki Obedkoff, Toronto

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Dear Eva and Jim,

We are thinking of you both and wishing all those on board the plucky ship Estelle well on its humanitarian mission.  Already you have accomplished much–shining a light on the siege conditions of Gazans who must be following your journey with much anticipation!  Congratulations on getting Yonatan Shapira on board!

With deep admiration and in solidarity,

Cam and Marjorie Robertson

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Eva and Jim,

Think of you both often.  We can only hope that this venture is able to meet the goal that has been set.

We are keeping the folk at Brechin informed as well.  So you have the support of many.

Love,

Gwen

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Just arrived from Israeli custody. Tried to call Jim’s wife Eve to say that he’s okay, as I promised him that I would do, but the mail box was full. Could you please tell her that I was with him all the time, and that he was steadfast as a rock against the pirates that attacked our ship and by military force took us to Israel. She can be very proud. Jim will be back tomorrow, inshallah

Yours in solidarity

m
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Paul, I knew your dad at camp Woss, Englewood Logging Div – Vancouver Island, 1958.  I was a brand new forester and he was a brand new minister working as a chokerman.

Your info re Jim is now circulated at our church here in Gibsons, BC.

Please tell your Dad – if able to- that we are proud of his efforts, and that the letter writing to Harper et al will be stepped up.

In God’s Love

Tony Richmond
Member Gibsons United Church.
PS I will be 80 next May 31.
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Hello Paul
Thank you for sending the links and information about what is happenning with your father and great compañero. I will continue to be alert to how this evolves and I send you and your family all of our support and loving energy so he may be well and return home soon.

Wendy
HIJOS Guatemala
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Hello Eva and Jim,

We are not sure if you are still in contact with Jim, Eva, but we want you both to know that you are in our hearts and in our prayers as you bravely proceed through this witness to the need for justice, mercy and peace in Gaza. Jim, please convey our thoughts to the rest of the crew of the “Estelle”. We have petitioned both our MP and the Prime Minister as you requested. May the peace of God be in all your hearts as the days unfold.

Bob & Janet
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When we stand in the place of those who suffer, we taste a small amount of the humiliation and pain that is borne by those who live this treatment every day, for an entire generation or more.
Ive watched and will continue to circulate the prerecorded message from Jim and join you in hope that he will be home for his 80th next week.

Ive spent the morning watching video footage of the Estelle’s voyage, from many differenct lenses as it orchestrated support from various European ports of call, It is the stuff of humanity and will survive as a sign of the spirit of hope for our collective survival long after rogue states collapse into the falacies that brought them to be.

Blessings and strength from the Okanagan dear Eva,

Sue
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Eva,
Just caught CBC television coverage.It was brief.I will continue to stay tuned.GazaArk on facebook is updating frequently.

Embracing you, Jim and all on the Estelle in my thoughts and my prayers,
Nadine
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I have been a friend and colleague of Jim’s for 40 years, and am deeply appreciative of his work and solidarity with B.C. aboriginal people. I have learned so much from Jim about faithful solidarity with those seeking justice and right relationship. I am moved by his courage, risk, and commitment to join others in visibly standing with- and sailing towards- the people of Gaza to end this terrible blockade.
Rev. Vicki Obedkoff, Toronto
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Dear Eva and Jim,
We are thinking of you both and wishing all those on board the plucky ship Estelle well on its humanitarian mission.  Already you have accomplished much–shining a light on the siege conditions of Gazans who must be following your journey with much anticipation!  Congratulations on getting Yonatan Shapira on board!
With deep admiration and in solidarity,
Cam and Marjorie Robertson
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Eva and Jim,
Think of you both often.  We can only hope that this venture is able to meet the goal that has been set.
We are keeping the folk at Brechin informed as well.  So you have the support of many.
Love,
Gwen
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Please don’t be overalarmed Eva by the long silence on the Israeli side, part I believe of their intimidation tactic.

It was a very courageous & beautiful mission, be patient & keep your spirits up.
A few more hours of anguish but I am convinced there has been/will be no violence this time, they won’t dare, international opinion is building up against them & they know it. Every mission erodes their arrogance, their own economy is in jeopardy, they need the world support more than ever but I imagine they also want to save face, just before the Feb. legislative election!

Warm regards,
Marie

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Holding you… …& Jim in the Light…trusting that Power to work in you infinitely more than I can ask or imagine!  I’ll keep monitoring, writing as I can in defense of Jim’s presence, hoping, & praying!

Grace & peace, loving you,

Karen Pidcock in Kaslo…whom you’ve met through KAIROS, & whose daughter, Ann, is friend of Paul’s & his wife.
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Hi Eva -

Just to let you know I’ve written letters to Harper and Baird and posted an appeal for more to my facebook profile   I think of you both and send my love and hope. This is such a great act of courage on both your parts. It must be so hard not to be with him.  But what he is doing will have an impact.

Hugs,

Rachel
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I have been a friend and colleague of Jim’s for 40 years, and am deeply appreciative of his work and solidarity with B.C. aboriginal people. I have learned so much from Jim about faithful solidarity with those seeking justice and right relationship. I am moved by his courage, risk, and commitment to join others in visibly standing with- and sailing towards- the people of Gaza to end this terrible blockade.

Rev. Vicki Obedkoff, Toronto

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As a retired minister of the United Church of Canada, I am engaged in solidarity with Palestinians to end the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories by  Israel.  I pursue that goal as an active member of the United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel (www.unjppi.org), a grass roots network of United Church  members and friends.  I have been closely following the human rights violations by Israel against the Palestinians and I believe the Israeli actions are an obstacle to peace. I support the Palestinian use of non-violent actions to resist the occupation.  Thanks you for your courageous commitment to participate in the Freedom Flotilla’s Estelle to challenge the Blockade of Gaza.

Curtis  Marwood

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Hello Eva

I don´t know whether you are in contact with Jim now that the boat is on its way.  If you are, please convey my solidarity and best wishes.  I greatly admire your joint decision for Jim to go on the Estelle.  It is an important symbolic event and perhaps the last of the Gaza boats.  Our thoughts are with Jim and the rest of the activists on the Estelle.  We are all waiting to hear what is happening.  Please keep us informed.

I hope your meetings in Toronto go well.  I am off to Nelson first thing in the morning to give a couple of talks.

Solidarity

Brian

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Dear Eva,

thank you for keeping us informed about this. What an amazing thing that Jim is doing. I read his comment and we have him and the people of Gaza in our thoughts. I hope the world receives this incredible act with open arms and peace arrive to Gaza. All our love,

Maria, Jose, Lucas (and baby Mateo on the way).

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Thank you Eva and Jim for the update.

My prayers are with you both. You, Eva, to help surround you with as much support and comfort

as  possible in this undertaking, and to Jim for his commitment to the Freedom Flotilla,

and to all who are traveling with him.

May God bless.

Janet

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Dear Jim and Eva,

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jim, and all those travelling with you.

The Gaza’s Ark process seeks to challenge the hardships endured as a result of the blockade of Gaza through a creative and non-violent process that promises not only to bring hope to the Palestinian people but which also seeks to create economic opportunity in a land with so many obstacles to such.

Your participation in this Jim is yet another chapter in a life of commitment and courage.

Those of us back home will follow your journey and will try in whatever way possible to be present in spirit with you and those you encounter.

Peace be with you,

Brian

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Hi Eva and Jim,

Our love and the support of our thoughts and prayers go with Jim for the parliamentarians of The Estelle and to all the people of Gaza.

Gail, Harry and Jacob

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Dear Jim:

Just a few words to say that I fully support what you and the others are doing for the people of Gaza.  I am very committed to justice for all and hope that what you are doing will contribute to a fair and peaceful solution to the injustices being committed.  My heart is with you all and I look forward to your safe return.

May the Ground of all Being bless and keep you all safe.

Diana Pullinger

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Wow – what a wonderful thing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you  – may Peace be with you as you all deliver such Hope.

 

Kirsty and Ian

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Hi Eva:

Thanks for forwarding a very stirring message from the Estelle and Jim…If this machine will do it, I would like to send a message to the group on board as well as your courageous, very committed  husband.

Faye

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Hi Eva and Jim,  I just returned to Calgary after over 2 months on the road. I want you to know that you are in my prayers as Jim continues the journey to Gaza. I have no idea where this is at, but I am thinking of you both as once again you step up with courage and hope in the struggle for peace and justice.

Be well.

PEACE, Bill

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Dear Eva (and other friends in faith),

My apologies for the delay in responding to your request.  Over this weekend of Thanksgiving Pic River First Nation (our immediate neighbors) suffered the tragic deaths of four young men and I have been busy trying in some small ways to be with those who are so profoundly traumatized.  Your prayers are appreciated.

It seems unlikely in the time frame available we might be able to cobble together a common statement of support for Jim or the Gaza’s Ark project.  So, I have written a letter of support (attached) and encourage others who feel so called in the Spirit to do likewise.

Eva, you are free to use my letter on the Gaza’s Ark website.

Blessings to all,

David

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Congratulations Jim,

Well done!

I will be thinking about you for sure, and wonder whether there is anything else I could contribute to your mission.

I wonder whether the David Heap is the son of Dan Heap, another MP and community activist in Toronto, whom I knew in those days and in Holy Trinity Anglican days.

Taking after his parents if he is.

Be well,

Dale

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Such ventures require funds.

To whom and where should such support be sent?

Thanks, Jim, for doing this

Brian Fisher

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May I share this?  I wish to share it with local activists, Danny Z (editor of THE WORD) and my local MIJPME group and my activist friends in Philly.

Also, can we organize a send off in Nanaimo for Jim when he leaves next week??  Eva, how can we support you while Jim is on this challenging mission?

Love, Judy

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Wonderful, Jim–know that we are all with you and proud of you. And Eva, good for you letting him go! Eva, I hope you will keep us all informed. As Cliff always said, ‘Our prayers need to be informed.”

Blessings, Mary

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Dear Mr Manly:

My congratulations for your courage and commitment in taking up the Palestinian cause by bringing attention to the inhumane blockade by Israel against the people of Gaza.

Bill Almolky

Nelson, B.C.

Saludos.

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Dear Jim and Eva.

I certainly do send blessings and support.  We talked and shared the message this morning.  Mike happened to be there.  He said he would go to Vancouver airport for the sendoff. I can’t say I am surprised Jim but I am concerned for your welfare and the others on board.  Godspeed.

Shirley

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Mr. Manly,

I have just been made aware that you intend to sail to Gaza later on this month and I would like to say thank you for doing this to raise awareness to what is happening in Palestine and specifically Gaza.

As a young political activist who has a lot to learn, and as a son of two active members of the Canadian Forces I pay specific attention to what happens in occupied Palestine, and hope to volunteer in the West Bank sometime in the near future.  The more “Westerners” showing solidarity with the Palestinian people as well as raising awareness to the humanitarian crisis that is happening there, the better.  I know we have not had to opportunity to meet, but I would like you to know that I have a great amount of respect for you and what you are doing (as well as your work with fresh water in Nanaimo in the past), and you will be in my prayers here in my new home of Ottawa.

Be safe and best of luck!

Take care,

Matthew O’Donnell

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Hi Jim,

Incredible news tonight as I opened email to hear that you will be on the boat to Gaza! Wonderful! I am so pleased and proud of you. I would have gone to the Gaza book launch reading tonight but I am hosting Mary Lou Harley for the celebration of Rosalie Bertell’s life tomorrow night and we have been working a on a project together….

So I look forward to reading your “blogs” and being one of your supporters!

Love and Courage and Solidarity,

Vicki

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Dear Jim — I am humbled to think of your courage and resolve in this. And you will be in my prayers that good will finally prevail. The best of all wishes to you and all who sail with you, May

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Good for you Jim Manly !!

Stephanie M, Nanaimo, B.C.

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Way to celebrate your 80th, Jim. (Holy guacamole!)

What time is the press conference on Wednesday?

May your mission be successful!

Love, peace, success, safety and all manner of blessings to you.

Pat

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Dear Jim and Eva:

My love and admiration are with you both.

What an immense commitment you both have with those who struggle for peace and social justice, and you are an example to us.

I wish a safe journey to Jim and a calm waiting for you Eva.

Please keep us updated.

Love and peace

Cecilia

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Hello Jim and Eva,

WOW!!!!!!

I just read (well, skimmed, but I’ll read each word later) your email and press release highlighting Jim’s decision to join the Estelle on its trip. I remember Jase and Brian trying to encourage Jim to take this on. But I am quite surprised!!! You have my enthusiastic congratulations, and I assure you we will be paying close attention to this venture!!

Thanks for the capsule biography. It seems Jim has almost done a bit of everything.

Love from both of us–

Harry and Rose

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Thanks for this update. Jim is taking on an important task and we wish him well. Our thoughts will be with him and we look forward to any updates.

Frank and Gerry

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Hi Jim:

My goodness, what a huge step, and one I certainly support and send prayers for your safe journey and return.  I wish I had your courage, and I wish the Israeli people who support the end of this “apartheid” would have the courage to stand up against the Netanyahu regime.  The Palestinian people, especially those in Gaza, deserve a decent and free life.

Blessings, Jim, and also to Eva who must be “lovingly” concerned.

Diane

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Dear Eva and Jim,

On behalf of the Victoria Chapter of Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, please convey our best wishes and tremendous gratitude to Jim for boarding the Estelle for the last and most difficult leg of the trip to Gaza.

As a retired Member of Parliament and United Church of Canada Minister, Jim’s participation is a deeply symbolic and significant representation of the fact that demands on Israel to behave as an ethical and law-abiding member of the international community have moved into the Canadian mainstream.  There is no going back now.

We are so grateful to Jim and send him our very best wishes for a safe and rewarding voyage.

With kind regards,

Frances

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The planned trip is heroic and admirable— and also very dangerous, as I’m sure you realize. All the best: our hearts are with you!

Warmly,

Conrad Alexandrowicz

“Justice for the Palestinians is the greatest moral issue of our time.”

Nelson Mandela

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Jim Manly – a friend and mentor – represents the best of the traditional NDP tradition.  Coming out of the social gospel of the Christian tradition, Jim sat next to Dan Heap in the House of Commons – two voices of conscience from two communions – United and Anglican – of the Christian family.

Jim has recently traveled with his wife Eva to Israel and the occupied territories, to witness the apartheid regime of the Israeli government and its genocidal policies towards the Palestinian people – both Muslim and Christian. This courageous trip is a call for others – friends, neighbors and fellows of the NDP tradition to examine their positions regarding the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and the denial of human rights to a people who since 1948 have been forced from their homes and lands which their families have held for centuries.

Phil Little

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Congratulations Jim & Eva, you are brave & generous; walking the talk is the true test!

Reading Jim’s account of all his accomplishments, I am confident he is absolutely ready for this new challenge, don’t worry Eva.

And if you stay home Eva, it will be just as challenging for you.

My warmest thoughts & good wishes will be with both of you.

Another plus for retirees, not a chance to be bored, that’s wonderful as well!

Persistence will prevail.

Marie

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Dear Jim and Eva,

I applause your efforts -and will be certainly thinking of you… I hope things will go the least rocky as possible -as smoothness is not really a characteristic of that part of the world…

Best of luck Jim

-Fadia

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What wonderful people you are, Jim and Eva.  You raise the bar very high, and that is good for us!  My warmest appreciation and admiration – Madeline Bruce.

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What a resume!!! What a brave commitment!! God speed Jim…

Sincerely,

Faye

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It was Jim who presided at my wife Verna Conway’s memorial service; he is a long time friend along with Eva his spouse and I support and respect what he is doing. This is faith in action.

Charlie Fox

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Friends: this email was written by Eva Manly in support of her husband, former MP Jim Manly, who is about to go to Naples to join the “Estelle,” a Swedish boat with an international crew which will attempt to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. I salute Jim and the rest of the crew for their courage and strong sense of justice.

Please understand that this is not an anti-Israeli or anti-semitic action. It is an action in the Gandhian tradition which is attempting, together with many Israeli citizens, to bring the Israeli government to its senses (and after that, to repentance, as all Jews have this past week been called by the deep meaning of their high holidays, particularly Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

I close with the watchwords of the organization to which I belong, Building Bridges Vancouver:

Justice for Palestine, security for Israel, peace in the Middle East.

Best as always,

Don Grayston

Member, Planning Team, BBV

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Rev. Manly thank you so much for all your work to help Palestinians regain their freedoms. I hope your October “cruise” goes very well and the thought that 100 European parliamentarians have signed the petition is very heartening and encouraging.

I look forward to hearing all the news and have a good flight to Europe.

Best wishes,

Gale O’Brien, an Ottawa Raging Granny

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“… and together they continue to be active in a number of areas…”

What an understatement!

Way to go, Jim.

Ross

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Kudos to such honest brave people to enter such dangerous zones, which was also shown in the presentation video.

I pray to Allah-Creator-GOD to help protect and give them success.

G. A.

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Go with my blessing and my prayers.

Ruth Z.

Victoria, BC

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Sail with the Spirit of courage and truth dear Jim, and Eva. Don’t be too shy to phone me if you need to. I know what it is like when you are left on the shore.

Rajai, Mazen and I, and all in the circle of family and friends here in Vernon are with you in this same Spirit of solidarity.

Pass on our love to those you work with (especially David Heap if you meet him)

When I stood on the boardwalk in Jaffa looking south west out to sea, the image of a leviathan of justice came to mind on both occasions. I believe that the Flotilla campaign is a lifeline of Hope for us all, to restore our humanity.

We will follow your progress through the website /blog.

The Italian delegation in Cairo sang Bella Ciao with such gusto that 1400 from 43 countries were instantly united in Universal outrage over the plight of the Gazans and they will be sending you off well.

Thank you for going, and thanks to your wonderful family for their support of your conviction… we are all grateful.

Susan

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