Dear Spyros ,
Just an hour ago, I couldn't believe it when I heard that the US boat to Gaza had finally left port in Greece. But just a few minutes ago we learned they are not being granted passage out of Greek waters and they have issued an urgent call for our help THIS VERY MINUTE. Armed Greek soldiers are approaching the boat now as the passengers chant, afraid they are planning a raid.
Let our people go.
This is the traditional biblical cry of people fighting for freedom from slavery and oppression.
And it's exactly the message I want you to send now to the United States and the government of Greece, which is in this very moment preventing the remaining boats in the Gaza Flotilla from leaving port to break the illegal siege of Gaza.
Let our people go.
Our people are the 1.6 million Palestinian men, women and children who are virtual prisoners who cannot leave Gaza and who cannot get access to sufficient food, medical supplies and resources they need to live.
Our people are the Americans and internationals, including Jewish Voice for Peace members, who are risking their lives to show the world the injustice of the siege, and who bring a message of hope and solidarity to the Palestinians of Gaza.
You and I can't be there in Greece or Gaza right now, but we can stand with peace activists from all over the world, including and especially from Palestine, who have taken up the nonviolent struggle to end occupation and assert the full humanity of all people.
These modern-day Freedom Riders need our help right now. Please take a moment to send a letter now and then tell your friends to do the same.
They are facing extraordinary forces of opposition from the Israeli and US governments—and yet, we already have won by bringing the world's attention to the people of Gaza. But it's not over yet. They need your help. Now.
Let our people go: Let the ships sail. Break the siege of Gaza.
As I hope and pray for safe passage, I can't help but smile at the name of the U.S. boat: "The Audacity of Hope." There is audacity in hope. Moses had it when he made his case to Pharoah. And we have it when we act to bring about a future where all of us are free.
Audaciously,
Rabbi Alissa Wise, National Organizer
Jewish Voice for Peace
