The Canadian Boat to Gaza, in cooperation with international initiatives in the US, Australia and other countries, is launching a new initiative to challenge the illegal and inhumane Israeli blockade of Gaza, the only Mediterranean port closed to shipping.

This new initiative: Gaza's Ark, will build a boat in Gaza, using existing resources. A crew of internationals and Palestinians will sail it out of Gaza carrying Palestinian products to fulfill trade deals with international buyers.

Gaza's Ark will be constructed in Gaza by Palestinian hands and expertise, with international assistance.

A Canadian who was forcibly abducted by Israeli forces from the Canadian ship Tahrir and detained without charge last fall continues to demand that the Conservative government press Israel to immediately return the boat and its contents, and is taking that message on a Prairies speaking tour.

London, Ontario activist David Heap, who was on board the Tahrir when it was boarded in international waters, will be speaking in Saskatoon on May 17 and Winnipeg on May 22, and will also address the campaign's ongoing plans to challenge the illegal blockade of Gaza.

Adopting the “Kairos Palestine” document, Methodists Elevate Palestinian Rights and Israel Divestment to Mainstream Prominence

“Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle and a victory.” –Gandhi

Canadians are collectively waking up to the fact that we faced an illegal blockade at the ballot box in dozens of ridings last May, which may have led to a stolen election. Meanwhile, Palestinians face illegal blockades and checkpoints every day, which steal their freedom of movement, preventing them from entering or leaving Gaza and impeding travel through the West Bank. As Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu touches down in Ottawa, the world is waking up to the complicity of the Canadian government in Israel’s violations of international law.

During Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Ottawa this weekend, Stephen Harper should take the opportunity and ask for the prompt return of the Canadian Boat to Gaza, the Tahrir.

Canadian government abandons human rights at sea: Release the Canadian Boat to Gaza

November 4, last year, the Canadian ship Tahrir and its cargo of medical supplies, along with everyone onboard, were forcibly taken by the Israeli navy while peacefully sailing in international waters towards the blockaded* Gaza Strip.

The Canadian government expressed no concern to the government of Israel over this serious international incident involving Canadians. Despite multiple requests, the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs under Minister John Baird is refusing to ask Israel to release the Tahrir and its cargo of desperately-needed medical aid, saying that this is a purely private matter. Canadians expect more from their government.

We are sharing this appeal for action from the Campaign to Defend Free Speech which outlines the series of attacks on free speech and Palestine solidarity organizing in Canada.

This Wednesday, the Canadian Boat to Gaza is kicking off a nine city speaking tour to address Canada’s role in the blockade of Gaza and give their firsthand account of the capture at sea of the Tahrir.

Three Canadians, who were forcibly abducted from the Canadian ship Tahrir by Israel and detained without charge this past fall, are demanding the Conservative government press Israel to return the boat and its contents. And they are taking this message directly to nine communities from coast to coast in an upcoming speaking tour beginning February 15 to address Canada’s role in the blockade of Gaza and give their firsthand account of the capture at sea of the Tahrir.

Dates, locations, and details of the speaking tour: http://www.tahrir.ca/speaking-tour-2012

Canadian Boat to Gaza

For Immediate Release - Wednesday, November 9, 2011

On Tuesday, Freedom Waves to Gaza activists detained in Israel -- including Canadians David Heap and Ehab Lotayef -- came before a judge and were told they could be held in prison for two months without charges or trial.

To avoid this, the judge told them, they must sign a statement that they entered Israel "voluntarily" and "illegally" despite being violently kidnapped from international waters and taken to Israel against their will while trying to reach Gaza. While a handful of Freedom Waves to Gaza participants have been deported -- including Canadian Karen DeVito -- 18 activists and journalists have now been in Israeli prison for five days with no end in sight.