Following Israel’s outsourcing of the blockade to Greece, which prevented the Tahrir from reaching international waters, we have learned many important lessons about how to proceed with the next phase of the Freedom Flotilla.

One obvious lesson is that our boat must be in a country which does not place the same restrictions on departures as Greece did; another is that Freedom Flotilla boats should be in as many countries as possible. We know that economic, political and diplomatic pressure can be tremendously hard to predict or resist, and so we are studying our options in the region carefully. We are also very aware of the risk of sabotage, as happened to two of the Freedom Flotilla boats in a Greek port and a Turkish port.

We have now relocated the Tahrir outside of Greece, and as before we will only release the location details when we believe it is safe to do so. We are also consulting with our international Freedom Flotilla partners about the best date for future departures towards Gaza.

Our specific plans may need to remain discreet until the Tahrir is physically approaching Gaza, as will our international partners, to increase our probability of success. Rest assured when we sail again, you will know.

In the meantime, the Tahrir needs your continued financial support.

While we own our major asset (the boat itself), there is still a need for funds to cover fuel costs, crew, security, legal expenses, port fees and insurance, amongst other things.

If you are part of an organization that has not yet endorsed the Canadian Boat to Gaza, now is the time to do so.  If you or your organization have already endorsed our campaign, please consider another donation now or in the near future.

Our resolve remains: with your continued help the Tahrir will sail again in solidarity with Palestinians to challenge the illegal and immoral blockade of Gaza.

For human rights. For justice. For freedom.

Stay human — and stay tuned.