The Freedom Flotilla 2 delegates from the Dignité-Karama have been deported by Israel, including Stéphan Corriveau of the Tahrir, who arrived back in Canada Wednesday.

Stéphan and other Montréal area delegates from the Tahrir will be at an event in Montréal Thursday, from 11:30-12:30, in front of the Israeli consulate (Wood St., one west of Atwater at Ste. Catherine; Atwater metro station). Bring Palestinian flags and signs against the blockade and in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Amira Hass’ eye-witness provides an account of the boarding of the Dignité-Karama by Israeli Occupation Force naval commandos. (See more media coverage here).

Since the boarding of the Dignité Tuesday morning, our supporters have participated in pickets at the Israeli embassy in Ottawa, the Israeli consulate in Toronto, and at Deltaport in Vancouver, where an Israeli Zim line ship was docking. In addition to the action in Montreal on Thursday, there is a demo in Hamilton on Friday July 22, 2:30 p.m. at the Israel Bonds-JNF office, 105 Main. St E. (Effort Square).

While we are of course happy our friends from the Dignité have been freed quickly and safely, acts of state piracy remain illegal, even if the people kidnapped in international waters are offered food and drink. The real problem remains the blockade under which the Palestinians of Gaza are still suffering. We continue to demand:

– An end to the illegal and inhumane blockade of Gaza.

– That our government condemn Israel’s acts of state piracy and illegal aggression again civilian vessels.

– Freedom of travel for Palestinians between Gaza and the West Bank.

With your continued support, the Tahrir and the Freedom Flotilla will sail again, and we will continue until the blockade ends. Where politicians fail us, civil society must take the lead in solidarity with Palestine.