July 9, 2011

Report from activist aboard the Tahrir


Greeting from aboard the Tahrir. We remain in the Marina under the watchful eye of the coast Guard whose boat is moored directly behind us almost nipping at our stern. THe Coast Guard were very careful not to injure or frighten us during the boarding a couple of days ago. One said``excuse me`as he rushed to the wheelhouse, another said ``don`t be afraid``. We greet them each morning, Miles has shared some photos, some of them have individually expressed to us that they admire what we are doing. But of course, as one pointed out, they cannot do this publicly--or next year we will be boarded by different commandos and he will be selling pita gyro sandwiches on the shore. People in Greece need their employment--it is a very serious consideration in times like this.

Walking through the town of Agios Nicolos last evening, you could overhear interspersed in the cafe conversations in Greek the words --Gaza, Canada, Israel, Netanyahu. Standing on a balcony above the lake, you can hear the dinner conversations--the words recur. People greet us all over town--solidarity in court from supporters was impressive. Our lawyers made a brilliant political argument and we made the front page of the local papers.

 We have another inspection tomorrow-- but everything is still in play. There has been some attrition of delegates, as several have serious job commitments-- not unlike our Greek friends-- and needed to return. We will be joined by some delegates from other ships that cannot sail f(for whatever reason). Rocks clash, sirens beckon, Cyclops looms, but we steadfastly face eastward --some ships sail a different course. Another destination perhaps for now.The universe continues to unfold.

Amira Hass remains with us. And, we still hold some hope. Everything we can do from here on in is a bonus. The world has been put on notice. The fly-tilla is another interesting action.

I visualise it like this: a grain of sand is dislodged at the top of a sand dune. As it rolls down it touches others, and they do the same. Eventually, the entire dune has shifted. Perhaps I`ve been staring at the dry hills for too long.
A more Canadian metaphor would be the sound that starts an avalanche.

That sound began in many places. It began with voices speaking quietly, perhaps a page turning as someone read a parody of an Israeli propaganda-biased newspaper--or the page turning as someone read the true but ridiculous story of artists being sued by a media giant for that parody.

We shouted, sang, danced and the rest of the world saw the outsourcing of the blockade of Gaza and occupation of Palestine.Now, it seems the outsourcing may be extended to an airport near you.

Time to run errands.

Spirits remain good. We continue to put one foot in front of the other--and we do know the distinction between .
Just know this--that 8 nautical miles we travelled on our boat were the best 8 any of us have ever travelled!

Yes, we know the difference between determination and obstinacy. It appears Israel has crossed from obstiunacy to obduracy. In Greek drama, this is known as a tragic flaw.

 In solidarity,

Karen DeVito

Ps. Maxine, John Turnbulll is writing his blog again--he is here as well. http://www.johnadamturnbull.com/Yeah/
Alternative reporting from Miles Howe, who is also with us  here:http://halifax.mediacoop.ca/story/freedom-tahrir-three/7707

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