Oy Vey, Flotilla

Pillar of Peace: Cross-cultural Understanding
Commentary by Liora Herman, Marketing and Outreach Manager

Just when we thought there was some quiet and relative calm in the Middle East, BAM! Flotilla flashes across news headlines and Israel is immediately condemned as the aggressor. But is she?

Why is Israel always the bad guy in any scenario? All too quickly people forget the youth and challenged existence of the Jewish State. Israel is constantly defending her borders, and considering her size, one would think it would be a bit easier. But the international community keeps sticking its nose into her affairs, making it increasingly difficult to protect her citizens.

Rocket shrapnel behind Sderot Police Station.

It is no secret that I am pro-Israel. Here, I will say it: “I Liora Herman, am pro-Israel.” BUT before you run off and accuse me of bias, I am also pro-PEACE. I believe that

Palestinians, the ones not shooting rockets at Sderot (been there and seen the damage first hand), have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately,moderate Palestinians are not the ones in power and are not the ones making news headlines.

I am a well educated, informed woman who can think for herself. After reading several news sources and watching lots of video interviews, here is what I surmise.

1. There has been a military blockade in place around Gaza for the last three years. And it’s not just Israeli policy but also Egyptian policy. (No big secret, and the captain of the flotilla should have been well aware.)
2. There was a flotilla of six boats. Five were taken without violence. It was only on the sixth ship that violence broke out after the Israeli soldiers were attacked.
3. Yes, the flotilla was in international waters. But under Article 51 of the UN Charter, a country has the right to self-defense.
4. Israeli commandos arrived on board with paint ball guns and used their firearms only after one of their own was shot and wounded.
5. Hundreds of trucks of humanitarian aid pass from Israel to Gaza each day. (I have been to the check point they pass through and seen the aid processed with my own eyes.)

Karni Crossing in Israel bordering Gaza

So why, with these clear facts, do countries such as France and Great Britain scold Israel?

What I find shocking and surprising is the amount of video coverage of the actual attack―video clips that are readily available on YouTube. If I am witnessing it for myself, how can I spin it against Israel?

• Israeli Navy Addresses a Ship in the Flotilla and Offers it to Dock in the Ashdod Port
• Mavi Marmara Passengers Attack IDF Before Soldiers Board Ship
• Weapons Found on the Flotilla Ship Mavi Marmara Used by Activists Against IDF Soldiers

Also consider:

• http://sderotmedia.org.il/bin/content.cgi?ID=602&q=3
• http://networkedblogs.com/4o5CA
• http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-05-31-flotilla-israel_N.htm?loc=interstitialskip
• http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2010-06-02-editorial02_ST1_N.htm

These are my truths and opinions. I believe there are multiple truths in any situation. I encourage you to share yours. And I might regret asking this, but, what do you think?