The following letter was sent to the Prime Minister's office and copied to Coast Reporter for publication
Dear Prime Minister:
Monday, May 31, 2010 will go down in history as a day of infamy. The International Free Gaza aid convoy has had its mission cut short by the illegal and immoral actions of the government of Israel. The convoy was carrying vital aid to the people who live in the Gaza strip because the territory is subject to a blockade by Israel; a blockade that has been condemned by many governments throughout the world.
The flotilla set sail with a clearly defined peaceful and humanitarian mission and was the subject of an unprovoked attack by members of the Israeli defence force.
The Israeli government says that its forces were attacked by members of the flotilla as they boarded the aid ships. This may or may not be true, as reports coming from the region are confused at the moment. Even if this is, indeed, the case then the actions of the passengers and crew are completely understandable as an attempt to defend themselves against a violent hijacking in international waters.
Those on board were then illegally taken to an Israeli port to be held in detention. Their account of the incident has yet to be heard.
If the Canadian government does not issue an outright condemnation of this attack by Israel then the international reputation of Canada as a peace loving, fair and just nation will be destroyed.
Prime Minister, I urge you to do the right thing.
Chris Bradley
Gibsons
