Latest Updates
• Excellent video explaining the entire incident.
• Videos of Mavi Marmara crew members talking about preparations for violent confrontation with IDF soldiers.
• How the "activists" prepared for violent confrontation.
• French philosopher Bernard Henri-Levy writes about the flood of hypocrisy: "It’s Time to Stop Demonizing Israel."
• Iranian Red Crescent to send ships to Gaza.
• Video: IDF transfers humanitarian aid from Gaza Flotilla to Gaza Strip.
• Michael Oren, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, has his say with a New York Times op-ed.
• "Peace activist" declares: "I want to be a martyr."
• Even if Glenn Beck is not your cup of tea, check out his spot-on analysis.
• Statement by Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu: "No Love Boat"
• Alan Dershowitz: International law and the Gaza flotilla: An open-and-shut case
Background Info
On May 31, a ship from the Free Gaza movement en route from Turkey was ostensibly trying to deliver supplies to Gaza.
Israel – suspicious that the ship contained terrorists and weapons – offered to unload the ship, where the cargo would be inspected and then delivered to needy Gazans.
The operators of the ship refused.
Israel sent repeated requests for the boat to change course. The response: "Negative, negative." (See video of warnings)
The Israeli Navy then boarded the ship off the costal waters of Gaza, to take control and escort the ship to the Israeli port of Ashdod.
As the soldiers rappelled down from a helicopter onto the ship, they were immediately attacked with steel pipes, wooden clubs and knives. (See video of "peace activists" attacking IDF soldiers.)
The activists had prepared to fight and were armed with lethal weapons. (See the cache of weapons, and read about the military supplies discovered aboard the ship.)
The soldiers were primarily carrying paintball guns designed for crowd control, and back-up pistols which some activists grabbed and used to shoot the Israeli soldiers. (See video of Israeli soldiers being attacked by live gunfire.) The soldiers’ lives were in immediate danger.
The main sponsor of the flotilla is IHH, which has close ties to Hamas, Hezbollah and Al Qaeda - and was ostracized even by Turkey before the present Islamic government took over. (Read about the IHH.)
Must-read Information
• Legal background on the Gaza flotilla and the maritime blockade of Gaza.
• First-person account from an Israeli soldier.
• Israel's humanitarian corridor for the transfer of 15,000 tons of food and supplies every week to the people of Gaza. Read about the false notion of a "humanitarian crisis" in Gaza.
More Videos
• "Suicide Activists on the Gaza Flotilla" – exploring the media’s biased coverage of the event.
• Interview with Peter Cook, maritime security expert. Fast-forward to 1:30 where he clearly explains the sequence of events.
• Amazing video of Jewish high school student bravely confronting an angry crowd of anti-Israel demonstrators in Los Angeles. (See interview with “Daniel” at 2:30)
• "Peace activist" (wearing the orange life jacket) beating an Israeli soldier with a metal rod and stabbing him in the chest.
• Al-Jazeera report of "peace activists" creating war atmosphere before confronting Israel – invoking the battle of Khaybar, where Muslims carried out a massacre of Jews in the 7th century.
• Clips from Arabic TV show the activists chanting songs of martyrdom.
Resources and Links
• FlotillaFacts.com from Stand With Us
• from HonestReporting.com (here and here)
• from The Israel Project (here and here)
• Flotilla Facts: New and Analysis (Talk Gaza)
(77) Tammy Wellman, June 13, 2010 1:07 AM
Friend of Israel
XOXOXO...I love you Israel...XOXOXO
(76) Anonymous, June 9, 2010 11:09 PM
flotilla truth
Funny how the facts explains things ... an old saying ... you can fool the fans in the stands but you can't fool the players on the field.
(75) Anonymous, June 8, 2010 2:31 PM
ignorant gentile (me)
Wasn't the raid in international waters? And weren't many (so called) internationally reputable reporters from throughout the world aboard these boats? Obviously one boat wasn't focussed on humanitarian aid. The more I read these comments the more I understand why the killings took place, but there is not enough counterbalance, mostly just pious positioning accusing anyone who has issues with the Israeli actions as anti-semetic, and then indirect references to the holocaust. From my far off perspective (New Zealand) the info i've seen is that Israel has grown in geographic size over the last 60 years, and the Palestinian areas shrunk. Whether Israeli's think it is God's will or not it will never sit well with those gentiles who witness this happening. There's areligious overtones to it all but it seems more about land. The Gazan's do seem far more impoverished than the Israeli's. I blame the British for such a terrible partitioning of land in the beginning. Maybe thats why they only won 1 world cup! America has always seemed pro-Israel, only now it seems Obama has scaled it back to not seem too biased. So now he's anti-Israel? Ironically some of the logic in these comments seems closer in tone to that of Jihadists and Hitler; generalised and full of scapegoats and tacky metaphors, such as 'jackels'. Unfortunately every clown's allowed to express his opinion on the internet whether they know what their talking about (so here I am,haha) Admittedly Israeli's seem far more peaceful than there Islamic counterparts, but I'm sure there are Zionist hardliners just as there are pea brained Islamic radicals. Why humanitarian flotillas aren't off to Darfur did puzzle me, until I remembered that China has involvement in Sudan. If Palestinians refused an offer to have there own state in the past, maybe now is the time to offer it again, when they seem to be at their most desperate? And when the so called anti-semitic/anti-Israel world would be most appeased and impressed by it.
(74) daniel ekpo, June 8, 2010 1:47 PM
True Peace activists pursue peace peacefully..
The world's media may silently sidestep the role those pseudo- peace activists had to play in provoking the deaths of 9 people. That silence may show their bias. If the aim of those so-called activists were humanitarian, why didn't they send aid through approved channels? Their aim was mainly political. To cast doubt on the right of Israel to defend its territory from wicked Islamists who pride themselves in nothing but attempting murder. The state of Israel has a duty to defend itself from such people and their sympathisers.
(73) shoshana, June 7, 2010 4:13 PM
media has a big impact
The media is not about real "news"in the world. It is about what ever the world wants to hear. There are no phots of Israel bringing humaitarian aid in to Gaza, nor terrorists in the middle of Gaza hiding among the civilians. The reporters are often afraid they will be attacked or criticized if they support Israel. What is there to argue about a country trying to protect their citizens? But if you have a biased media who does not show Israelis always living in fear of another daily attack we seem like cruel people. The only way to show a favorable side of Israel is for Jews to stand up for their rights to protect their people or encourage protesters to move to Israel. Let them see what it feels like to live on the border of terrorists.
(72) Eddie, June 7, 2010 4:42 AM
what do you expect?
There is no doubt the people on the ships are terrorists and terrorists sympathizers. That is why they attacked the under armed Israeli soldiers as they boarded the first vessel. The muslim/Arabs hate the jews. This is nothing new. If you are upset at how little support Israel is getting from the current U.S. government then be sure to thank those jews in the U.S. who supported and continue to support the Democratic party. They should jjoin the tea party movement to help the U.S. government return to a more pro Israel stand. Biden seems to make no difference in this governments positon to support the terrorists in the mideast.
(71) Gertrude Posner, June 7, 2010 1:26 AM
Helen Thomas' remarks were shocking. Sounds as though she has reached the stage of dementia and should no longer be part of white house news coverage. Helen I've always admired you--how could youget things so wrong and become vicious. An apology is due all patriotic Jewish Americans, Perhaps a psychiatrist could help you come back to reality
(70) Shawn, June 6, 2010 7:15 PM
Israel's sovereignty should be respected. They have a right to defend their citizens and country.
The loss of life on the flotilla is indeed truly sad. But sadder still is the desire to destroy the people of Israel by Hamas and their kind. Excuses for truly bad attitudes and worse than criminal behaviour, seem prevalent in the so-called 'pro' Palestinian ideology. As long as the Israelis are not given the priviledge of living life in freedom from the constant threat of their children being bombed by Gaza's terrorists, I pray they will hold strong in the face of any opposition. Who is any outsider to say what the Israeli government should or should not do to protect their own countrymen and women?
(69) Deb Brown, June 6, 2010 5:32 PM
History could repeat without a strong defense.
For millenia the Jew has been villified among the nations. We have been run out of every country were we have lived, our properties confiscated, our very lives forfeited just because we are Jews. Only after the horrors of Hitlers "Final Solution" and the extermination of 6 million of our people and bloody sacrifice by hundreds more did we finally reacquire our beloved homeland, Yisra'el. Many hundreds more have sacrificed their lives to help us keep our homeland these past 60 plus years. We have been weighted down under untold criticism by countless nations and even our own people. It is these last ones who hurt us most, for if we cannot stand publically united, how can we stand at all? My dear brothers and sisters, I beg you to consider a world without our beloved homeland; a world without Yisra'el. For a world without Israel is one where we and our children and grandchildren would once again face pogroms and even, HaShem forbid, another Shoah. Israel stands alone in the world against insurmountable odds. We must stand with her, undivided in spirit and truth...for our sake and for the sake of those who follow, let us not forget. Let us all remember with clarity. May history not repeat itself with our childrens' blood. L'Chaim!
(68) Mat, June 5, 2010 9:55 AM
It's just disgusting how the media has portrayed the IDF.
This was not a flotilla of freedom anythings or anybodys. This ship and its' occupants knew exactly what they were doing and prepared for this moment. There is no sense of right and wrong amongst pro Hamas, etc... followers and all the world should know and understand this implication and how it affects Israel and the rest of the Jewish world. I am saddened at the loss of any life, however, if the beliefs of those who attack Israel are such that they will die in the name of Allah, well then, I have no sympathy. Will ever the day come when the world at large opens there eyes and watches and listens to the rhetoric spewing from the media? England has been a constant disappointment for accurate news on the Arab/Israeli disputes. I do not get it. Are we in such a bad state of affairs that the media in general can disregard the actual facts and draw conclusions based on Arab propaganda. Nothing ever changes between the Arab States and Israel. We know it and the rest of the world knows it. So why pretend to move toward peace when we know full well that the threats will continue and the hatred grows stronger. These people are not interested in peace. There is a legion of martyrs ready to die for their toxic beliefs. I support the IDF and their tactics for combating any and all potential threats onto Israel and its' people. Shalom
(67) Frank, June 4, 2010 9:27 PM
To Roustam
Israel might be able to open Gaza but will the Arab leave her in peace? I don't think so. Yesterday, president of Sudan announced his support for Hamas. In Egypt the last 3 days, many Muslims in different cities were voting for Hamas, and that means, Hamas will get all the support it need from different Arab countries not to forget Iran and its rule there, It might not cause Israel any problems at the moment but It will give more weapons and other support to Hamas. I don't think this will be a good choice for Israel at the moment.
(66) Anonymous, June 4, 2010 7:10 PM
I have every sympathy with Israel who gave Gaza back only to be bombarded from there. Israel was right to check what was on board that ship. Turkey and turks are very quick to condemn Israel but what about the Kurdish people . The problem is no one condemned Turkey for that and for the illegal occupation of northern Cyprus , not even Israel. Israel, you are charged to be a light unto the nations so injustices are not overlooked; Turkey has played a waiting game with the west until now that the country is so strong it will fear no-one. this i suppose is what is meant by in choosing what is right , we choose life.
(65) Tomas, June 4, 2010 6:49 PM
I think that Gary Jacob Behar has touched upon a broader issue
I think that Gary Jacob Behar has touched upon a broader issue - I mean that we in Europe do NOT live in a true democratic society any longer. Things work in such a way that one sole opinion is established as "politically correct" or otherwise appropriate, it is sticked to by a considerable majority of the media and, although expressing the opposite opinion does not lead to an arrest, it leads to arrogant ridiculing and vilifying of the bearer of that opinion. Thus, in the Czech Republic where I live it is not possible any longer to be supportive of anything left-of-the-center and everyone is "strongly expected" to be a free-marketeer, and it is my powerful impression that in most of Western Europe, for a change, it is found to be unacceptable to say someone feels sympathy towards Israel and not towards the other side of the conflict.
(64) john, June 4, 2010 12:38 PM
Gaza flotila
The whole mission reflects the need of Turkey to play a key role in Middle East now that EU seems clearly negative to accept Turkey as a member. The mission was obviously a semi official turkish enterprise. Israel should remain firm to anti terrorist war
(63) Roustam, June 4, 2010 7:21 AM
Whats problem with Gaza? Why it is closed?
If israel will open Gaza, then it will prevent such situations. What you people think about UN opinion?
(62) Sharen, June 4, 2010 5:30 AM
Yes, please tell us what we can do to show support for truth, although obviously, we clearly see that we are not controll at all and we must pray pray and pray even more for mashiach. I was in the towns of Nitivot and Komimius where rockets hit, and saw and heard what happened. AND WHAT DID THE WORLD SAY THEN?!?!?!?!!?
(61) Frank, June 3, 2010 11:27 PM
The Good and the evil
The only thing that Arab are good about, is that they know how to trick the world and show Israel as an evil country. The problem is the 'Hate' that they grow inside their Children from the moment of their birth, plus not to forget "Quran" which is full of hate of Jewish and Christians. I am not a Jewish but I have been living among them for a long period of time and I know them and how they think. Just to be fair I would like to say not all Muslims r evil, but the real problem is Islam. It is because of Islam and the false believes that brought these suffering to humanity. Today in the Arab world, there is not even one place u go to unless u hear bad insults against Israel and the Jew.
(60) Gary Jacob Behar, June 3, 2010 5:44 PM
June 03 2010
I was shocked and incensed by the response from the new British Conservative PM David Cameron in the House of Commons yesterday. So incensed I emailed him and asked him how a violent and hateful terrorist organization can garner sympathy from him over Israel, the only parliamentary democracy in the Middle East who are surrounded by enemies. What was he thinking? How misinformed can you get! So I reminded him that Britain must support Israel at all costs, now more than ever. Please email him and any other world leaders you can. SUPPORT ISRAEL ANY WAY YOU CAN
(59) maggie fontijn, June 3, 2010 4:27 PM
Those turkish activists are all liers moslim people are born liers. they are members of al quida and they tried to attack Israel.
(58) Anonymous, June 3, 2010 1:20 PM
What should we do?
Please include in your articles what we can do! I'm not a politically savvy person, so I dont know who to email and whot to call. How can we show our support for Israel and the Jewish people to counter the lies the Arabs are telling???
(57) Nicolas, June 3, 2010 1:05 PM
Gaza is dangerous and must be hard to act. Before you know there was a bomb in the ship and threw them at Tel Aviv result: millions of victims.
(56) melo, June 3, 2010 12:28 PM
bravvoo
Your enemies are the latest to be world bravvoo
(55) Calev ben avraham, June 3, 2010 12:09 PM
Oh! Lord G-d of Yisrael for how long must we be falsely be accuse?Remember us ,your people. Vindicate us for the sake of your Holy Name. omein
(54) Saul, June 3, 2010 10:47 AM
The world's hypocrisy at its worst.
Imagine yourselves anyone sending a similar convoy (carrying a pack of armed terrorists bent on murdering soldiers) to "deliver humanitarian aid" to, say, Kurdistan or to Chechen rebels in Russia. I guess it doesn't take a genius to predict the only possible outcome of such a provocation. Do you know how many Kurdish people have been brutally murdered by the Turks?(incl. on Erdogan's watch, too, of course)?The number of casualties on Kurdish side well exceeds the number of the so-called palestinians killed by Israel in self-defense. (Anywhere btw 20 to 30.000 - the official estimate). No one would ever bat an eyelid. There are plenty of reasons Israel is and always will remain an exception to this rule, but the key one is as simple as that - HYPOCRISY and rampant HATE of the only Jewish state on Earth and Jews in general. Israel must be better prepared and geared up for similar scenarios, because this is just the beginning.
(53) Anonymous, June 3, 2010 7:51 AM
Truth VS Islamic oil
I think God gave the oil to Muslims to expose them to civilization, education and not be left behind in their barbaric ways as no civilized country would have had any interest in their hate-filled religion otherwise. Muslims remain keen on continuing to live in the century of the prophet of doom who brought misery and suffering wherever he went. In the 21th Century the mindset of Muslims has not changed a bit. We all know who Israel belongs to including the occupied territories by so called Arab Palestinians. Which country will allow within its borders an illegal ship especially by an enemy keen to destroy you? Unfortunately Antisemitism is on the increase irrationally and it appears on the international seen Muslims can do no wrong. The bomb New York and are allowed to build a Mosque in its place. The still practice genocidal acts and get away with it and they flood the Western World but do not allow outsiders within their borders permanently. Why there is no outrage in the Islamic world when Muslims kill Muslims? The world has become blind to the evils of Islam.
(52) Avetis, June 3, 2010 5:51 AM
Israeli actions were absolutely adequate.
(51) Anonymous, June 3, 2010 5:07 AM
Such provocations are much ado about nothing. Peace be upon Israel.
(50) Nels, June 3, 2010 4:44 AM
Israel and U.S.A. are at war
Israel and U.S.A. are at war with Islam, so the floatilla should have been SUNK!
(49) sharona, June 3, 2010 4:39 AM
Unite and turn to the only One Who can help us
These times are very hard. As we see, we can't really count on the world. We only have each other and G-d. G-d is only One Who can help us, and not politicians etc. We need to stick together and pray to G-d to help us. There's two ways our redemption can come, either easily or harshly. We can make a difference if we turn to Hashem, He will help us
(48) Yosef, June 3, 2010 1:49 AM
US Condemns
How sick is it that the US government supported the UN resolution condemning Israel? http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/politics/2010/06/01/bts.clinton.israel.gaza.flotilla.cnn.html
(47) Terry, June 2, 2010 10:11 PM
Thinking people understand.
Protect yourselves. Those who would condemn you, are incapable of common sense.
(46) James Kendall, June 2, 2010 8:38 PM
International hypocrites
Ok, so Turkey is going to lay a verbal smack down on Israel eh? Where did that flotilla get most if not all their supplies? Why...they got them in Turkish occupied northern Cyprus. Maybe the world should tell Turkey to keep quiet and let the adults talk before they have anything to do with the Gaza situation.
(45) Anonymous, June 2, 2010 5:33 PM
Thugs United
What a Despicable spectacle. I hope Israel stands its ground, and refuses to be intimidated by the adherents of victimology worldwide. It is getting very tiresome, to witness these representatives of destructive ideologies and propaganda, continue their exploiting of global media. What have any of them done for ANYONE, besides impose their infantile whining and none-ending 'dramas' on the rest of us. perhaps it is time to seriously consider Saudi Arabia as the only viable option and stop exposing themselves to ridicule.
(44) Marlene Josephs, June 2, 2010 5:22 PM
more info to shed some more light...
From everything that I've read, there have been other ships in the past that were not compliant with the blockade of both Israel and Egypt, thus allowing Israeli officials to board and inspect the ships and the worst that occurred when they boarded was cursing. Unfortunately, they didn't expect to get such violence. This was certainly a PR stunt by these Arabs and those supporting the terrorist to garnish even more sympathy for the "poor" Arabs in Aza.
(43) Andria, June 2, 2010 3:43 PM
truth
It is sad and extremely irresponsible to listen to and believe the Media who prey on twisting a story. We must all work to dig for the truth and let it be known. We continue to pray for the safety and strength of the IDF and Israel.
(42) Katherine McLean, June 2, 2010 3:37 PM
American Jews
Why do American Jews support a President who clearly does not support Israel as a Jewish nation? Obama with his shabby treatment of Israeli leaders and his orders to cease building in JEWISH neighborhoods has thus given the green light to ongoing Palestinian attacks on Israel. Until western countries show their unequivocal support for the only functioning democracy in the middle east attacks will continue. If American Jews continue to support a President whose support of Israel is up for the best political price, the attacks will continue and the propaganda will continue to poison the world. American Jews! It is up to you.
(41) Dorit, June 2, 2010 3:23 PM
Many thanks for the insights!
I really have waited for some Israeli comment on this because I don't consider Israel being so careless and imprudent or ruthless people as you/they were described directly after that incident in the media as I heard of. Now I understand - have my thanks and be blessed abundantly! Shalom. (PS: If I could, I 'd really like to support Aish financially for all the benefits I have got from you until now - but at present we (my husband & me) are not able to - Sorry!)
(40) Sandra Abernathy, June 2, 2010 3:06 PM
Israel is innocent...
Israel had every right to board any ship who does not have it's permission in it's waters to be there. And their soldiers had a right to defend themselves from the people on the ships. Those people had gang mentalities. Israel is innocent and did nothing wrong. Hamas, Radical Muslims and Islamics are the ones who should be condemned and made to be responsible for their actions!!! Israel has many who love it and support it here in America and around the world. We don't believe any media talking against Israel. Good Job IDF and may Israel stay safe!!!!
(39) Teddy, June 2, 2010 2:33 PM
"Because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue."
Israel we love and stand with you. The above verse is written in the heart of all Christians who love Israel dearly. Please, do not feel lonely and isolated. Many of us has a strong and nondetachable bond with you. Like I read the interview of Aish with Israel's Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, our friendship is a thing which need to be nurtured. As the issue of flotilla we all regret on loss of life, however Israel send a clear message that the safety of her people is not a thing which should be seen lightly. God bless Israel.
(38) Prof. Mel Alexenberg, June 2, 2010 2:23 PM
floatilla support for evil hamas charter
The “human rights” activists armed with clubs and knives sailed in support of “peace-loving Gazans” who elected Hamas with a charter that reads: “Israel, by virtue of its being Jewish and of having a Jewish population, defies Islam and the Muslims…. Muslims will fight the Jews and kill them; I indeed wish to go to war for the sake of Allah! I will assault and kill, assault and kill, assault and kill.” The last ships that Israel Defense Forces stopped at sea the Karine-A and the Francop carried hundreds of tons of weapons from Iran aimed at murdering Israelis. IDF has the right to inspect the cargo of every ship attempting to reach those who seek to destroy Israel.
(37) Anonymous, June 2, 2010 2:02 PM
To the world, the facts are irrelevant
As far as the world is concerned, no video clip or hasbara will help change the view of those who believe that Israel stole Arab lands to create a Jewish state and therefore have no right to exist. Anyone who believes this point of view, that all of Israel is occupied territory, also believes that the blockade is a crime, depriving freedom to the poor, hungry Palenstinians. Therefore, according to this view, Israeli soldiers stopping the flotilla and trying to take over a foreign boat is an act of piracy and one may defend himself against pirates with whatever weapons one has at his disposal. No matter what they do and how, Israel is the aggressor and therefore is at fault. This video clipping only puts Israel in a better light in the eyes of those who believe that Israel has a right to exist, to make a blockade to protect its citizens and to enforce it. For those people, this proves that Israel did not attack innocent peace activists, but rather acted in self-defense.
(36) Anonymous, June 2, 2010 12:47 PM
It´s time to daven!!!! The whole world is against us and once again we are passing thru antisemitism. Wake up and start davening, only Hashem can save us!!!!!!
(35) Ole Groth-Andersen, June 2, 2010 8:14 AM
Support Israel in the war against terror
Have we experienced this before? Yes we have and several times. All European media and several politicians, the UN, EU and even USA, "crtisize Israel in beforehand" and later when facts are presented, "keep silent retroactively" Nobody direct their eyes to the real reason of this conflict in connection with the vessels captured outside Gaza that Israel tried to stop by diplomacy. Israel and Nato are both in war against terror. Israel in and just outside their door and Nato on distance in Afganistan. I am wondering how Turkey would react against a flotilla bringing goods and support lead by Kurdish fighters to the PKK in Turkey?
(34) Anonymous, June 2, 2010 5:56 AM
Israel Hold up your head ?
Israel, do not give in to the terrorists. If this was not a setup, I don't know what is. Defend your country. trust in HaShem.
(33) Ken, June 2, 2010 5:51 AM
TERRORIST FLOATILLA
THESE SUPPORTERS OF HAMAS WERE WARNED WEEKS AHEAD OF THEIR VIOLENT ARRIVAL. THE IDF AND ISRAELI GOVERNMENT ACTED RESPONSIBLY AND DISPLAYED GREAT RESTRAINT UNTIL THEIR FORCES HIT THE DECK AND WERE BEATEN, VISCIOUSLY, BY THE TERRORIST SUPPORTERS. THE SHIPS SHOULD HAVE BEEN SUNK TO THE BOTTOM TO OF THE MED! "GOOD JOB" TO EACH AND EVERY MEMBER OF THE ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES AND TO THE ISRAEL GOVERNMENT. YOU COULD HAVE DONE NOTHING DIFFERENTLY EXCEPT ALLOW MORE VIOLENCE. MAZEL TOV OF A JOB WELL DONE!
(32) Anonymous, June 2, 2010 5:38 AM
Tell the world
The U.S. president, the media, and the people of the world need to have the truth regarding Israel be told. Let not the mistruths be spread throughout the world. This can be so blown out of proportion. Israel must be supported morally, and the truth be told.
(31) Roberta, June 2, 2010 2:52 AM
Biased Media Reports
Hope our Western media outlets read and distribute some of these articles, it might stop a few tongues from wagging in the wrong direction!
(30) david goodwin, June 2, 2010 1:25 AM
who believes this stuff
if this was a humanitarian project, why not use the space required for all those "humanitarians" for food, clothing, water, shelter materials, rather than bodies whose whole purpose seems to have been provocation, and the chance to cause violence. Do the Gazans really need 600 extra mouths to feed?
(29) Boris, June 2, 2010 12:05 AM
paint guns?/??
How dare those commanders provide paint guns for mission weapons?
(28) Mathew Klein, June 1, 2010 10:18 PM
Ashamed and embarassed
As a Jew. I cannot believe the IDF was so ill prepared Did they think they were dealing with boy scouts?. My god where was the helicopter sharp shooters?. Does the Commander know what will happen now that the terrorists know they are dealing with novices. Who ever or what ever planned this fiasco should be immediatly banished..
(27) Irma G., June 1, 2010 10:16 PM
Thanks for your prompt and continued support in reporting the truth to the world.
(26) Mike Lampard, June 1, 2010 9:52 PM
Israel has the truth; Hamas and the rest have lies, deceit and evil
Israel has the truth of all this and was ENTIRELY justified in all that was done to protect her. Israel. do NOT give up defending yourselves. You DO have friends, and they do support you!
(25) J.P.AGUIRRE, June 1, 2010 8:57 PM
Comment
The Israel forces acted as required against terrorist's . well done .
(24) , June 1, 2010 8:36 PM
was Israelreally that blind&
I am not a military or political strategist, but the intent of this flotilla and those aboard was as clear as day to me. What was going on in the minds of Israeli military and political leadersthat they appeared so totally unprepared for this effort. As I expected, it was seen by the world at large as aan act of violence only on the part of the Israelis. The Arab countries and their supporters are making "hay."
(23) Anonymous, June 1, 2010 8:22 PM
these should be heard
these should be heard by international community
(22) Martha, June 1, 2010 7:41 PM
I stand with Israel and I pray for HaShem to rise up and let His emenies be scattered. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
(21) Zion, June 1, 2010 6:45 PM
God Bless your divine work!
Thank you for spreading the truth, a great mitzvah!
(20) G. Halldors, June 1, 2010 6:38 PM
God bless Israel, and Gaza!
There are two sides of the same coin. One is BRIGHT and the other is DARK. Why does the world only look at the DARK side? Why is it so difficult to listen to what the BRIGHT site say's?
(19) Stan Corbett, June 1, 2010 6:29 PM
One more example of attack on the Jewish nation.
This is one of many examples of what the anti-semetic people of the world are doing to the Jewish nation. Unfortunately there will not be peace for the Jewish people because the enemies do not want peace ever. We all know that the Palestinians could have had their country years ago but refused to seriously negotiate because they want Israel destroyed.
(18) Jacob Shpak, June 1, 2010 6:14 PM
A deliberate,long&viciouslywell planned provocative attack on Israel's sovereinity.Unfotunately supported by the brainwashed naive of the world and eager anti-semites.
(17) Anonymous, June 1, 2010 6:10 PM
What to do?
Thank you for pulling together this information and sharing. My concern is, however, that this is being shared with Aish viewers who probably already are aware of the world bias against Israel. My hope is that at the very least the White House doesn't jump on the bandwagon of condeming Israel, and in fact supports them in the UN. However, given previous actions by this administration, I am not optimistic. Which leads me to my question - what is one to do? I truly believe that world opinion will not be changed and regardless of what transpires in the world, Israel will be blamed, condemed and sanction. I feel the support of the US for Israel is slipping and also at some point Israel will be left to deal with the Iranian problem, while the world condems them in the aftermath. Certainly one must have emunah and understand that these battles are not just physical but spiritual as well. I think those of us who do read Aish and other websites like it must further strengthen our spiritual side, praying with more kavannah and with a minyan, learning with greater diligence and doing acts of kindness. I truly wish the jewish community would take these events to heart and improve; unfortunately in shul and in the day schools, I'm not sure I sense a renewed seriousness towards the importance of rectifying the sins which resulted in this situation to begin with. Again, I laud what Aish is doing and the information should be made available, but I believe everyone shares a responsibility here to take our commitment to the next level. I believe the gemarra in Sotah describes the situation at the end of days, not a pleasant one, and then says - what are we to do: We only have our father in heavan to rely on.
(16) David S. Levine, June 1, 2010 6:00 PM
Enabled By The Democ-rat Party
A few months ago 54 members of the House of Represenatives, ALL DEMOC-RATS, signed a letter to their President calling him to suspend aid to Israel. This is exactly the excuse for the incident we are seeing today and all should take notice that NO Democ-rat of Jewish origin (a fair way to refer to them) of any consequence has taken any of them to task after they, the Gaza 54, signed that nefarious letter. One of them just won the Democ-rat Primary for Senator from Pennsylvania. These very same vote grubbers come to our synagogues and speak of their devotion to Israel's existence but when it's threatened by their own Party's leadership can't seem to find their voices. Indeed, some of them maintain political action funds that contributed to the election campaigns of these very enemies of Israel and friends of the terrorists, yet one finds no mention of any of this in either the general (liberal) media or in the Jewish media and certainly not by their writer-reporters who write as if they're Democ-rat Party publicists. In 1988 the Democ-rat Party candidate for President, referring to Israel's friend President Reagan's administration said that "a fish rots from the head." Isn't it time the supposedly pro-Israel constituents of Democ-rat Party senators and congressmen flipped and applied that logic to today's Democ-rat Party. This silence of every one of the Democ-rat Party senators and congressmen is as loud as Rahm Emanuel's and David Axelrod's. Shame on them and shame on all of us for not being flexible enough to vote off the Democ-rat Party line and not confronting thse nominal Election Day Jews with their silence. During World War II the predecessors of these Democ-rats stayed silent and look at the evil that resulted.
(15) lalit, June 1, 2010 5:56 PM
attack on israel's sovereignty
when an individual or groupof individual try to violate national sovereignty, it is seen as illegal or criminal activity and action is taken against those individuals as per the law, but i think when such activity is backed by any sovereign nation, this amounts to an act of war. israel must take up the matter to UN as an assault on her sovereignty without any UN sanction.
(14) Antonio Perez, June 1, 2010 5:35 PM
Gaza Flotilla Update
Israel has a right to defend its borders. I read a group is going to monitor the Gaza blockade. Perhaps someone should go to their house and monitor how they live. I haven't seen anyone besides the mothers and Mrs. Clinton go to Iran to monitor the treatment of three American youth who have been imprisoned there. Why the double standard? Terrorists have rights but the rightful citizens of a peaceful nation don't? Thank you very much for keeping us informed on the real issues. I applaud the Prime Minister and we should all back him up on this.
(13) David Ungar, June 1, 2010 5:33 PM
Was Israel Surprised?
Why did Israel fall into this obvious "ambush" ? It was advertized by the organizers again and again. Their purpose was obvious and stated. How could we not be prepared? We really believed that they re only armed with "water"? These were supporters of Hamas and World Jihad. What did we expect?
(12) Carlos Cohen, June 1, 2010 5:26 PM
it's not my fault you make me do it
They forgot to receive the invaders( in international waters,mind you) with flowers an refreshments. what a chuspah
(11) david friedman, June 1, 2010 4:58 PM
Frustration
When will the world ever understand?
(10) Ulam, June 1, 2010 4:37 PM
We are on your side,Israel!
Despite if hate from the World- Israel and Jewish people will exist forever! Even all Middle East countries will declare a War or try to destoy this country- somehow the GOD will not allowed to do this! GOD-on the side of Jewish peple- like you this or dislike!
(9) rotimi sanni, June 1, 2010 4:00 PM
An alternative destination for the flotilla
Want an alternative destination for the flotilla? Try Darfur! No Arab crew, please.
(8) miriam, June 1, 2010 3:50 PM
I just want to thank you for getting this information out to the public so quickly. A lot of people do not seem to know about the huge good Israel does for the Palestinian people. Just look at the Artz 7 and a multitude of items that Israel give to Gazans are listed. thanks again. Miriam
(7) Anonymous, June 1, 2010 3:42 PM
The Israel Project
Thanks for breaking this down in segments. I haven't been following the news lately, I watched a clip on AOL news last night and wasn't really getting the jest of all of it. The commenters were sticking up for Israel, saying things like: Israel has a right to defend their country, it's about time Israel fought back. What if unknown ships tried to come on U.S. coast. The news wasn't saying those things, just the people that submitted comments. When I see anytime the news is blaming Israel, I don't believe it even if I don't have the facts. Aish, you have given us some facts and info at the click of a hand, thanks a lot.
(6) Anonymous, June 1, 2010 3:10 PM
price paid for way too long a passivity on the psychological front.
(5) Rosen, June 1, 2010 2:29 PM
excellent resource!
Thanks for posting this resource in order to continually defend Israel. I posted the link to this post on at least one particular left-leaning website...The Flotilla sure seems to be a crusade and agenda to use the MSM to publicly delegitimize Israel, despite that Israel knows to only fire once fired upon.
(4) Isaac, June 1, 2010 1:24 PM
How convenient
Five ships were inspected and no incident. So, why would Israeli soldiers begin to behave in a strange way on the 6th ship? Did they go beserk? I don't think so. Now look at the bigger picture- what is taking place this week I believe. Is the UN not preparing sanctions against Iran? I know it is crazy logic but it certainly takes the focus away form Iran and places it on Israel. But it places all of the Muslim world together for a period of time and enough to perhaps ensure that Iran will not get what it deserves. That is my small time thinking perhaps but this is provocation and I have a tough time with those playing politics who are pretending that they cannot see this. If they were interested in their Arab brothers then they could have sent aid through many ways including the Red Crescent or one of many agencies working in the Gaza. Israel needs every bit of PR that it can get and all of us need to spread the news on every blog and on every corner of our turf.
(3) Yonah, June 1, 2010 12:39 PM
a 5th column
Thank you for the full update. Please note, the last article by ynet has an add for Scientology on the top and bottom. Are they also Peace Activists?
(2) Anonymous, June 1, 2010 11:47 AM
irresponsible
I love Israel and it saddens me to see this happening, the whole world turned against this tiny state. But I question the wisdom behind what happened. If israel is to secure its future, we need a stable situation and a government that knows how to handle international diplomacy. the gurrent government seem to only be succeeding in one thing...isolating Israel and the Jewish people and alienating us worldwide. The action of this so called peaceful activits was in no doubt provocative and at the centre of it was pure hatered towards Israel not to help the Gazans. But Israel has obliged to this group and gave them exactley what they came in for...damaging Israel's image world wide. Had Israel allowed those hate-fuelled activits to pass into gaza, regurgitate a few rhetorical lines they had prepared earlier, shout few anti-jewish slogans, they would have turned back home, maybe with a bit of satisfaction and a few headlines....but now, they are reeping 100% success, world-wide condemnation of Israel and all this at what cost? 10 soldiers are injured, 600 Israel-haters are being hospitalized, fed and transported back etc at the expense of the Israeli tax payer and Israel's image taking a major blow....If I was an Israeli, I would ask the current government to step down immediately for all the damage they have caused to my beloved Israel. we need a government that acts responsibly and in a mature way to ensure stability. we need wise men and women to lead this country again...life can not go on like this...there is another way
(1) miriam F, June 1, 2010 10:35 AM
thanks for sharing
thanks so much for posting this so fast! May the whole world see the truth soon too