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The Sumud Flotilla as a
Sign of Hope By Gianluigi Gugliermetto 10/1/2025 |
At
the time of my writing, the Sumud Flottilla has left the island of Crete and is sailing directly toward the shores of Gaza. The flotilla has already been attacked in international waters by Israeli drones, which managed to damage some of the ships. Because of the damages, or other technical reasons, some ships stopped in Crete. But most of them, and most of the people originally embarked, are determined to break the naval blockade of Gaza imposed by
Israel. |
Most commentators say the odds are stacked against their success, as these are small civil vessels, carrying humanitarian aid, and equipped with no weapons except the courage of their crews. Others observe, however, that such a large |
Global Sumud Flotilla embarks on final leg of journey to bring aid to Gaza. Al
Jezeera English |
number of vessels have never tried the same enterprise. It’s about 50 vessels! You can check on them in real time, as well as getting informed about the mission, HERE. The activists are at risk of being captured in international waters, and maimed or killed. In 2010 a similar attempt resulted in 10 deaths and many more injured. Now the stakes are even higher, because the State of Israel is becoming further and further isolated internationally. This likely means that some of
the relevant actors within the Israeli government want to show their muscles even more, while others are aware of the “bad press” which could precipitate action against them. The flotilla, however, has already won. The courage of the people embarked has already impressed the world, highlighting the reality of Gaza in an
unprecedented way and especially showing that acquiescing to violence and despair is not the only option. Spain, Italy, and Turkey have sent military vessels to accompany the nonviolent fleet, after the flotilla was attacked in international waters. |
Italy and Spain send warships to escort Sumud Flotilla bringing aid to Gaza. Reuters | Even the fascist government of Italy, because of popular pressure,
has been forced to say that the activists are “well-intentioned” while simultaneously trying to stop them with ludicrous offers such as giving over to Israel the aid they carry for a purported |
delivery in Gaza. Nobody wants their own citizens killed by the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). Why? Because Europe would then be forced to act much more decisively against Israel. Reading comments on social media and newspapers is very instructive. Some people are angry at the flotilla precisely because they are
risking their lives. Commentators say: “Why do you want to be martyrs? You just crave the spotlight!” Others say: “It has been proven by the history of the 20th century that ideals are dangerous! Let’s be realistic instead!” I do agree that ideals on their own, carried to the extreme and without any root in reality, become
unhelpful. But we are in the presence of a nonviolent action that has been thought through very carefully. The flotilla people are very aware of the risks they run, as well as of their objectives. They have already accomplished a major goal, that of raising global awareness, and now are trying to open a humanitarian corridor toward Gaza. Is it a difficult action? Yes. It requires a great amount of courage? Yes. Is it desperate? Not at all. |
The flotilla people represent the hope of the humanity, because in a world in which courage seems no more a currency, they have shown exactly the opposite. They are changing the prevalent opinion in their own countries, and this is already a great success. They are showing to younger generations that ideals are worth fighting for and putting one’s life on the line for the sake of others is an option. They are bringing a mortal blow to cynicism. And this is an even
greater win. |
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Whatever happens today or tomorrow to the flotilla and its sailors, there is no doubt in my mind that they represent the victory of humanity against senseless violence. As you read this meditation, it is the day of Yom Kippur, the day of atonement for sins in
the Jewish world. I doubt that this circumstance will make a difference for the truly godless government of Israel. But many Jews around the world are celebrating it with true hope for a transformation of consciences. As a non-Jew, I join them in hope and in solidarity with the people of
Palestine. |
Queries for Contemplation How do you embody your ideals and show your courage at this
time? |
Responses are welcomed. To add
your comment, or read other comments and enter into dialogue, please click HERE to go to our website and scroll down to the Comments
field. |
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