Civil society must be present, direct, and pro-active. It must transcend the political process of handling and resolving crises, which governments and international organizations carry out slowly, indecisively and, above all, with their self-interests at the forefront.
The grossly unjust and unlawful blockade of the Gaza Strip and the ongoing belligerent occupation of the rest of Palestine is a stark case of states sacrificing principle and human rights for power and self-interest.
The Freedom Flotilla II -- "Stay Human" mission is a healthy reaction to the apathy of the international political community. We are sailing to confront massive injustice with global nonviolent action. This mission puts on notice all those who, for many years, have passively watched the tragedy of Palestine, as well as those who directly contribute to it.
Therefore, direct action
taken by civil society to uphold freedom, human rights, and justice (such as
Freedom Flotilla II - Stay Human), not only helps to
build a different level of conscience, but is -- and must be -- a means for the
public to become a part of change and a direct challenge to governmental bodies
that will not be stopped.
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