World Jewish Congress Statement Regarding Israeli Operation Aboard the "Gaza Freedom Flotilla"
01 June 2010
New York, 1 June 2010 - The World Jewish Congress (WJC) expresses sincere regret at the violence and loss of life during the attempt by Israeli forces on 31 May 2010 to take control of a ship that had broken Israel's legally sanctioned naval blockade in international waters heading for Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip on 27 May 2010. Israel had issued repeated warnings to prevent conflict. It had neither sought nor provoked such an outcome.
The WJC simultaneously deplores the rush to condemn Israel in the media and in much of the international community before all of the facts are known. It is known, however, that the organizers of the so-called "Freedom Flotilla" deliberately sought confrontation with Israel. "Peace activists" attacked Israeli soldiers with iron bars and other potentially lethal implements including axes, knives and handguns, thus initiating the violence.
It is also deplorable, therefore, that much of the international media continues to portray such violent activists as humanitarians. This was a lynch mob, and it is incumbent upon responsible observers to be clear in saying so.
One of the main sponsoring groups aboard the ship was Turkey's IHH International Relief Fund – an extremist group whose links to radical Islamist terror organizations is recognized by many western intelligence agencies including the CIA.
The WJC is also concerned that the broader context in which this operation took place has been largely absent from much of the media coverage. Gaza is ruled by Hamas – an Iranian armed, financed and directed terror organization, dedicated to the destruction of Israel. The flotilla was aimed at tightening Hamas control of Gaza under the pretext of providing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
The State of Israel was acting within its internationally sanctioned legal right and moral responsibility to maintain a naval blockade to prevent weapons and other illicit materials from reaching Hamas.
Despite more than 12,000 rockets and mortars that have been fired at Israel since its unilateral withdrawal in 2005, Israel has passed thousands of tons of humanitarian supplies to Gaza. Among the goods delivered to civilians in Gaza the week of May 23th alone included 810,209 liters of heavy-duty diesel fuel; 21 truckloads of milk powder and baby food; 897 tons of cooking gas; 66 truckloads of fruits and vegetables; 51 truckloads of wheat; 27 truckloads of meat, chicken and fish products; 40 truckloads of dairy products; 117 truckloads of animal feed; 36 truckloads of hygiene products; 38 trucks of clothing; 22 trucks of sugar and 4 trucks of medicine and medical equipment. This was a typical week.
In addition to that, 781 medical patients and accompanying individuals from the Gaza Strip crossed into Israel to receive treatment in various hospitals.
The WJC deplores the opportunistic use of this situation by the Palestinian Authority and their supporters to mount yet another attack on Israel's legitimacy. Israel is already conducting an investigation into what transpired.
Responsible observers should refrain from making inflammatory statements and should wait until that investigation is completed.
» Turkish charity that sent aid convoy to Gaza ‘has links to terrorism’- The Times
» Israel delivers cargo from intercepted ships to Gaza
» Israeli raid on Gaza-bound ships triggers world-wide condemnation
» Israel says it will turn away Gaza 'Freedom Flotilla'
» Do you think Israel gets fair treatment from the international community? 
Comments
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It is not the first time when media and europeean countries are contesting the right of Israel of self defense. Hamas barbaric terorists want to whipe out the state of Israel and unfortunately, there are ignorants who believe in their propaganda. Israel and entire Jewish People should stay united and defend Israel. America should defend the only democratic country in the middle east. I am not sure if Obama administration will do that,in the light of what happened since Obama came to power and his attitude against Israel.
We hope that God is on our side,and always will protect the State of Israel.
We know very well that the Arab media, false and we know that there are pens paid for them in Europe and America, so Israel could not be wrong in this process at all, as long as Israel to help Palestinian people is Jewish ethics Brother philly
How much "Humanitarian" supplies have reached Gaza via Egypt during the same period? Where did the funds come for the supplies that crossed Israel? Why doesn't Egypt open its borders to Gaza and allow free movement of people and supplies? Is Egypt at "war" with GAZA? Israel is!
The content of your article is sound.
The only problem is that you are "preaching to the choir." Israel is loosing the PR war with Hamas and the others who seek our destruction. The root cause, I believe, is that Israel and the Jewish community has a defensive PR posture -- we need to go on the offensive with PR, in a big way. And, we also seem to lack the charismatic figures to "lead the charge" and capture the media's attention, and the hearts and minds of all the "well-intended, but miss-informed" persons, in the U.S. and internationally.
Of course, I very much appreciate all the efforts of the WJC.
Shalom, JM
kol hakawod & toda raba israel & soldiers especially. i am so sick & tired of the arogant criminol organisation u.n with their bloody antisemetic hands. same for the international communiti, its so obvious that a lot of them discriminate israel. antisemitism is in there dna, becaus e 1500 years (europe) 1400 years(islamic)from father to son learning that jews are inferieur, after a long time it comes in their dna. keep your heads up.
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World Jewish Congress Secretary General Dan Diker speaks on the upcoming debate at the United Nations about the unilateral declaration of statehood by the Palestinians.
carol kraning, about 1 year ago
I'm glad to read the 'truth' on the issue. We believe you have the right to defend you country. We love Israel. Have been there many times. Pray for your country. I'm sorry our country is not supportive of Israel. God bless you all carol Kraning