News Alert

Ameinu Responds to Gaza Flotilla Incident

Ameinu, the leading progressive Zionist membership organization in the United States, is deeply distressed by the events surrounding the attempt on early Monday to break Israel's blockade of Gaza.  At least nine people were killed and many more were wounded, including several members of the Israel Defense Forces who boarded the ships headed for Gaza. "We deplore the loss of life that occurred as a result of this operation," said Kenneth Bob, President of Ameinu. "It should never have come to this," Bob added. "It is frustrating that whenever talks between Israel and the Palestinians appear to be on the verge of making progress, incidents such as this one arise that call into question the sides' willingness and ability to achieve a negotiated solution," he continued.

Ameinu believes that Israel's inflexibility regarding the blockade of Gaza enables tragedies such as this to occur.   "The ill-conceived attempt to stop this flotilla played into the hands of those who seek to delegitimize Israel and hold it solely responsible the humanitarian plight in Gaza," Bob added.  "It allows Hamas and international activists, such as those who organized this flotilla, to paint Israel into a corner and force a confrontation," he said.  

Ameinu calls upon the international community to refrain from placing blame on any party until all the facts have come to light, as early eyewitness reports indicate that the so-called peace activists on the Mavi Marmara betrayed their stated non-violent intentions and escalated the situation, which resulted in death and serious injury.  Ameinu also calls upon the government of Israel to convene a commission of inquiry to study these tragic events.

Recent News Alerts

Newsletter Sign-up

Make a donation and help Ameinu's efforts to foster a more progressive Israel

Join Ameinu to be part of a strong liberal voice in America and Israel