When You Can't Cry...

You are forced to laugh. Yet another brilliant production from LATMA - probably the organization best handling Israel's PR in the world. Okay, perhaps that is an exaggeration...or, perhaps not.

Speaking of exaggerations - please enjoy this - I certainly did.

When Humanitarian Aid Is Really the Goal

I recently received this note about an organization whose primary function is not making a political statement but rather honestly distributing humanitarian aid. They had their aid delivered, promptly, politely, non-violently...but then again, their goals were honorable and well intentioned. Like many, it appears they were deeply angered by the "freedom" flotilla's propaganda campaign and the violent repercussions that resulted from their placing armed thugs on the Mavi Marmara.

Friend Ships, our aid organization that owns humanitarian ships made two trips to Ashdod Israel with our ship, Spirit of Grace and an all-volunteer crew.  5000 tons of supplies was delivered per ship. We brought aid to the Palestinians in the West Bank, to Bethlehem and to Gaza- for distribution to Palestinians and Israelis.  On both trips, our cargo was simply looked over, checked for items of destruction and released, a simple process. From our experiences all over the world, Israel was one of the best.  There is no need to take subversive actions or try to break Israel's security and we found it to be trouble free do go through the proper procedures. We look forward to more trips to Ashdod. 

 

Don Tipton, Founder & Executive Director  Tel #337 263 8488

Lake Charles, LA

Friend Ships   www.friendships.org

Poor and Starving in Gaza? Not even close

I could quote the number of truckloads that are allowed into Gaza daily; I could quote figures in the billions of donations sent/wasted on Gaza that has been used to buy missiles rather than build hospitals and parks and schools.

But they say a picture speaks a thousand words and so here are a few thousands words in images. Dear World...the Gazans are NOT starving and your aid is misplaced. Send it to the people who really need it...

Note the variety, the quantity.

Notice the smile, the crowds of people - do they look unhappy? Do they look oppressed?

These are the beaches - note the Palestinian flag flying. Poor Palestinians?

These shoppers do not look poor; nor do they look oppressed. There seems to be ample clothes on sale here (you don't see anyone grabbing desperately for limited supplies, do you?) and happy faces all around. Perhaps...just perhaps, the concept of a humanitarian crisis is really a front for political purposes. It is, one must assume, yet another "big lie" attempt to rewrite the facts on the ground. Well, the facts are clear...and apparently they are for sale in Gaza - along with plenty of clothes, children's toys, food, spices, vegetables, and so much more.