Canadian civil society has a responsibility to fight the illegal Israeli blockade of Gaza and to expose the Canadian government's unjustified support for Israel.

The time has come to send a Canadian boat to challenge the blockade of Gaza, in coordination with similar international efforts. The Israeli government has just issued a report in which it “investigated” and exonerated itself. We need to support those working to expose their lies – about their attack on humanitarian aid ships, on the blockade itself and on the so-called peace process.

Organizers need to raise $300,000 (cost of boat and crew, not including aid to carry to Gaza) over the course of the coming months. They hope to have Canadian public figures on the boat along with other volunteers.

The blockade of Gaza goes two ways, it restricts bringing materials into Gaza and it does not allow anything to leave Gaza either. This, in addition to starving the population, denies the Palestinians of Gaza the ability to trade with the world, further suffocating them.

The Canadian boat, working with the Palestinians in Gaza, will aim to carry exports out of Gaza. Thus asserting their right to export, trade and provide for themselves rather than be at the mercy of international aid.

Jase Tanner from the national organizing committee is hoping he will also be able to attend the event and provide an up-to-date report on the situation in Gaza. He will be there the first weeks of February but should be back in time for this fundraising event.