The Sydney for Global Sumud Flotilla organised a solidarity and fundraising event for the Australian delegation joining the international aid flotilla on its way to deliver essential medical and other aid to the people of Gaza at the NSW Teachers Federation on April 23.
“Let Palestinians live! Let aid flow! Australia out of Israel!” were the themes of the 100-strong event.
Sixteen Australians are joined the flotilla, which includes more than 70 vessels and at least 700 volunteers. The ships were departing from Sicily, after sailing from Barcelona and other Mediterranean ports.
Several volunteers reported in from Sicily.
Anny said the flotilla’s goal “is to reach Gaza and give vital support to the Palestinian people. We also want to help expose the reality of the Israeli genocide in Gaza.”
Ethan Floyd said the international action was “challenging Israel head-on, which few world governments are prepared to do”.
Zack Schofield said the flotilla was an “extraordinary experience of international solidarity” and that “Palestine is the frontline of the global war against humanity right now."
Neve O’Connor urged people “to maintain constant pressure on politicians in Australia — protest and mobilise”.
Alex McKinnon, founder and editor of Deepcut News and Ahmed Abadla, founder of Palestine Justice Movement Sydney, discussed the Australian government’s complicity in Israel’s genocide in Gaza and how to build the solidarity movement with Palestine. Writer and organiser Sarah Saleh was MC.
A short film entitled, The Unchosen Ones — Access Denied, directed by Zebedee Parkes, was screened. It showed members of Jews Against the Occupation ‘48 attempting, unsuccessfully, to present a banner, with messages opposing the Israeli genocide against the Palestinians, to several Labor ministers.
[Click here for more information and to support the Sumud Flotilla].