Chicago Activists to Send US Boat to Gaza, Oppose FBI Raids

CHICAGO, October 6, 2010

 
In the aftermath of FBI raids in Chicago and elsewhere directed at peace activists in Chicago and elsewhere around the U.S., activists gathered in Chicago on Wednesday, October 6 at Grace United Methodist Church (3325 W. Wrightwood) to raise funds to send a U.S. Boat to Gaza as part of the next Gaza Freedom Flotilla (www.ustogaza.org/).
 
Israel’s military assault on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla earlier this year has increased international scrutiny of Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza. Activists internationally are working to send another flotilla to break the blockade and highlight Israel’s violations of international law before the end of 2010.
 
One of the speakers was Colonel Ann Wright. Colonel Ann Wright is a former United States Army colonel and retired official of the U.S. State Department, known for her outspoken opposition to the Iraq War. She is most noted for having been one of three State Department officials to publicly resign in protest of the March 2003 invasion of Iraq. She was a passenger on the Challenger 1, which, with the Mavi Marmara, was part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla that was attacked in international waters while trying to break the blockade and take humanitarian aid to Gaza.
 
Due to the recent FBI raids targeting peace and solidarity activists across the U.S., a member of the legal defense team for Chicago activists will also address the audience.
 
Perhaps one of the more dramatic points in the program will take place when Kevin Clark, Midwest coordinator for the Free Gaza Movement, issues a challenge to those attending the event regarding responding to intimidation from the FBI and other governmental agencies.
 
While the program will start at 7:00 PM with musical entertainment, the news media should plan being present no later than 7:45 PM.