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Hedy Epstein makes her way to Gaza
Posted 6/23/2011 at 1:26 PM by Jasmin M in Affiliate News
Affiliate: Heartland
St. Louis activist, Hedy Epstein, is attempting to reach Gaza aboard the Audacity of Hope, one of several boats from around the world making up the Freedom Flotilla II. The aim of the Flotilla is to bring humanitarian aid to the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territory, but in order to do so they must first pass Israeli blockades and threats of attack dogs.

This 86-year-old woman is just one of many Jewish passengers aboard the Audacity of Hope, their numbers being a quarter of the passengers. They are also joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alice Walker.

For those who were able to join us at the 2011 Slam, we were able to hear of the conditions of the Palestinian people in the occupied territory. I encourage everyone to listen to what she had to say here. This journey is just another chapter in Epstein's courageous activist work to bring awareness and support to the Palestinian people. You can also follow her blog for updates on her journey.

The United Nations has been asked to support the Flotilla in its aims by Nobel Peace laureates Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi, and Rigoberta Menchú Tum. Last year, nine people were killed aboard the Turkish boat, Mavi Marmara, by Israeli commandos.

They have chosen this voyage for a year later in hopes of successfully reaching Gaza with humanitarian aid. May we all send them hope for a peaceful passage.
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Dawn E wrote:
Mairead talked about this mission with great passion at the NWI conference in Canada.
posted 6/24/2011 at 8:28 AM
Aaron S wrote:
This is such a tough issue, however it is such an important issue to be bringing aid to people in need.
posted 6/24/2011 at 1:30 PM
Kate C wrote:
Hedy is so inspiring! It really makes you think about what each of us can be doing to stand up for what we care about! She is a wonderful role model!
posted 6/27/2011 at 8:24 AM
Betsy L wrote:
Thanks for sharing this, Jasmin! Hedy is such an amazing woman.
posted 6/27/2011 at 10:35 AM
Jes W wrote:
Thanks for keeping us posted on this, Jasmin! I am definitely going to follow her blog and hope for nonviolence on all sides.
posted 6/28/2011 at 7:59 AM
Jasmin M wrote:
She really is an amazing and inspiring woman. And it's equally awesome that laureates from PeaceJam are supporting this endeavor.
posted 6/28/2011 at 2:43 PM
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