Myocum local Captain Hamish Paterson will be joined by other local activists Juliet Lamont and her two daughters Isla, 24 and Luca, 26 as part of the eight-strong Australian and New Zealand delegation that will join the global flotilla sailing to Gaza ‘to break illegal siege on Gaza by sea and open a humanitarian corridor to Gaza, and end the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people’.
Captain Paterson told The Echo that, ‘as a community member of the Northern Rivers, a long-term member of the Maritime Union of Australia, being involved in the trade union movement, being involved in international peace is something we have always stood by.
‘This is an incredible opportunity to show not just the people, but the governments of the world that if a group of individual civilians can attempt to deliver aid to the people who need it most, there’s absolutely no reason or excuse that our governments can not do the same.’
The Global Sumud Flotilla, an international fleet of boats from 44 countries, sailing from the Mediterranean to Gaza, is also being joined by activist Greta Thunberg; American actress Susan Sarandon; American singer-songwriter Carsie Blanton; and Irish comedian, writer and filmmaker Tadhg Hickey.
Non-violent action
‘We are a coalition of everyday people – organisers, humanitarians, doctors, artists, clergy, lawyers, and seafarers – who believe in human dignity and the power of nonviolent action,’ says the Global Sumud Flotilla website.
‘We are independent, international, and unaffiliated with any government or political party. Our allegiance is to justice, freedom, and the sanctity of human life.’
Independent documentary filmmaker Juliet who has been a frontline activist for the last 15 years will act as first mate to Captain Paterson.
‘I have a profound hope that the 44 international boats will be able to break the siege, to create a humanitarian corridor and bring essential aid and medical supplies to the people of occupied Palestine,’ she told The Echo.
‘The time is now. Direct action is an act of love. And love is a verb. And that means taking action.’
‘When the leaders of the world remain silent and complicit we will set sail,’ said Juliet’s daughter Luca.
The goal is to break the illegal siege on Gaza
‘Our collective goal is to break the illegal siege on Gaza by sea and reach the shore with aid. This will be the largest civilian flotilla in history and I am honoured to be able to be a part of it.’
Her sister Isla agreed saying, ‘As a young woman with privilege and opportunity I am joining the Global Sumud Flotilla to contribute to end of Israeli occupation and for Palestine to be free.’
All the members of the flotilla are fundraising to support their action and cover the costs. You can support them at: https://chuffed.org/project/global-sumud-flotilla.
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