The Global Sumud Flotilla is about brave people doing exceptional things with skill, compassion, colour, spirit and gruff chutzpah.
Would I leave my comfy chair to rush to the aid of two million humans I don’t know? Unlikely.
Would I try to hold the world to account for systematic abuse of an entire population out of sheer fear of dire cruelty becoming the new normal globally? Would I risk an Israeli gun in an orifice or worse? Nope. Not too fond of trauma. Takes ages to get over, if one can.
Would I stare down the merchants of death and their weapons systems?
Not too keen on stirring them up, really.
Would I throw myself out, way past poverty to have the few things I do own, taken by a rich, angry army?
Would I even face ocean storms on creaky boats with a team of random sailors?
Again no.
Would I throw myself under squeaking and grinding machinery of ‘national security’?
I’d really rather not.
Would I fundraise for vessels that are going to be trashed? Would I sing like no-one is watching? Would I swear like Captain Haddock on national TV?
Tempting… but unlikely.
Has it been a privilege to observe? Oh yes.
And to watch truth sometimes win?
Absolutely. We are all the better for the honesty. Thank you, Global Sumud Flotilla participants. Be proud.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
