News and Facts about the Flotilla From the Young Israel of North Woodmere
The facts are still being collected and digested regarding exactly what happened
on Monday when the IDF intercepted the flotilla making its way to the Israeli
Shores and its ultimate destination - Gaza, but one thing is already clear: The
Israeli troops were surprised by the response of those on board the ships, and
the forces that were dispatched were not sufficiently prepared for the scenario
that developed, leading to the regrettable number of casualties on both sides
that from our point of view were entirely unexpected and tragic.
Many of you will be aware of the media bombardment that is once again striking
at the heart of Israel and her right to defend herself, her citizens, her borders
and her ports.
As is to be expected, the media is disseminating only one view point; that
of the instigators of this latest controversy - the passengers, crew and financiers
of the innocently, but erroneously termed 'Gaza Flotilla.'
The false and dishonest reports are already gaining ground - namely that peace-seeking
passengers were immediately assaulted by Israeli commandos in an act of unprovoked
aggression.
It is upon us to refute this claim based on evidence and a visual representation
(see below) of the truth. It’s our obligation to do so as quickly as possible
(i.e. today).
As the events continue to unfold you will undoubtedly be receiving numerous
emails explaining what happened and our goal is not to fill your mailbox with
even more. However, we want to be certain that everyone in our membership
understands exactly what has and is taking place and are able to engage in intelligent
conversations with the general public with the most up to date facts at hand. We
are constantly receiving briefings and are quite “in tune” with the
matter at hand as it develops and will be happy to share our knowing with anyone
desiring additional information.
Below is a series of media clips which show what actually transpired both
prior to boarding and aboard the Mavi Marmara, the ship in question.
If you have a few minutes (and if not please make them) please review them so
you have a clear and “live” understanding.
It should be clear to all, based on the footage below, that those on
board the ship had no interest in a peaceful protest, but rather pursued controversy,
violence and bloodshed.
We MUST all be clear on the following points:
- Firebombs are not the mainstay of peaceful protests.
- Stun grenades are not
the symbol of conscientious objectors.
- Violence is not the calling card of humanitarians.
- Knives are neither ploughshares,
not pruning hooks.
- All were present and deployed against the IDF on the Mavi
Marmara
Please view the clips below and distribute them
to your entire email contact list.
CLIP 1: A briefing
by IDF Navy Commander, Vice Admiral Eliezer Marom instructing the commandos to
show restraint during the operation.
CLIP 2: IDF
Naval Officers communicating with the Gaza Flotilla
CLIP 3: A side
view of the chaos that erupted as a result of the assault launched by the passengers.
Please note that between points 0:52 and 0:54 one
can clearly see the silhouette of a paintball rifle in the hand of the IDF commando
- further evidence that the Israeli authorities hoped to commandeer the ship
peacefully.
CLIP 4: An
overhead view of the IDF soldiers beseiged aboard the Mavi Marmara
As we go forward in the coming days and weeks you may want to keep the following
questions in mind and if you would like we would be happy to discuss these or
any others with you. Wishing us all the best of luck and much hatzlacha as
we continue to abrogate ourselves of the need for the truth to be painstakingly
sought out once more and to ensure that it is accessible to all who pursue it.
- Why not let the flotilla pass through to Gaza?
- What was the purpose of the flotilla?
- Why was the operation in international waters?
- Why were there casualties?
- Why will Israel always lose the blame game?
Rabbi Yehuda Septimus Stuart
Katz
Rabbi President
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