It seems the Jewish boat attempting to break the siege of Gaza has struck a nerve. Organizers are looking for a second boat due to overwhelming demand. From Haaretz:
An association of German Jews planning to send a boat with humanitarian aid to break the Gaza blockade is searching for a second vessel, given the high number of requests to travel with the group.
The group, Jewish Voices for a Just Peace, had originally planned to send one small vessel from an unnamed Mediterranean port in mid-July, with the intention of getting aid past the Israeli-imposed blockade of Gaza.
However, spokeswoman Edith Lutz told dpa that "our preparations have been held back somewhat because we have been inundated with requests to travel."
Also, here’s a petition asking President Obama to help guarantee safe passage for the boats. It reads in part:
We, the undersigned, are asking you, President Barack Obama, to make every effort within your authority as President of the United States, to convince the government of Israel to guarantee safe passage for the Jewish Boat to Gaza this summer and to permit its entry to Gaza to accomplish its peaceful and humanitarian efforts on behalf of the people of Gaza.
The ”Jüdische Stimme” (‘Jewish Voice’ for a Just Peace in the Near East), along with Jews for Justice for Palestinians (UK) are sending the boat with needed supplies for the besieged people of Gaza, but also as a call to the leaders of the world: help Israel find her way to reason, to a sense of humanity and a life without fear.
