Richmond Mayor condemns Israel amidst an international chorus

We’ve already seen wide international condemnation of Israel’s assault on the Freedom Flotilla. Turkish prime minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan began the chorus when he described the massacre as “inhumane state terrorism.” Similar condemnation soon came from Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, UK Prime Minister David Cameron and others. In addition statements of shock and dismay came from the Foreign Affairs Ministers of France, China, Britain, Norway… the list goes on. All together representatives of 50 countries, along with several international human rights organizations, have made condemnations calling for an end to the Gaza Siege and/or an open impartial investigation of the Flotilla massacre.

In addition to the political condemnations, massive demonstrations have been organized in major cities across the world including Paris, Berlin, Istanbul and London. Dockworkers in Sweden and South Africa refused to handle Israeli ships. Three rock bands, Pixies, Klaxons, and Gorillaz have canceled concerts in Tel Aviv.

America alone, it seems stands with Israel, at least on the surface. Obama expressed “deep regret at the loss of life” but fell short of laying any blame. Hilary Clinton went so far as to call for a “transparent investigation” but cautioned people against hasty condemnation. Maverick gone mainstream, John McCain blamed Obama for the Flotilla massacre, arguing that his call for a settlement freeze in the West Bank set the stage for the Flotilla Movement, proving once again that both sides of the political spectrum are out of touch with the people.

Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich

It’s the authentic mavericks of the 2008 primaries that stood with the rest of the world. Texas Republican Congressman Ron Paul, in an interview with FOX, described the incident as “atrocious” and rightfully stated that the blockade is an act of war. He likened the Gaza strip to a concentration camp and stated that if Israel wants to behave this way America should withdraw their support. Ohio Democrat Congressman Dennis Kucinich circulated a letter to colleagues stating that Israel’s self defense does not “extend to shooting innocent civilians anywhere in the world, anytime it pleases.” He described the incident aboard the Flotilla as “reckless, pre-meditated violence waged against innocent people.” So far at least 50 representatives have signed the letter.

At a local level the familiar round of marches and vigils has started again. A protest march carried nine coffins through the streets of San Francisco signifying the nine activists killed in the raid. Eight were draped in Turkish flags, and the ninth in an American flag for 19 year old Furkan Dogan, shot five times, including four times in the head. On June 9th San Francisco City Supervisors John Avalos, David Campos, Chris Daly and Sophie Maxwell introduced a landmark resolution condemning Israel’s actions and calling upon Obama to pressure Israel to end the siege. This resolution was inspired by overwhelming support from the local community, including over 30 organizations and the Bay Area residents who participated in the Flotilla. A hearing will be held by the Board of Supervisors Tuesday June 15th at 2pm to hear public comment on the resolution. For more info, including the contact info for all the supervisors if you care to comment, here’s the action alert.

Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin

The strongest local condemnation came from Richmond Mayor Gayle McLaughlin. Two Richmond residents, Paul Larudee and Kathy Sheetz, were aboard the Sfendoni, one of the six ships in the flotilla. Paul Larudee was severely beaten while in custody. He didn't resist. Didn't fight back. He basically went limp. He refused to speak. Refused to process. He made the IDF carry him around. For this he was beaten into the hospital. He said:

"I felt that I needed to do non-violent resistance. That consisted of not following orders, not walking to the places that they wanted me to walk, they were forced into carrying me for example, but, they thought they could get me to do what they wanted me to do by applying pain and they beat me, essentially, six times in two and a half days."

Mayor McLaughlin issued a public statement saying that she knew Paul Larudee personally. She wrote:

“I know his track record of commitment to nonviolence in standing up against the oppression of Palestinians. It is unconscionable that he was brutalized by his captors while he was resisting peacefully following the tradition of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

Mayor McLaughlin further condemned Israel for attacking the Flotilla, for the blockade itself, and for the deaths of 1,400 civilians during Israel’s assault on Gaza of December 2008-January 2009. She too called for an end to US military aid to Israel.

Today the Richmond City Council will be considering a resolution co-sponsored by Mayor Gayle McLaughlin and Vice Mayor Jeff Ritterman. A public meeting will be held, attended by Paul Larudee and Kathy Sheetz, where public is invited to comment.

When: Tuesday, June 15, 6:30 pm 

Where: Richmond City Council Chambers, 440 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond
(corner of Barrett Ave. and 27th St.)

The text of the resolution

Contact Information for Richmond City Council