From SJP NYU:
Mavi Marmara War Criminal Speaking Event Canceled!
The speaking event of an Israeli Defense Force “Navy Seal who was one of the first Israelis to board the Mavi Maramara ship during the Turkish Flotilla incident last May” at NYU has been canceled.
On Wednesday evening Gesher (NYU’s Israel Club) circulated an email officially canceling its event, “Aboard the Turkish Flotilla: A Firsthand Account.” The email read: “Sadly, amid serious safety and security issues, Birthright Israel Next and other sponsors are being forced to cancel tomorrow night’s event at the Silver Center. I am deeply sorry. Gesher truly apologizes for this inconvenience, but looks forward to providing great opportunities throughout the course of the rest of the semester.”
NYU SJP had called for a protest to be held outside of the event and we thank everyone for your support.
Mobilize against Mavi Marmara War Criminal @ NYU Thursday!
Call from Students for Justice in Palestine/NYU:
In response to Students for Justice in Palestine’s increasingly successful “Israeli Apartheid Week,” Zionists at NYU have put together “Israeli Peace Week.” And in a truly disgusting move, they have included – and advertised – a navy seal who was one of the first on board the Mavi Marmara. See below for part of the original email, which presents the war criminal as “an extremely unique opportunity.”
We need to send an unequivocal message that war criminals are not welcome on our campuses. Help Students for Justice in Palestine at NYU protest outside the building, and please forward this message, rsvp on facebook here, and post/invite friends.
Meet: Thursday, March 10, 6pm, outside of Silver Center (100 Washington Sq E, 10003)
The Mavi Marmara:
Eastern Mediterranean, Monday, May 31st, 2010, 4.30am: Israeli commandos, boarding from sea and air, attack the six boats of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla as it sails through international waters bringing humanitarian relief to the beleaguered Palestinians of Gaza. Within minutes, nine peace activists are dead, shot by the Israelis. Scores of others are injured. The 700 people on board the ships are arrested before being transported to detention centers in Israel and then deported.
Within hours, outrage at Israel’s action echoes around the world. Spontaneous demonstrations in Europe, the United States, Turkey, and Gaza itself denounce the attack. Turkey’s prime minister describes it as a “bloody massacre” and “state terrorism.” Lebanon’s prime minister calls it “a dangerous and crazy step that will exacerbate tensions in the region.”
Original Email from “Israeli Peace Week:”
Thursday, March 10 · 6:30pm – 9:30pm · Silver 207
Aboard the Turkish Flotilla: A Firsthand Account
Don’t miss this extremely unique opportunity to hear from Amir, an IDF Navy Seal who was one of the first soldiers to board the Mavi Maramara ship during the Turkish Flotilla incident of last May.
Amir will speak about his experience at large and will also answer questions about his specific experiences last May.
