Palestinians in the Gaza Strip live under a devastating 16-year illegal land, air and sea blockade imposed by Israel. The impact of the blockade and Israel’s regular bombing campaigns are disastrous. They have destroyed and damaged homes, schools and hospitals, ruined essential services like healthcare and sanitation, and destroyed Gaza’s economy meaning Palestinians face poverty and unemployment.
In solidarity with Palestinians challenging the blockade the in Gaza Strip, the Freedom Flotilla Coalition is sailing once again in 2023. Their boat is named Handala – after the famous cartoon image of a refugee Palestinian child.
The Flotilla will be stopping at various ports in Europe to raise collective awareness about Israel’s illegal and inhumane occupation and blockade of the Gaza Strip, in solidarity with Palestinians resisting it. The Flotilla will be in England and Wales between 3 July and 24 July.
Events in England & Wales:
Liverpool:
The Freedom Flotilla visits Liverpool from 2 July to 4 July. Find out more by visiting the Liverpool Friends of Palestine website.
Monday 3 July, 7pm. End the Siege of Gaza Public Meeting. At St Bride’s church, Percy Street L8 7LT, free entrance (light refreshments from 6.30pm)
Cardiff:
The Freedom Flotilla visits Cardiff from 7 July till 10 July. Stay tuned for info about a range of events organised by Cardiff Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
Friday: 7 July:
Midday(Approx) – Greet the Boat as it comes through the barrage locks at Cardiff Bay. Contact [email protected] to receive up to date timings on the day.
Saturday 8 July:
12noon: – Hands Off Jenin Protest – Nye Bevan Statue, Queen Street, Cardiff
7pm-9pm – Public Meeting in Temple of Peace with speakers Beth Winter MP and Zohar Regev Chamberlain (Flotilla Crew), Sumayya Ahmed (British-Palestinian), chaired by Mairead Canavan (Wales NEU Executive.)
Sunday 9 July
1pm-4pm – Info stall and visits to Handala in Cardiff Bay
6pm – Empire Restaurant 157 Albany Road – Farewell meal for Flotilla. Book your place here https://buytickets.at/cardiffpalestinesolidaritycampaign/944101
Monday 10 July
Handala will set off for Bristol in the morning.
Bristol:
The Freedom Flotilla visits Bristol from 10 July till 19 July. Find out more about a range of events organised by Bristol PSC here.
Monday 10 July, time tbc: Welcome the Freedom Flotilla, Cascade Steps, Centre.
Tuesday 11 July, 7pm: Film Screening ‘The Truth: Lost at Sea’, at Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre
Wednesday 12 July, 7.30pm: Concert for Gaza at Palestine Museum & Cultural Centre. Find out more.
Thursday 13 July, 7pm: Freedom Sounds, Frome Friends of Palestine present an evening of eclectic music alongside a sumptuous Middle Eastern Buffet. Find out more and buy tickets here.
Friday 14 July, 3pm: Flotilla Crew join Bristol Vigil for Gaza at Cascade Steps, Centre.
Saturday 15 July, 7pm: “Breaking the Blockade of Gaza” panel talk about effects of the Israeli blockade. Speakers from PSC and a link-up with Child Mental Health Centre in Gaza. At Palestine Museum & Cultural Crntre.
Monday 17 July, 12pm. Picnic with Palestinian Music and Poetry at Queens Square, 12pm.
Wednesday 19 July, time tbc. Farewell to the flotilla at Bristol Docks.
Southampton:
The Freedom Flotilla visits Southampton from 21 July to 24 July. Find out more from Southampton PSC.