Gaza and the Will to Change the World

Announcing Ken O'Keefe's upcoming mission to free Gaza that is certain to bring about change, one way or another.

(SALEM, Ore.) - I suspect this story may be the most important item I have ever written. I have been patiently waiting to release Ken O'Keefe's plans to bring relief to the people of Gaza by permanently breaking the illegal Israeli military blockade that has been in force for years.

This is an undertaking of epic proportions, but something has to happen. While there is likely to be a degree of dissension, as there always is, I suspect that most people in the world vested in freeing the Palestinian people of Gaza will be onboard one way or another.

The analogy for Americans seeking to understand the Palestine/Israel conflict, is the extinction of millions of Native Americans during the early years of the U.S. You would have to work very hard to find a person in any of the 50 states who believes genocide was the right plan. It was a tragedy, and almost identical to the plight of the Palestinians today.

Surely we are supposed to have moved past this point. With almost all of Palestine absorbed by Israel, the tiny remaining land that is Palestine is continually being confiscated by the Israeli government for the construction of illegal 'settlements' for religious extremists.

Artwork by the amazing Carlos Latuff, friend of Salem-News.com located in Rio de
Janeiro. To see more of his work, visit: Latuff Gallery

Today and throughout American history, even during the darkest years, Native American symbolism has maintained a certain undeniable appeal for those of white European descent. Perhaps that is one reason the serious prejudice of a hundred years ago is strictly illegal in this modern age.

It was a painful journey but one a nation called the United States nonetheless, completed.

I question the safety of any person of any race in America who practices blatant racism toward the people we used to mistakenly call "Indians". It's just not accepted. I'm not saying there is no prejudice; we always have a long way to go in that area, but the systematic, legal oppression of Native Americans or people of any particular race, ended long ago in the U.S.

Of course it was a slow process. Acclaimed poet, national recording artist, actor and activist John Trudell, whose international following reflects the universal language of his words, work and message, (Santee Sioux) was a spokesperson for the Indian of All Tribes occupation of Alcatraz Island from 1969 to 1971. After that he worked with the American Indian Movement, becoming Chairman of AIM from 1973 to 1979, the year a fire of unknown origin killed Trudell’s wife, three children and mother-in-law. This horrific tragedy allowed Trudell to find his voice as an artist and poet.

In the early days of the U.S. there was always religious conflict. The Christians became adept at converting Native Americans to their faith. This is not a goal of the Israelis from what history tells us. Arab residents of Israel aren't even allowed to serve in the Israeli Defence Forces.

Flash forward to May 2010, that is when Ken and hundreds of activists were aboard a Turkish flagged ship, the Mavi Marmara, in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla. Strictly loaded with unarmed peace activists, journalists and humanitarian aid cargo destined for Gaza; their goal of breaking the Gaza siege was clearly stated and their ships had been thoroughly inspected, though not by Israel itself.

The crew of this ship always said they would defend the Mavi Marmara if attacked; there was never a question about it. Before the flotilla had a chance to get anywhere close to Gaza, while traveling approximately 80 miles off the coastline, parallel to Gaza rather than approaching it, the ships would become the scene of a deadly Israeli commando attack. The Israeli guns killed nine activists, several execution style, and left more than 40 seriously injured. Of the nine dead, several could have been saved, but they were denied medical attention by Israel as they bled to death.

The incident that night changed many things, and would lead to strong condemnation from the United Nations and an endless list of countries, excluding the U.S. and Canada and a few others that always side with Israel in spite of the repeated, highly documented violations of international law that continuously take place.

The ending of this illegal siege and the Israeli occupation of Palestine must include the banning of apartheid laws that create endless checkpoints and unfair, contrasting rules and subsequent prison sentences for Jews and Arabs in Israel. Israel did not always conduct itself the way it currently does, and today even the most minimal peace gestures from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are met with grating resistance from hard liners.

Apparently the Israeli government only understands resistance, and there are few times that resistance does not become violent. The plans underway are long in the making, and will only involve those who are committed to ending this struggle of Biblical proportions, by placing their lives in harm's way.

Ken O'Keefe and his brother activists disarmed three Israeli commandos aboard the Mavi Marmara in May and they had every opportunity to harm or kill them. Instead the Israeli soldiers were given medical treatment and released. Again, this is while Israel chose to let activists who they shot bleed to death.

It is tragic that the lesson of this one aspect of the story is lost through Israeli lies and propaganda and the western media parrots who regurgitate the government press releases like the Gospel, when they could not be any more different. The press here portrayed the story as if the activists were the dangerous party. They reported that the IDF soldiers only used paintballs when that in fact was a bald faced lie.

The next mission to break the Gaza siege will be of such a grand scale that change is guaranteed. Exactly what that change will amount to is yet to be seen, but the main ship in the flotilla being planned by Ken O'Keefe will have residents of every nation on the earth aboard.

The ship will have media accommodations that are unrivaled, and the backing of international governing bodies through the use of existing trade agreements that for a very long time, have been squashed in Gaza.

Israel has Gaza surrounded on all sides with a massive wall and guard towers replete with trigger happy snipers, and Israel's navy offshore.

Two days ago six Palestinians, including two children, were shot by Israeli snipers in Gaza. Ken O'Keefe reported this information as his own party came under Israeli fire in Gaza, as shown in the video on the left.

One person Ken seriously hopes to have aboard, is Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Like many nations in the world today, Venezuelan citizens largely say they stand behind the Palestinian cause.

The main ship described above, intended to carry 1000 passengers, is only one small aspect of the upcoming plans announced publicly today during a press conference in Gaza by O'Keefe. Again, the mission will be completely peaceful and activists will be unarmed with no exceptions.

However, as Ken and his fellow shipmates resisted the Israeli Commandos act of international piracy on 31 May, which is what the Israeli attack amounts to, the crew of this ship will also resist illegal boarding and piracy. There will be a large number of other vessels in the flotilla and they will be designated as resistance and non-resistance ships.

Those aboard the non-resistance ships will be able to quickly abort their mission if they decide to and surrender to the Israeli Navy. The resistance ships will reach Gaza and not be deterred as they seek only to fulfill a legal mission to establish free trade and business connections with the people of Gaza.

Ken talked privately with us about this mission during his recent NW International Speaking Tour. He says charity is needed in Gaza, but these are proud people perfectly capable of existing if they are simply provided the opportunity.

Israel keeps the Gaza population in an open air prison. Palestinian farmers feed their prize winning carnations to cows as their market remains mostly sealed. It rings of the old adage: 'You can give them a fish or you can teach them to fish.' The Palestinian people of Gaza need business revenue far more than charity.

Tim King, Ken O'Keefe and Bonnie King of Salem-News.com Photo by Dexter Phoenix

For years now the Palestinian cause has been a peaceful one, and all this time Israel keeps brutalizing those who speak out. Some, like Salem-News.com Writer Dr. Mazin Qumsiyeh, are able to relate their experiences of Israeli brutality through journalism and academic tenure.

Most however remain silent; those who are able to post videos of the brutality on YouTube know Israel will block their residents from seeing the images.

It always seems important to point out that the real truth about the much touted 'rocket attacks' from Gaza. Mentioned continually in the news, these glorified fireworks have killed exactly 28 people since they began in 2001. Those are 28 tragedies, but is it worth Israel's jeopardizing the future of the whole world?

The western and Israeli news outlets also overlook the fact that Palestinians are no longer setting off suicide bombs; Hamas swore off the practice years ago.

Ken O'Keefe's actions aboard the Mavi Marmara and his ability to get airtime with channels like the BBC, has led to a needless and counterproductive divide in this movement. There are those who accuse Ken of showboating, but the public fallout from the attack in May led to the partial opening of Gaza's southern border at Rafah.

It has been suggested to me by someone I greatly respect in the movement, that I am too taken with Ken's persona, and I have to say with all respect, that the suggestion, however well-intended, is inaccurate. Ken and I were both U.S. Marines, we've both been in Kuwait and Iraq, and we are both surfers from Southern California who care greatly about a more peaceful future for this world.

We have a lot in common and it just so happens that he is the one pushing for change at a fast clip. His Direct Action approach has saved lives in the past and it will again in the future.

Peace is the goal, and reaching that takes strength, courage and sacrifice. Combining those elements has the potential to lead to Ken's vision of truth, justice and peace, TJP.

His project Aloha Palestine has a chance to really make an impact from what I see, and Ken's public strength has both legs and teeth. We need to get on with this and then sort out differences when it is over.

Obviously the flotilla will be the subject of a large amount of fundraising. At this point we are looking for a tour bus that can be used for a west coast fundraising tour featuring Ken and other speakers. The vehicle will be painted or wrapped to promote both the fundraising tour and the upcoming flotilla.

Please write if you or your organization are interested in providing this valuable tool.

Also, media agencies interested in being aboard the main ship during the flotilla, should write to me, Tim King, stating your interest in securing work and travel space aboard the ship. Please direct all media inquiries to newsroom@salem-news.com.

Once again in my life the lines between reporter and activist are slightly blurry and hard to define. I hope more former mainstream news reporters and those currently working for western media and press, experience the same thing. Of course if you judge from history, it is more important for Israel to maintain their stupid blockade by killing people, than by admitting that its position in the world is non-humanitarian and unacceptable under all conditions.

Perhaps this mission will end like the Mavi Marmara's, in blood soaked decks. But maybe, possibly, it will be the final proof to Israel that the world isn't going to stand for their oppressive behavior any longer.

More information including dates and additional contact information and tour dates will be forthcoming. Ken's press conference from 1 December is posted below:

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Raul Reeve December 28, 2010 7:39 am (Pacific time)

"I can't find a reason in the world to justify Mary's attack on a brave, tried and true activist for Palestine like Ken O'Keefe" - to repeat, once again: the false claim that he and others were kidnapped by Greek commandos, the false claim that they were locked in a room and denied contact, the attempt to persuade people to storm the Egyptian frontier, etc. etc.... like I said, the facts. You still talk in purely emotional terms, like concrete reality doesn't count. Changed IP address? Yeah, I moved. But there's no satisfying the circular logic of conspiracy theorists - if anyone disagrees with you, no matter if they have evidence on their side, you are suspicious... 'Hasbara Think Tank' - despicable comment.

Tim King: Human beings deeply involved in a struggle of this magnitude should not be reduced to infighting and bickering, it's supposed to be about the Palestinian people. There is an obvious parting of the ranks, what can we say? Nothing was accomplished by Mary's article, composed far from where it occurred, whereas Ken was on site. The simple dynamic; that Ken was in place and Mary was not, takes the credibility out of her point. I didn't coin 'Hasbara Think Tank' by the way, one of the many other people who believe in what Ken is doing came up with that.

Raul Reeve December 27, 2010 6:25 pm (Pacific time)

Tim: "I know Ken, he is a personal friend" - my point exactly. Warm fuzzy feelings versus Palestine Think Tank's Mary Rizzo's painstaking, documented, analysis of facts. Some of the commentors on PTT accuse you of censorship. These are coherent people, not like some of the nuts you get here :)O - so they shouldn't be censored (if they have been).

If it was about evaluating individuals, I would have no way of deciding between your defence of O'Keefe and Rizzo's demolition - I don't know either of you personally, but have followed the difficult work you both do for Palestinians. On the facts, or rather, the falsehoods, of the 'kidnapping', Rizzo just happens to have the more convincing account.

And a happy new year...

Tim King: You know Raul, I can't find a reason in the world to justify Mary's attack on a brave, tried and true activist for Palestine like Ken O'Keefe. It is all at minimum, very suspicious. Ken is not going anywhere. Mary and Hasbara Think Tank on the other hand, are off our radar and so are you, if this is in fact Raul Reeve. I only ask because in the past your comments always came from a different IP and only the comments attacking Ken come from this one.

Regarding Mary, I had always thought a lot of her and even maintained a professional respect when this began. After I learned of Mary's attack on Anna O'Leary, who is a real as anyone in this movement, I backed away from that tact too.

The Zionists have a lot of money and a lot of friends, just not a lot of integrity. You and your cohorts match that same description. Basically, those of us who are truly in this for the right reasons do not trust Mary or her intentions and so there you have it.

As for 'censorship', this is a business Raul, a news agency. We don't let people randomly place false or stupid or profane comments on stories. On the same hand, anything Mary or Greta have sent has been published in full. As for you, this is just silly. I think your comments have all gone up but I can't say for sure and frankly it isn't really a big deal to me either way. I will tell you that people who aren't in attack mode generally like my friends and I quite a bit. This whole thing is very unusual.

Raul Reeve December 22, 2010 8:27 pm (Pacific time)

Tim - re. Ken O'Keefe - 'if you listen and learn you will see that Ken is a person who stands a chance to make a real difference'. That's a pretty weak defence of someone who it can be proved falsely claimed to have been abducted by armed men, etc. etc.! What are you saying, "OK his grasp of reality may be a bit shaky, but he gives me a warm fuzzy feeling"?

Tim King:Raul, I know Ken, he is a personal friend, not just a person I write about. Ken is not who you accuse him of being. It isn't what you suggest.

Raul Reeve December 22, 2010 6:32 pm (Pacific time)

I expect you are aware of the critique of Ken O'Keefe's latest plan on PalestineThinkTank.com - I have to admit, I find it pretty convincing.

Editor: Convincing in what respect? Some of us are convinced that everyone is not on the same team. Ken is a leader, he has courage and fortitude and it scares the crap out of some people, but if you listen and learn you will see that Ken is a person who stands a chance to make a real difference, and in fact it is taking place right now.

This week Ken filed two great reports; one about a little girl who needs special medical care and can not receive it in Gaza due to Israel's inhumane and illegal military blockade; the other is about 97 Gaza residents shot since March of this year for gathering rocks for road building. He also sent us an update about the cowardly IOF pilots and their deadly F-16's killing Gazans.

If Ken has half the success he hopes to, the world will be a much better place. We are here to make sure his voice is heard. As far as Mary's attack, I can't explain it. There is a real problem with those who attack from within. Most of us have already moved on but we remember, that is essential.

Dec-06-2010: Facts Missing in Website's Hit Piece on Gaza Activist Ken O'Keefe Tim King Salem-News.com

Dec-07-2010 : Zahir's response to Mary at PTT: Ken O'Keefe, Road to Hope and a Kidnapping that Wasn't Zahir Ebrahim for Salem-News.com

Dec-09-2010: Through the Fog of Deception Nahida Izzat Salem-News.com

against terror December 18, 2010 12:40 pm (Pacific time)

This is a pro-terror site, it should be elliminated.

Tim King: Oh thanks a lot you moron, why don't you figure out the meaning or 'terror' and then go address your Israeli government, I sometimes fear you guys are as brainwashed as the Nazi's.

Dr Sonnet December 10, 2010 8:01 pm (Pacific time)

Sometimes, true real friends give us our faults as gifts gently. Some fake friends or enemies give us faults as an over-criticism, accusation, or backbiting. They do not know they give us a gift. So, take it simply, try to analyze, and then... smile for them. All the best

Chuck Taylor December 5, 2010 8:22 am (Pacific time)

What about the Greenpeace approach. Far out at sea, unload supplies onto hundreds of motorized rubber boats that move fast. Don't rely on one of two big ships. The Israeli military won't be able to stop them all.

pam December 4, 2010 11:53 am (Pacific time)

O'Keefe is a...

Tim King: Hey Pam, do you talk to your mother with that nasty dirty little mouth? Get the hell out of here, you have nothing to say about it. You are no advocate for Palestine. Your assertions about Ken are false.

Robby Martin December 3, 2010 1:56 pm (Pacific time)

Hi Tim, Ken is an Inspiration. There are far too many ignorant people ( like the person who replied "count the errors") in America. But thanks to the Internet people from all around the world know the truth. Zionism is pure evil and the good people of the world, who cannot be bought by Israeli blood money, will defeat them. Our weapons are determination, courage, humanity and TRUTH. Together we WILL FREE PALESTINE and no army or government will stop us. I fully support Ken and his mission to end the blockade of Gaza and I hope he will achieve this goal safely.

Amanda December 3, 2010 12:46 am (Pacific time)

There is no use explainin, Tim. Those sympathizers of Israel policies, will never understand, nor do they want to understand how the world feels about Israel as a counrty. This country is riddled with sympathizers, or Jewish people, who never made it to Israel. They just holler from a distance. Maybe too young to remember, that at the beginning of WWII a ship left the from Italy, filled with Jewish Refugees, desperately trying to reach America. Guess what? They were refused entry to New York harbor and turned back. How quickly some of the biggest bigots, forget the power of foreign policies. It's not the individual, it's revenge in concert, titled under politics

Count the errors December 2, 2010 10:24 pm (Pacific time)

This is actually getting entertaining..

"So if your kids are playing in the yard and some Crips cruise by and shoot bullets in the direction of your kids you would what... thank them?"

Uh huh. This is just like your Custer and the Sioux cartoon. A great analogy for another argument.

Your friend, the dishonorably discharged ex-marine, took a walk with some friends approaching a 300 Metre no-man's land in front of a guarded border in a wartime situation in order to make a propaganda statement. Not remotely like sitting in a yard and shot at by drive-by gangbangers. sorry.

Tim King: First, you pass over the fact that the wall was specifically built over Palestinian farmland, and you also don't take into account the fact that nothing to do with this illegal wall was ever sanctioned or approved by the people of Gaza. Who after all, would agree to that? Secondly, you dismiss the sound of that one round that is very clear in Ken's video. That is too close, M-16's are not accurate enough to play with in that respect. Live bullets, do you even realize what you are defending here? There is no justification for that wall in the first place, none.

The Custer and Sioux cartoon is a perfect analogy for what is taking place, that is why it bothers you so much.

Now it is your turn to be called out for stating another total falsehood: Ken received a general discharge from the Marine Corps, not a dishonorable discharge. That is a really big mistake and I sense that is not your goal. Marines can be discharged under Honorable conditions, General under Honorable conditions, General under other than Honorable; there is the Bad Conduct Discharge and then the Dishonorable. That is not what Ken received, and it is very easy to receive a General under other than Honorable discharge if you step out of line politically, which is what Ken did. He reported nefarious conduct within his own command and was blacklisted, though he was in the right.

As for your allegations of those whizzing bullets being perfectly OK, I suggest taking in some of the following material. The first link has the really hard, terrible evidence of Israel's ongoing crimes against humanity.

Jul-17-2010: Israeli Attacks on Palestinians Must Stop - Political Perspective by Tim King Salem-News.com

Gaza in Plain Language is the single most educational piece:

Feb-07-2010: Gaza in Plain Language (VIDEO) - Anthony Lawson Special to Salem-News.com

Jan-05-2009: The World Should Stop Israel's Killing Machine (VIDEO) - Perspective by Tim King Salem-News.com

Apr-02-2010: A Tale of Two Palestinian Brothers... and Israel's Dismissal of Murder - Opinion by Tim King Salem-News.com

May-08-2010: For Those Who Don't Believe Israel Shoots Innocent Farmers - Tim King Salem-News.com.

eileen fleming December 2, 2010 5:10 pm (Pacific time)

Regarding the Unrecognized Villages: In 1948 when most of the indigenous population fled their homes and property, some citizens held their ground, dug in and have nonviolently endured being treated like sub-human beings ever since. The Unrecognized Villages are not on any Israeli map but these people all have Israeli citizenship, pay taxes but receive no services. The Israeli government deemed these scattered villages as military zones and agricultural areas so homes were demolished, and the tax paying people live without water, electricity, schools or medical care. Yet settlers 400 meters away have swimming pools and every comfort known to man. On the fortieth anniversary of The Declaration of Human Rights in 1988 the “Association of 40" was formed and worked through the court system to be recognized, to receive water, electricity, roads and human rights. Today, there still remains nearly 100 Unrecognized villages in Israel populated by over 100,000 Palestinians known as Arab Israelis who live in third world conditions and pay taxes to the Israeli Government.

Count the Errors December 2, 2010 3:39 pm (Pacific time)

"Why don't you and other readers open Google Earth and take a look at the region?"

Or how about you act like a real editor and go back and fix some of these here screw ups.

Here's another one.

Your video: Israelis Shoot at demonstrators.... That's a misleading title. (AKA a lie)

I saw the video. The Israelis fired WARNING SHOTS at Ken and his little crew as they approached the border. Warning shots is quite different than shooting AT THEM. I thought you were a military vet. If so you of all people should know the diff. back to your bong and
Have a nice day anyway.

Editor: A 'real' editor? You need to give your rant a rest. So if your kids are playing in the yard and some Crips cruise by and shoot bullets in the direction of your kids you would what... thank them? You are jumping from sound criticism of a mistake in this article that I acknowledged, and moving toward this? Have you ever heard a round fly by? I'll tell you that was too damned close. Bunch of damned barbarians, and you as their advocate. We're all in trouble.

count the errors December 2, 2010 2:21 pm (Pacific time)

Here's another one.

"...Israel has Gaza surrounded on all sides with a massive wall and guard towers ..."

Ever heard of Egypt?

Editor: Oh please, you know that half the problem is that Egypt is Israel's little nodding dog. Why don't you and other readers open Google Earth and take a look at the region.

Count the Errors December 2, 2010 11:19 am (Pacific time)

Wow Tim,
This article is filled with howlers. Where are you getting your facts from? Your bong?

1) Jews ARE INDIGENOUS to the Middle East, and have lived continuously in the land of Israel area for over 3,000 years. So the Custer Vs. Sioux comparison doesn't work.

Tim King: By indigenous I mean the entire Arab population there has never left; there was a very small Jewish population that never left the region, very small. The number of Jewish people in this region began growing around the turn of the century, but skyrocketed after 1948. Anyone who moved to Israel since that time is no more indigenous than I would be if I left the US and moved to Spain, the land of my ancestors . .

2) Lots of Arabs serve in the IDF. There's even a special tracking unit that is completely Bedouin.

Tim King: Define 'lots' will you? The Bedouin recon unit is a regular IDF unit, I did not state that correctly, but the point is the same..

From Haaretz:

Half of the Bedouin in the South live in what are euphemistically referred to as "unrecognized villages," and are frequently denied the most elementary services such as water and education. Under such conditions, it is only to be expected that many among them would feel alienated and even develop hostility to the State of Israel.

Yet for many years the Bedouin in Israel, despite their poor social conditions, expressed loyalty to the State of Israel, a loyalty that was demonstrated when some of them agreed to cede land to the state for the establishment of an air force base in the Negev.

So there you have it. I have news for you, lots of Afghan and Iraqi people choose to work with the occupational forces. Why? Because they have been driven into poverty by warring western interests, that is why. Some would consider anyone doing this to be a sellout. Unfortunate economic necessity is a factor. I learned all about this in Iraq, where the insurgency pays a local $200 to fire a mortar at an American base. In summary, if these people were not living under an occupation, they would not be part of the IDF.

Hate IUsrael if you must, but at least get some facts straight. This is a joke.

The occupation is not a joke, the death of Palestinians is not a joke, the nine dead aboard the Mavi Marmara are not a joke. What exactly is funny to you about this? It isn't like I can just go to Israel and have a look, think about it. Hopefully soon I will see Israel, from Gaza. Why doesn't Israel end the killing? Why doesn't Israel lay its guns of oppression down? People are getting involved now who never would have before. David truly has become Goliath. And for the record, I will not flinch or duck my mistakes. I should have had the part about the Muslim component of the IDF right, and I did not. I know there are Christians in the IDF, though I also know what happened at the Sabra Shatilla refugee camp for Palestinians in Lebanon. It isn't about religion, it is about finding peace..

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