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In a letter to Greek Ambassador Vassilis Kaskarelis, B’nai B’rith International expressed gratitude for the Greek government’s decision to ban one of the Gaza-bound “freedom flotilla” ships from leaving Greek ports.

This decision was followed by Greek authorities’ detention of three activists after a ship set sail despite the government’s prohibition.

B’nai B’rith International President Allan J. Jacobs and Executive Vice President Daniel S. Mariaschin wrote to the ambassador that, “Beginning with the Foreign Ministry’s statement last week, intended to discourage those engaged in this activity, and then with the firm statements and actions of your Homeland Security ministry and other agencies of the government, particularly the prevention of the boats from leaving port, Greece has underscored the destructive, and negative objectives of those seeking to ‘break the blockade’ of Gaza.”

The letter continues: “Only with a return to negotiations, without preconditions, can the peace process hope to succeed. Diversions and provocations, such as those planned by the flotilla’s organizers, are surely not that path.”
 
B’nai B’rith will continue to monitor the situation and speak out against those who seek to interfere with Israel’s right to defend itself.