Australia's New South Wales parliamentary Green party throws its weight behind flotilla

Australians for Palestine, supported by the Green party in the NSW state parliament, among others, is organising a send off for Freedom Flotilla 2 participants on 15 June - and the Murdoch press in Australia doesn't like it.

THE NSW Greens continue to support protests against Israel, with the party's upper house leader David Shoebridge to host a function at Parliament House next week for an activist group preparing to head to Gaza.

Jewish community leaders have criticised the Greens' hosting of the Farewell to Freedom Flotilla event, saying it uses taxpayer-funded facilities to encourage groups to break international law.

NSW Jewish Board of Deputies chief executive Vic Alhadeff yesterday questioned why any state MP would host an event for a group that was actively opposed to a legitimate government.

"Mr Shoebridge and the organisers of the flotilla choose to ignore the fact that Gaza is controlled by Hamas," he said, "a terrorist group openly committed to Israel's destruction."

Mr Shoebridge, a co-convener of The Parliamentary Friends of Palestine, defended hosting the event next Tuesday, as it was a "multi-party group of state MPs promoting peace and justice in the Middle East".

"The Greens are on record as supporting Israelis, Palestinians and international peace workers who promote non-violent action against the occupation of the Palestinian territories," he said. more

15 Jun, SYDNEY: “Why are we going to Gaza – a farewell to activists on Freedom Flotilla 2

WHEN: Wednesday 15 June 2011, 6.30-9.30pm

WHERE: Resistance Centre, 23 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale (off Broadway near Central Station)

The night before they head off to be part of the next Gaza Flotilla, hear from:

* Vivienne Porzsolt (Jews Against the Occupation & Socialist Alliance)
* Sylvia Hale (Greens and former NSW MP)

who will discuss why they are joining activists around the world in attempting to break the blockade on Gaza, and give solidarity to the Palestinian people.

The Israeli attack on the 2010 Gaza Flotilla, where 9 peace activists were killed, only increased the spotlight on the Palestinian struggle and the determination of activists internationally to break the inhumane blockade again.

Also see short films from the previous flotilla and the situation in Gaza. Delicious Middle Eastern food and drinks available from 6pm.

Organised by Green Left Weekly, Ph Pip 0412 139 968

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