Defenders of the Mavri Mamarra & So Much More
by
Ken O’Keefe from Istanbul
I have for many years understood that we, people of conscience,
are the true holders of power in this world. Frustratingly
however we have largely relinquished that power and failed to
reach our full potential. Our potential to create a better world,
a just world. Nonetheless I have conspired with others of like
mind to reveal and exercise our true power. In 2002 I initiated
the TJP Human Shield Action to Iraq because I knew that the
invasion of Iraq had been planned well in advance, that it was
part of a ‘Global Spectrum Dominance’ agenda as laid out by the
Project For A New American Century. I knew that protests had no
chance of stopping the invasion, and that largely these protests
were just a way of making us feel better about the coming mass
murder; by being able to say I protested against it. With that
understanding I argued that the only viable way to stop the
invasion was to conduct a mass migration to Iraq. A migration in
which people from around the world, especially western citizens,
would position themselves at sites in Iraq that are supposed to be
protected by international law, but which are routinely bombed
when it is only Iraqi, Palestinian, generally non-white, western
lives who will be killed. I felt 10,000 such people could stop
the invasion, or at the very least, expose the invasion for what
it was from the start, an act of international aggression, a war
crime and a crime against humanity.
When our two double decker busses travelled from London to Baghdad
through Turkey, it was ever clear that the people of Turkey also
could sense the power of this act, and they were the biggest
participants in it. In the end we did not get the numbers
required to stop the war, with at least one million Iraqi’s dead
as a result, but I remain convinced that it was within our power
to prevent the invasion. A massive opportunity lost as far as I
am concerned.
In 2007 I joined the Free Gaza Movement with its plan to challenge
the blockade of Gaza by travelling to Gaza by sea. From the
moment I heard of the plan I knew it could succeed and ultimately
I served as a captain on the first attempt. The Israeli
government said throughout our preparation that we were no better
than pirates and they would treat us as such. They made clear we
would not reach Gaza. And still I knew we could succeed. And we
did. Two boats with 46 passengers from various countries managed
to sail into Gaza on August 23, 2010; this was the first time this
had been done in 41 years. The truth is the blockade of Gaza is
far more than three years old, and yet we, a small group of
conscientious people defied the Israeli machine and celebrated
with tens of thousands of Gazans when we arrived that day. We
proved that it could be done. We proved that an intelligent plan,
with skilled manipulation of the media, could render the full
might of the Israeli Navy useless. And I knew then that this was
only the tip of the iceberg.
So participating in the Freedom Flotilla is like a family reunion
to me. It is my long lost family whose conscience is their guide,
who have shed the fear, who act with humanity. But I was
especially proud to join IHH and the Turkish elements of the
flotilla. I deeply admire the strength and character of the
Turkish people, despite your history having stains of injustice,
like every nation, you are today from citizen to Prime Minister
among the leaders in the cause of humanity and justice.
I remember being asked durýng the TJP Human Shield Action to Iraq
if I was a pacifist, I responded with a quote from Gandhi by
saying I am not a passive anything. To the contrary I believe in
action, and I also believe in self-defence, 100%, without
reservation. I would be incapable of standing by while a tyrant
murders my family, and the attack on the Mavri Mamara was like an
attack on my Palestinian family. I am proud to have stood
shoulder to shoulder with those who refused to let a rogue Israeli
military exert their will without a fight. And yes, we fought.
When I was asked, in the event of an Israeli attack on the Mavri
Mamara, would I use the camera, or would I defend the ship? I
enthusiasticly committed to defence of the ship. Although I am
also a huge supporter of non-violence, in fact I believe
non-violence must always be the first option. Nonetheless I
joined the defence of the Mavri Mamarra understanding that
violence could be used against us and that we may very well be
compelled to use violence in self defence.
I said this straight to Israeli agents, probably of Mossad or Shin
Bet, and I say it again now, on the morning of the attack I was
directly involved in the disarming of two Israeli Commandos. This
was a forcible, non-negotiable, separation of weapons from
commandos who had already murdered two brothers that I had seen
that day. One brother with a bullet entering dead center in his
forehead, in what appeared to be an execution. I knew the
commandos were murdering when I removed a 9mm pistol from one of
them. I had that gun in my hands and as an ex-US Marine with
training in the use of guns it was completely within my power to
use that gun on the commando who may have been the murderer of one
of my brothers. But that is not what I, nor any other defender of
the ship did. I took that weapon away, removed the bullets,
proper lead bullets, separated them from the weapon and hid the
gun. I did this in the hopes that we would repel the attack and
submit this weapon as evidence in a criminal trial against Israeli
authorities for mass murder.
I also helped to physically separate one commando from his assault
rifle, which another brother apparently through into the sea. I
and hundreds of others know the truth that makes a mockery of the
brave and moral Israeli military. We had in our full possession,
three completely disarmed and helpless commandos. These boys were
at our mercy, they were out of reach of their fellow murderers,
inside the ship and surrounded by 100 or more men. I looked into
the eyes of all three of these boys and I can tell you they had
the fear of God in them. They looked at us as if we were them,
and I have no doubt they did not believe there was any way they
would survive that day. They looked like frightened children in
the face of an abusive father.
But they did not face an enemy as ruthless as they. Instead the
woman provided basic first aid, and ultimately they were released,
battered and bruised for sure, but alive. Able to live another
day. Able to feel the sun over head and the embrace of loved
ones. Unlike those they murdered. Despite mourning the loss of
our brothers, feeling rage towards these boys, we let them go.
The Israeli prostitutes of propaganda can spew all of their
disgusting bile all they wish, the commandos are the murders, we
are the defenders, and yet we fought. We fought not just for our
lives, not just for our cargo, not just for the people of
Palestine, we fought in the name of justice and humanity. We were
right to do so, in every way.
While in Israeli custody I, along with everyone else was subjected
to endless abuse and flagrant acts of disrespect. Women and
elderly were physically and mentally assaulted. Access to food
and water and toilets was denied. Dogs were used against us, we
ourselves were treated like dogs. We were exposed to direct sun
in stress positions while hand cuffed to the point of losing
circulation of blood in our hands. We were lied to incessantly,
in fact I am awed at the routineness and comfort in their ability
to lie, it is remarkable really. We were abused in just about
every way imaginable and I myself was beaten and choked to the
point of blacking out… and I was beaten again while in my cell.
In all this what I saw more than anything else were cowards… and
yet I also see my brothers. Because no matter how vile and wrong
the Israeli agents and government are, they are still my brothers
and sisters and for now I only have pity for them. Because they
are relinquishing the most precious thing a human being has, their
humanity.
In conclusion; I would like to challenge every endorser of Gandhi,
every person who thinks they understand him, who acknowledges him
as one of the great souls of our time (which is just about every
western leader), I challenge you in the form of a question.
Please explain how we, the defenders of the Mavri Mamarra, are not
the modern example of Gandhi’s essence? But first read the words
of Gandhi himself.
I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice
and violence, I would advise violence.... I would rather have
India resort to arms in order to defend her honour than that she
should, in a cowardly manner, become or remain a helpless witness
to her own dishonour. – Gandhi
And lastly I have one more challenge. I challenge any critic of
merit, publicly, to debate me on a large stage over our actions
that day. I would especially love to debate with any Israeli leader
who accuses us of wrongdoing, it would be my tremendous pleasure
to face off with you. All I saw in Israel was cowards with guns,
so I am ripe to see you in a new context. I want to debate with
you on the largest stage possible. Take that as an open challenge
and let us see just how brave Israeli leaders are.
I write to inform you about Ken O'Keefe, who was aboard the Mavi Marmara when it was stormed by the Israeli military in the earlyhours ofMonday 31st May, towed to Ashdod Port in Israel and all its passengersdetained.
Ken was transferred to Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesdayand wasdue to be deported by the Israeli authorities to Istanbul, and thenrepatriatedto Dublin by the Irish officials. He refused deportation and demandedthathe be sent to Gaza, or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, using hisPalestinian travel documents (he was awarded Palestinian citizenshipwhen hecaptained one of the two Free Gaza boats into Gaza in August 2008). TheIsraelis acknowledge that he is a Palestinian citizen, but refused hisdemand onthe basis that his passport was invalid since it had not beenregistered.
The general atmosphere in the airport on Wednesdaywas quitechaotic, and a scuffle broke out. Ken was bashed on the forehead andthenbadly beaten by the Israeli officials/police. He has a large bloodygashon his head, and some bruised ribs. When I spoke with him he had ahoarse,croaky voice. He had been put in a head lock until he nearly passedout. His aggressor released Ken at the last possible moment. Kenrefused medical attention because he was not allowed access to a lawyer,nor washe being allowed to make phone calls.
On Thursday Ken's case wentbeforea judge who ruled that he be detained pending deportation (Ken wanted tobereleased without charge).
Having already been complaining ofdizzinessfollowing his first beating by Israeli police, Ken was beaten again thatnightin his cell. Again, he has refused treatment for his injuries. Kenwas unable to eat for a few days as his throat was sore following beingheld ina head lock on Wednesday.
He wanted to appeal his deportation andgo toGaza, but his solicitor advised him that for his own safety he shouldleaveIsrael. The longer he stays, the greater the detriment to hishealth. On Friday morning he signed his Emergency Travel Documentsprovided to him by the Irish Consulate and was booked onto a flight toIstanbul.
Israeli officials asked him to clean himself up as hisface wasbloody and he was quite dishevelled. He refused, as he wanted the worldtosee what had happened to him. The officials threatened to keep him incustody unless he co-operates, but he called their bluff, and wasallowed toboard his flight to Istanbul as he was. He was met by Irish Embassystaffand a press conference. He also gave an interview with Turkishnewspaperthe Hurriyet, which was featured on the front page. Prior to the pressconference he had issued the following statement:
"I want todiscussmy role in defending the ship and disarming two Israeli commandos alongwithconditions and treatment while in Israeli custody, including twobeatings at thehands of Israeli agents."
Ken will depart Istanbul on Monday7th Junefor Dublin, where he will stay for two days before returning home to hiswifeand baby son on Wednesday 9th June.
Please find attached apersonalstatement written by Ken in Istanbul, along with photographs taken onhisarrival to Istanbul.
Press conferences are being arranged inDublin andLondon. Please contact me if you would like to interview Ken.
Bestwishes,
Fadwa Dajani
(Mrs O'Keefe)
by
Ken O’Keefe from Istanbul
I have for many years understood that we, people of conscience,
are the true holders of power in this world. Frustratingly
however we have largely relinquished that power and failed to
reach our full potential. Our potential to create a better world,
a just world. Nonetheless I have conspired with others of like
mind to reveal and exercise our true power. In 2002 I initiated
the TJP Human Shield Action to Iraq because I knew that the
invasion of Iraq had been planned well in advance, that it was
part of a ‘Global Spectrum Dominance’ agenda as laid out by the
Project For A New American Century. I knew that protests had no
chance of stopping the invasion, and that largely these protests
were just a way of making us feel better about the coming mass
murder; by being able to say I protested against it. With that
understanding I argued that the only viable way to stop the
invasion was to conduct a mass migration to Iraq. A migration in
which people from around the world, especially western citizens,
would position themselves at sites in Iraq that are supposed to be
protected by international law, but which are routinely bombed
when it is only Iraqi, Palestinian, generally non-white, western
lives who will be killed. I felt 10,000 such people could stop
the invasion, or at the very least, expose the invasion for what
it was from the start, an act of international aggression, a war
crime and a crime against humanity.
When our two double decker busses travelled from London to Baghdad
through Turkey, it was ever clear that the people of Turkey also
could sense the power of this act, and they were the biggest
participants in it. In the end we did not get the numbers
required to stop the war, with at least one million Iraqi’s dead
as a result, but I remain convinced that it was within our power
to prevent the invasion. A massive opportunity lost as far as I
am concerned.
In 2007 I joined the Free Gaza Movement with its plan to challenge
the blockade of Gaza by travelling to Gaza by sea. From the
moment I heard of the plan I knew it could succeed and ultimately
I served as a captain on the first attempt. The Israeli
government said throughout our preparation that we were no better
than pirates and they would treat us as such. They made clear we
would not reach Gaza. And still I knew we could succeed. And we
did. Two boats with 46 passengers from various countries managed
to sail into Gaza on August 23, 2010; this was the first time this
had been done in 41 years. The truth is the blockade of Gaza is
far more than three years old, and yet we, a small group of
conscientious people defied the Israeli machine and celebrated
with tens of thousands of Gazans when we arrived that day. We
proved that it could be done. We proved that an intelligent plan,
with skilled manipulation of the media, could render the full
might of the Israeli Navy useless. And I knew then that this was
only the tip of the iceberg.
So participating in the Freedom Flotilla is like a family reunion
to me. It is my long lost family whose conscience is their guide,
who have shed the fear, who act with humanity. But I was
especially proud to join IHH and the Turkish elements of the
flotilla. I deeply admire the strength and character of the
Turkish people, despite your history having stains of injustice,
like every nation, you are today from citizen to Prime Minister
among the leaders in the cause of humanity and justice.
I remember being asked durýng the TJP Human Shield Action to Iraq
if I was a pacifist, I responded with a quote from Gandhi by
saying I am not a passive anything. To the contrary I believe in
action, and I also believe in self-defence, 100%, without
reservation. I would be incapable of standing by while a tyrant
murders my family, and the attack on the Mavri Mamara was like an
attack on my Palestinian family. I am proud to have stood
shoulder to shoulder with those who refused to let a rogue Israeli
military exert their will without a fight. And yes, we fought.
When I was asked, in the event of an Israeli attack on the Mavri
Mamara, would I use the camera, or would I defend the ship? I
enthusiasticly committed to defence of the ship. Although I am
also a huge supporter of non-violence, in fact I believe
non-violence must always be the first option. Nonetheless I
joined the defence of the Mavri Mamarra understanding that
violence could be used against us and that we may very well be
compelled to use violence in self defence.
I said this straight to Israeli agents, probably of Mossad or Shin
Bet, and I say it again now, on the morning of the attack I was
directly involved in the disarming of two Israeli Commandos. This
was a forcible, non-negotiable, separation of weapons from
commandos who had already murdered two brothers that I had seen
that day. One brother with a bullet entering dead center in his
forehead, in what appeared to be an execution. I knew the
commandos were murdering when I removed a 9mm pistol from one of
them. I had that gun in my hands and as an ex-US Marine with
training in the use of guns it was completely within my power to
use that gun on the commando who may have been the murderer of one
of my brothers. But that is not what I, nor any other defender of
the ship did. I took that weapon away, removed the bullets,
proper lead bullets, separated them from the weapon and hid the
gun. I did this in the hopes that we would repel the attack and
submit this weapon as evidence in a criminal trial against Israeli
authorities for mass murder.
I also helped to physically separate one commando from his assault
rifle, which another brother apparently through into the sea. I
and hundreds of others know the truth that makes a mockery of the
brave and moral Israeli military. We had in our full possession,
three completely disarmed and helpless commandos. These boys were
at our mercy, they were out of reach of their fellow murderers,
inside the ship and surrounded by 100 or more men. I looked into
the eyes of all three of these boys and I can tell you they had
the fear of God in them. They looked at us as if we were them,
and I have no doubt they did not believe there was any way they
would survive that day. They looked like frightened children in
the face of an abusive father.
But they did not face an enemy as ruthless as they. Instead the
woman provided basic first aid, and ultimately they were released,
battered and bruised for sure, but alive. Able to live another
day. Able to feel the sun over head and the embrace of loved
ones. Unlike those they murdered. Despite mourning the loss of
our brothers, feeling rage towards these boys, we let them go.
The Israeli prostitutes of propaganda can spew all of their
disgusting bile all they wish, the commandos are the murders, we
are the defenders, and yet we fought. We fought not just for our
lives, not just for our cargo, not just for the people of
Palestine, we fought in the name of justice and humanity. We were
right to do so, in every way.
While in Israeli custody I, along with everyone else was subjected
to endless abuse and flagrant acts of disrespect. Women and
elderly were physically and mentally assaulted. Access to food
and water and toilets was denied. Dogs were used against us, we
ourselves were treated like dogs. We were exposed to direct sun
in stress positions while hand cuffed to the point of losing
circulation of blood in our hands. We were lied to incessantly,
in fact I am awed at the routineness and comfort in their ability
to lie, it is remarkable really. We were abused in just about
every way imaginable and I myself was beaten and choked to the
point of blacking out… and I was beaten again while in my cell.
In all this what I saw more than anything else were cowards… and
yet I also see my brothers. Because no matter how vile and wrong
the Israeli agents and government are, they are still my brothers
and sisters and for now I only have pity for them. Because they
are relinquishing the most precious thing a human being has, their
humanity.
In conclusion; I would like to challenge every endorser of Gandhi,
every person who thinks they understand him, who acknowledges him
as one of the great souls of our time (which is just about every
western leader), I challenge you in the form of a question.
Please explain how we, the defenders of the Mavri Mamarra, are not
the modern example of Gandhi’s essence? But first read the words
of Gandhi himself.
I do believe that, where there is only a choice between cowardice
and violence, I would advise violence.... I would rather have
India resort to arms in order to defend her honour than that she
should, in a cowardly manner, become or remain a helpless witness
to her own dishonour. – Gandhi
And lastly I have one more challenge. I challenge any critic of
merit, publicly, to debate me on a large stage over our actions
that day. I would especially love to debate with any Israeli leader
who accuses us of wrongdoing, it would be my tremendous pleasure
to face off with you. All I saw in Israel was cowards with guns,
so I am ripe to see you in a new context. I want to debate with
you on the largest stage possible. Take that as an open challenge
and let us see just how brave Israeli leaders are.
I write to inform you about Ken O'Keefe, who was aboard the Mavi Marmara when it was stormed by the Israeli military in the earlyhours ofMonday 31st May, towed to Ashdod Port in Israel and all its passengersdetained.
Ken was transferred to Ben Gurion Airport on Wednesdayand wasdue to be deported by the Israeli authorities to Istanbul, and thenrepatriatedto Dublin by the Irish officials. He refused deportation and demandedthathe be sent to Gaza, or the Occupied Palestinian Territories, using hisPalestinian travel documents (he was awarded Palestinian citizenshipwhen hecaptained one of the two Free Gaza boats into Gaza in August 2008). TheIsraelis acknowledge that he is a Palestinian citizen, but refused hisdemand onthe basis that his passport was invalid since it had not beenregistered.
The general atmosphere in the airport on Wednesdaywas quitechaotic, and a scuffle broke out. Ken was bashed on the forehead andthenbadly beaten by the Israeli officials/police. He has a large bloodygashon his head, and some bruised ribs. When I spoke with him he had ahoarse,croaky voice. He had been put in a head lock until he nearly passedout. His aggressor released Ken at the last possible moment. Kenrefused medical attention because he was not allowed access to a lawyer,nor washe being allowed to make phone calls.
On Thursday Ken's case wentbeforea judge who ruled that he be detained pending deportation (Ken wanted tobereleased without charge).
Having already been complaining ofdizzinessfollowing his first beating by Israeli police, Ken was beaten again thatnightin his cell. Again, he has refused treatment for his injuries. Kenwas unable to eat for a few days as his throat was sore following beingheld ina head lock on Wednesday.
He wanted to appeal his deportation andgo toGaza, but his solicitor advised him that for his own safety he shouldleaveIsrael. The longer he stays, the greater the detriment to hishealth. On Friday morning he signed his Emergency Travel Documentsprovided to him by the Irish Consulate and was booked onto a flight toIstanbul.
Israeli officials asked him to clean himself up as hisface wasbloody and he was quite dishevelled. He refused, as he wanted the worldtosee what had happened to him. The officials threatened to keep him incustody unless he co-operates, but he called their bluff, and wasallowed toboard his flight to Istanbul as he was. He was met by Irish Embassystaffand a press conference. He also gave an interview with Turkishnewspaperthe Hurriyet, which was featured on the front page. Prior to the pressconference he had issued the following statement:
"I want todiscussmy role in defending the ship and disarming two Israeli commandos alongwithconditions and treatment while in Israeli custody, including twobeatings at thehands of Israeli agents."
Ken will depart Istanbul on Monday7th Junefor Dublin, where he will stay for two days before returning home to hiswifeand baby son on Wednesday 9th June.
Please find attached apersonalstatement written by Ken in Istanbul, along with photographs taken onhisarrival to Istanbul.
Press conferences are being arranged inDublin andLondon. Please contact me if you would like to interview Ken.
Bestwishes,
Fadwa Dajani
(Mrs O'Keefe)
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