Dear All,
The computer was down yesterday evening, therefore no news from here.
Yesterday was a very hard day in terms of training very realistic. Have to move to another room with Ann, my roommate, to Gail M.'s room because Hotel needs present room. Got to do this after I send this. Situation has some shades of last yr., for all of us.
After yesterday I felt totally spent and empty, had to get away at end of work day, another person and I went by subway, which is very functional, cheap and very clean, to the Acropolis. We could not get all the way up, because of time of day, last legs were already closed. Wow!!! What an amazing sight! How did the workers ever get the material up there with no paved roads ?
Are you all calling legislators, State Department, etc.?? You must!!!!
Got to go for an interview with Spanish media, was interviewed by Swedish media yesterday. CBS will do so just before boarding.
Peace and love,
Hedy
P.S. My phone is utterly useless. If you absolutely have to call me, call hotel & I will be in Room 209.
Good morning All,
After a good night's sleep and before we set out for the rest of activities, I greet you, with longing to be back with you.
I am going to suggest to the group when we gather shortly, that we consider a protest at the U.S. Embassy here after the State Department’s statement I heard about, warning us not to go to Gaza. Instead, they should support our efforts, those of us Americans, and, by inference, the rest of the Flotilla II, instead of mouthing/repeating the words and promised violent actions of our "best ally in the region" of preventing/attacking us in our efforts to reach Gaza, the largest prison in the world. More about that if my suggestion becomes reality.
Dianne, I forgot to bring my phone number with me to this computer room. I'll get it to you soon, insha'Allah. I am not sure I know how to use my new phone because it is all in Greek. Literally.
Peace & love,
Hedy
Dear All,
Sorry for the delay it's been a busy day. Morning spent on getting a Sim card, unsuccessful, won't work in my phone. Purchased a phone, don't know yet how to use it & had no time to learn. Training session & a trip to the magnificent boat & orientation there. Upper deck has cover with the name of the boat proudly displayed. Benches for seating. Downstairs, living room & elaborate kitchen during day, & double-decker sleeping arrangement for 32 during night. And air conditioned.
Departure delayed by 2 days & will be from Crete. Get to Crete by ferry, about 9 hours.away & first opportunity to get sea sick.
Everyone is very solicitous of me, holding hands or linking arms when we walk, frequently asking me if I am ok, etc. So, you can all relax, I am almost taken care of better than when I am back home. No insult intended.
There are some truly amazing people in our group & I haven't even had a chance to sit & talk with everyone in depth.
I delivered the message to Alice Walker that her poetry helped (sorry, can't remember your name, but you will know who I mean) you through some difficult times in your life. She was sooooooo glad to learn that.
Tomorrow will be another busy day, so I may not get back to you until in the evening. Sorry I don't have my new phone's number with me. If I leave here, someone else will waiting in line will get on the computer. I'll try & have it tomorrow.
Please DO NOT WORRY ABOUT ME, I'M IN GOOD HANDS, DOING WHAT IS RIGHT.
Peace & love,
Hedy
It has been 63 years since Israel has controlled the Palestinian people. It has been 44 years since the occupation of the West Bank, Gaza and Jerusalem. It has been 4 years since the hermetic closure of Gaza. It is one year since Israel attacked Flotilla 1 in international waters, on its way to Gaza.
In a few short weeks - near the end of June 2011, Flotilla 2 will be on its way to Gaza - 10 or more ships from many countries, including the U.S. Boat to Gaza, with approximately 1,000 passengers from all over the world, will sail to Gaza from ports in the Mediterranean.
"Don't give up, don't give in, don't give out."
--John Lewis, one of the 1961 Freedom Riders
My friend Hedy Epstein joined the "Move over AIPAC" protests in Washington in late May. While she was there, she paid a visit to the office of her Missouri senator, Claire McCaskill. The 86-year-old Holocaust survivor informed an aide of her upcoming participation in the second Gaza Freedom Flotilla to break through Israel's vicious siege against the people of Gaza.
This article was written by Jeannette Cooperman and published in Saint Louis Magazine in April 2011.
In late May, the second International Freedom Flotilla will try, again, to reach Gaza. Twenty boats from different countries, with 1,000 people dispersed among them, will set sail. St. Louisan Hedy Epstein, a German-born Jew who fled from the Nazis on a children’s transport back in 1939, will be on the U.S. boat.