Resistor Application for 2011 Gaza Freedom Flotilla

Nonviolent Resistor Application for 2011 Gaza Freedom Flotilla

One and possibly both of two large passenger vessels in the 2011 Gaza
Freedom Flotilla are requesting trained and experienced nonviolent
resistance volunteers to be among the more than one thousand passengers on
board (total). The International Solidarity Movement - Northern California
has agreed to undertake the role of collecting and reviewing applications
for this purpose. The Flotilla is predicted to sail as early as the end of
May, 2011, but postponement is always a possibility.

The objective of having such persons on board is to be as effective as
possible in the expected encounters with Israeli forces and while being
held in custody. There is no substitute for the presence of persons who
are trained and experienced, and for whom such an experience is familiar.

We therefore invite interested individuals to complete the on-line
application. It is expected that the selection process will favor
applicants who have been through a training program and have participated
in nonviolent resistance in Palestine, and especially those who have been
arrested and deported by Israeli forces. However, other credentials will
be considered. It is unlikely that inexperienced volunteers will be
accepted.

The final decision about how many and whom to accept will be made by the
ship organizing committees based on space considerations and other
factors, probably within a month or less of sailing. However, we expect
that the number will be a minimum of thirty and possibly twice that
number. Those who are accepted will need to do their own fundraising for
expenses. However, ISM-Northern California offers partial sponsorships for
those who wish to be considered.

There is no restriction on the nationality of the applicants, and in fact,
a mix of nationalities is preferred and will permit a larger number of
applicants to participate. This application process is also by no means
the only one by which interested persons can and will participate. Many of
the participating boats have their own recruiting processes that will
attract similar candidates, and the leadership of the Flotilla includes
such individuals.

Those who are selected as passengers will be subject to the strategic
guidelines of the entire Flotilla, as decided by the Steering Committee.
However, additional strategies of this group (and other willing
participants) may include greater nonviolent resistance after capture,
such as refusing deportation until a set of conditions is met, extreme
nonviolent noncooperation during captivity, etc. These strategies are
subject to discussion and agreement by both the participants and the
Flotilla Steering Committee. It is expected that the participants will
gather at the embarkation point prior to sailing to further discuss and
agree by consensus on such tactics.

Further questions regarding recruitment and selection may be directed to
gazaflotilla2011@norcalism.org . Thanks you for your participation in the
struggle for Palestinian rights.

To apply, please visit: http://norcalism.org/flotilla.html

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