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Our next step will be to integrate ourselves with the folks who have been bringing the boats from Greece. I think there is a pretty strong policy consensus on how we should handle anticipated Israeli actions against the Movement, but we still need face-to-face discussions with the boat folks to refine the finer points. Israel has recently increased its belligerency (threatening force by its navy), but the Foreign Ministry has also engaged us in a battle of letters and press releases (a battle I think we're winning hands down; see the website www.freegaza.org <http://www.freegaza.org/> for more details). The international support for our efforts has been absolutely magnificent - people are piping in from all over the world with words of encouragement and sometimes donations. There was strong support also during my recent visit to Saudi Arabia; one kind soul there sent me back to Nicosia with 20 pounds of Saudi's finest dates for the Movement folks which we are all enjoying now (see
pictures).

From a larger perspective, the Movement has already achieved enormous success. Our first priority - to call international attention to the humanitarian disaster created by Israeli and United States policies against the Gazans - is being achieved on a daily basis. In fact, the significant delays we have suffered probably were for the best, for it gave both us and the media an opportunity to delve more deeply into the needless disaster that Israeli oppression has created, thus putting Israel very squarely on the defensive. From a public relations standpoint, Israel has reverted to its bullying tactics (does it know any other?), thus further undercutting its public position. The international press has uniformly been very positive (excepting, of course, Israel and the United States).

On the lighter side, in addition to a guaranteed sun tan, it looks like this may also be an opportunity to do some fishing. The SS Liberty celebrated the landing of its first fish, a tuna, two days ago. I'm told that sushi was enjoyed by all; personally, however, I'm going to try to smuggle on a camping stove.

More as opportunities present themselves. Once we're underway I'll be able to take many pictures, which I look forward to sharing. Take care, and thank you for your continued support. Tom
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