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Interview With Free Gaza Movement Volunteers

By the Editors, May 2009

Darlene Wallach and Donna Wallach were on board the first voyage of the Free Gaza Movement (FGM) in August, 2008. They remained in the Gaza Strip until December 2008, and helped re-establish a long-term ISM group in the Gaza Strip. Both have returned to the Bay Area, where they continue their activism on behalf of the Palestinian people and other social justice causes. The NorCal ISM Support group recently recognized them with the first annual Rachel Corrie award.

- Editor

Ed: You arrived in Gaza before the devastating Israeli attacks of January 2009. What was the humanitarian situation like in August, 2008?

Darlene: Israel’s blockade of Gaza had been going on for 2 years. The Importation of food, fuel, medicine, building supplies, parts for the water treatment system, even school supplies were all severely restricted. Only one in seven people who needed to leave Gaza for treatment had been allowed to. Over 322 people were known to have died due to lack of medical care in Gaza because of the blockade and occupation. This is collective punishment and against International law. The harshness of these tactics is consistent with the unofficial Israeli policy of putting the people of Gaza “on a diet” as Advisor to the Prime Minister Dov Wineglass has put it.

Donna: I lived in Tel Aviv from 1991 to 1993, and I used to visit Gaza weekly. The situation in Gaza was much worse in 2008 than I had ever seen it in the 90’s, although in some ways it was also more developed. There was practically no economic base left for the people to sustain themselves, and they couldn’t grow and export their crops. High unemployment was very obvious, many shops were closed, and unfinished buildings were everywhere. By the middle of November electricity was only available about 6 hours a day, at best. On the other hand, the spirit of the people was as wonderful as ever. I always found it amazing how little they complain, and how they would always welcome me into their homes and show lots of love.

The five daughters of Lalia & Jaber, Gaza Strip 2008 (credit: Donna Wallach)

Ed: The Palestinian community asked for international support on fishing boats. Why did they ask for this?

Darlene: Israel had been imposing an arbitrary policy of no fishing more than 6 miles from shore, even though the Oslo Accords permitted fishing up to 20 miles from shore. This is intended to prevent the people of Gaza from accessing the good fishing waters, and it has a huge impact on their food supply. In addition to the 6-mile limit, fishermen endure severe harassment even within the 6 mile limit. We witnessed Navy boats attacking fishing boats with water cannons, grenades thrown into the water, and firing of M16 rifles into the water close to the boats. These attacks are often much more deadly if the Israeli military knows there are no internationals on board the fishing boats.

Donna Wallach and Darlene Wallach, speaking at a Gaza report-back in the Bay Area in February, 2009 (credit: Sharat Lin)

"Palestinians in the Gaza Strip need their human rights, and of course justice - they want our help to hold Israel accountable for the War Crimes they commit. "

Ed: How do the people of Gaza view the work of internationals volunteers such as ISM and the Free Gaza Movement (FGM)?

Donna: Everyone I met in Gaza knew about the Free Gaza Movement boats, and we were all treated very warmly. People know about Rachel Corrie and respect the work that she and other internationals did in Gaza. I think it makes a huge impact on them that foreigners, especially Americans, care and come to show their support. They know that most of the bombs and other weapons being used against them are made in the U.S. and paid for by the U.S. government.

Ed: What should activists and people here do to support the work in Gaza?

Donna: I strongly recommend going to Gaza and being a witness to what is going on. Especially in the aftermath of January’s attacks, it is important to keep challenging the blockade and showing solidarity with the Palestinians. People who aren’t able to make the trip can also help by supporting FGM, ISM and other groups financially. Just as important, people should keep informed, and also pressure Congress and the media. We can’t let them get away with ignoring Gaza.

Darlene: The Palestinians in the Gaza Strip need their human rights, and of course justice - they want our help to hold Israel accountable for the War Crimes they commit. Please donate to and support the Free Gaza Movement. Stay informed! Tell everyone!

ISM volunteers and the Gaza Local Initiative during the olive harvest in Beit Hanoun, Gaza Strip (credit Donna Wallach)

Darlene and Donna Wallach are active members of the NorCal ISM Support Group, and the Free Gaza Movement. Both had visited occupied Palestine previously as ISM volunteers.