Portland Activist's Boat to Gaza Hitting Rough Political Waters

By JAMES PITKIN

A boat trying to run Israel's blockade of Gaza with a Portland activist on board is hitting turbulent political weather as it prepares to set sail from Greece.

Portland activist Erin DeRamus is part of a flotilla of 10 ships trying to visit Gaza in solidarity with the Palestinian people. Last year, Israeli special forces killed nine civilians trying to break the blockade.

The all-American crew of DeRamus' ship, The Audacity of Hope, has sent out a series of news releases describing political drama unfolding since activists in the flotilla began gathering in Athens last week.

First came reports that Greek authorities were threatening to hold up the American boat based on an anonymous complaint that the vessel wasn't seaworthy.

Then came news from Jerusalem that an Israeli "lawfare" group had taken credit for lodging the complaint. The flotilla said it was confident the Greek government would let the Americans sail.

And today, the American activists refuted allegations that the flotilla intends to attack Israeli soldiers with chemical weapons. Here's the latest press release:

WWeek 2015

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.