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The Audacity of the Gaza Flotilla's Despair
June 30, 2011: We have been hard at work, round the clock, with our legal campaign to obstruct the Islamic militants and anti-Israel activist who are intent on trying to breach Israel's maritime blockade of the Hamas controlled Gaza Strip. Reports are reaching us from all over that most of the ships have had to back out of the Flotilla because of the "bureaucratic difficulties" they are encountering, mainly lack of insurance. The organizers of the Flotilla held a press conference recently in Athens and moaned that Shurat HaDin had unfairly filed complaints with the Greek authorities and Coastal Police against their boats. Lawfare, apparently isn't as much fun when its aimed back at the Israel haters.We continue our struggle against the Flotilla in two additional ways:
1. A lawsuit against Inmarsat
This week, Shurat HaDin brought a civil action against the UK and US based global satellite company Inmarsat, alleging that it was providing communication services to ships used by suspected terror organizations in the Gaza flotilla. The lawsuit was filed in Florida State Court in Miami-Dade County. The plaintiff in the suit, Michelle Fendel, a resident of the Southern Israeli town of Sderot, asserts in her complaint that under U.S. law, Inmarsat and its officers have aided and abetted terrorism by providing satellite services to the Gaza-bound ships. The complaint alleges that Inmarsat is one of the largest satellite telecommunications companies in the world and the main provider of maritime communication services. The Flotilla ships rely upon Inmarsat’s network to communicate with ports, naval authorities and other vessels and cannot sail without it. Andrew J. Sukawaty, Inmarsat's CEO. was also named as a defendant in the case.
The complaint is asking the Miami Court to formally declare that Inmarsat's provision of satellite communication services to the Flotilla Ships constitutes a violation of American criminal statutes and endangers the life of the Sderot residents. In addition, the court papers have moved the Court to grant a permanent injunction against Inmarsat which would require the company to immediately and permanently cease the provision of any services to any of Flotilla Ships.
For a copy of the Fendel v. Inmarsat Complaint click here.
For a Jerusalem Post news article about the Inmarsat case click here.
2. A letter from Governor Rick Perry
In addition, we have been working with the good offices of Texas Governor Rick Perry to take legal action against the Flotilla organizers who engaged in numerous violations of US law. Governor Perry is a steadfast supporter of the Jewish State and I have had the privilege of meeting with him in Israel and Texas. When the Governor learned of all the criminal activity being perpetrated in the US against America's closest Middle Eastern ally, without any investigation or prosecutions being undertaken by the Justice Department, he wanted to assist any way he could. With the information we provided to Governor Perry he quickly drafted a letter to Attorney General Holder demanding that he investigate and aggressively pursue the organizers of the Flotilla. He also asked that the Inmarsat company be investigated for providing satellite services to the ships. The letter is receiving widespread international attention.
For a copy of Governor Rick Perry's letter to Attorney General Holder click here.
For Melanie Phillip's blog on Shurat HaDin's efforts click here.
Now is the time to support Shurat HaDin for the international legal battle we are waging against Israel's enemies. Please help us with your contributions.
And Join With Us on The November 2011 Ultimate Mission.
