The first members of the Flotilla who were kidnapped by Israel and are now returning to their home countries have reported humiliation, torture, and deprivation of food, water, and sleep.

They have experienced only a fraction of what the more than 10,000 Palestinian prisoners endure daily in Israeli jails.

Of the more than 500 international participants abducted, half remain imprisoned by a state that acts outside all international law, sustained and tolerated by the complicity of most governments around the world — including Canada.

We are millions across the globe — ourselves among them — ready to once again embark on new Freedom Flotillas, and ready as well to disrupt normal life in our own countries.

Not only for these deeply human and necessary missions, but to confront a genocidal state built artificially upon the suffering of millions of Palestinians, both in historic Palestine and in exile.

From Palestine Vivra, we call on everyone to stay in the streets, to intensify the pressure through stronger acts of protest, to hit the war economy, as our comrades of Palestine Action do in the United Kingdom.

Let there be not a single street, not a single day, without Palestine being spoken of — until Mark Carney’s government declares a total arms embargo and imposes sanctions on Israel.

We also urge all those with real mobilizing power to take inspiration from what is happening in Italy, where trade unions have led massive blockades of ports, train stations, and roads without asking permission; or from the Netherlands and Spain, where the popular pressure for Palestine has weakened governments and brought millions of students and workers into the streets.

Muslims, Christians, Jews, atheists — in short, the best of humanity — united against an unacceptable genocide that will define what the world will or will not allow future perpetrators to commit.

Today, we want to honour six exceptional Canadian women who are currently sailing toward Gaza:

Devoney Ellis, activist and organizer, St. John’s (Newfoundland).

Mskwaasin Agnew, healthcare worker, Cree/Dene from the Salt River First Nation (N.W.T.), based in Toronto.

Sadie Mees, Master’s student and women’s centre worker, St. John’s (Newfoundland).

Nikita Stapleton, teacher, search and rescue volunteer, and activist, St. John’s (Newfoundland and Labrador).

Nima Machouf, epidemiologist and political activist, Montreal (Quebec).

Khurram Musti Khan, activist, Toronto – Friends of Palestine.

They are sailing aboard the ship Conscience, which, starting tomorrow, could be attacked at any moment by the Israeli occupation army in Mediterranean waters.

Six women who embody the certainty that humanity will endure against the war-driven madness of colonial states.

Thank you for your courage.