10.06.11 Scott Hamann in Portland, Maine
Maine filmmaker Scott Hamann recounts Israel's attack against humanitarian aid trip to Gaza at the Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Parish Hall in Portland, Maine.
Appearing in his home state, Scott Hamann spoke about his personal experience on Challenger 1 (under American flag), part of the Freedom Flotilla that was illegally attacked in international waters on the morning of May 31st by the Israeli navy. The Freedom Flotilla carried over 10,000 tons of humanitarian relief aid for Gaza, with the goal of breaking through the blockade imposed on Gaza by the Israeli government under “collective punishment”, an action illegal under international law. Israel used deadly force on the Mavi Marmara (under Turkish flag), which carried hundreds of people from various countries. Nine passengers were murdered, some shot at close range in the head, and at least 3 reporters were apparently targeted for taking photos of the attack.
Hamann told an audience of 100 Maine peace and justice activists that he accompanied the Freedom Flotilla as a videographer/photographer. Before his Israelis captors seized his cameras, Hamann concealed the S card on his body and was able to successfully return with his photos.
Not everyone in the audience was a peace and justice advocate, there was a zionist plant. The man interrupted Hamann at about the 22 minute mark of his talk. The zionist plant questioned whether or not it was true that unarmed Freedom Flotilla volunteers attacked armed Israeli commandos. Anyone who has ever publicly spoken out against the Israeli treatment of Palestinians has faced this type of treatment. It’s part of the “exceptionalism of Israel”.
Hamann spoke about two Irish friends who were severely beaten after requesting an attorney during their incarceration by the Israelis. Hamann noted that one of the Irishmen had his passport taken by the Israelis. Hamann also spoke of the illegality of Israel's actions, his detainment in Be'er Sheva Prison (where he was denied a phone call, a lawyer and contact with US officials) and about the vicious brutality of the Israeli police and navy that he witnessed firsthand.
Sponsored by The Kennebunks Peace Department, Peace Action Maine, Maine Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine, Portland Pax Christi and Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Social Justice and Peace Commission.
Read MoreAppearing in his home state, Scott Hamann spoke about his personal experience on Challenger 1 (under American flag), part of the Freedom Flotilla that was illegally attacked in international waters on the morning of May 31st by the Israeli navy. The Freedom Flotilla carried over 10,000 tons of humanitarian relief aid for Gaza, with the goal of breaking through the blockade imposed on Gaza by the Israeli government under “collective punishment”, an action illegal under international law. Israel used deadly force on the Mavi Marmara (under Turkish flag), which carried hundreds of people from various countries. Nine passengers were murdered, some shot at close range in the head, and at least 3 reporters were apparently targeted for taking photos of the attack.
Hamann told an audience of 100 Maine peace and justice activists that he accompanied the Freedom Flotilla as a videographer/photographer. Before his Israelis captors seized his cameras, Hamann concealed the S card on his body and was able to successfully return with his photos.
Not everyone in the audience was a peace and justice advocate, there was a zionist plant. The man interrupted Hamann at about the 22 minute mark of his talk. The zionist plant questioned whether or not it was true that unarmed Freedom Flotilla volunteers attacked armed Israeli commandos. Anyone who has ever publicly spoken out against the Israeli treatment of Palestinians has faced this type of treatment. It’s part of the “exceptionalism of Israel”.
Hamann spoke about two Irish friends who were severely beaten after requesting an attorney during their incarceration by the Israelis. Hamann noted that one of the Irishmen had his passport taken by the Israelis. Hamann also spoke of the illegality of Israel's actions, his detainment in Be'er Sheva Prison (where he was denied a phone call, a lawyer and contact with US officials) and about the vicious brutality of the Israeli police and navy that he witnessed firsthand.
Sponsored by The Kennebunks Peace Department, Peace Action Maine, Maine Peace and Justice in Israel/Palestine, Portland Pax Christi and Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Social Justice and Peace Commission.
