This could be history; a first in the United States; joining actions in many countries.
This is history; over 500 turned out this morning.
Round 2: Shift starts at 6pm pst; mobilizing 4:30 pm West Oakland BART
Indybay Links to video, pictures etc
Just left the Oakland Docks where 300 people are blocking the entrances to two gates into the berth where the Israeli Zim cargo ship is to be unloaded. The action started this morning at 5:30am PST. The longshore workers are scheduled to start their shift at 7:00 and 8:00 am this morning.
When the workers find the way blocked with a labor-community picket they will meet and vote as to whether to cross that picket line. As I left the West Oakland BART station people were continuning to slowly stream in and shuttles were taking people to the picket line. BART will start operating at 8 am.
A live webcast is planned; if it is available it will be seen hereIsraeli Zim Ship Lines Protest Live Video Stream
Indybay Links to video, pictures etc
Update 1 - Now 500 people blocking 3 gates.
Update 2 - Longshoreworkers meeting with arbitrator
Update 3 - Longshore workers going home for the 1st shift.
Comment: The alliance of organizations was much bigger than ANSWER. It included many Palestinian families (what a wonderful Dad's day gift) the Middle East Childrens Alliance, many unions e.g. teachers, various Bay Area left groups, Jewish Voice for Peace, Veterans for Peace, Code Pink etc.. Some oosters have accused ANSWER of anti-semitism or being anti-Jewish; this was not evident this morning. The messaging was focused and monitored; it focused on Israeli policies. There was no anti-semitism or anti-Jewish signs or symbols.
The Middle East Children's Alliance
urges you as strongly as we possibly can to get up and out
early Sunday morning to join the:
Labor and Community Picket
of Israeli Zim Lines Ship
Sunday, June 20, 5:30 in the morning
Port of Oakland, Berth 57, Middle Harbor Road
We will gather at West Oakland BART MAP at 5AM in the parking lot to caravan and carpool to the site. The area may be blocked off to cars so we may have to walk to the berth area, about one mile. MAP
BART does not run at that time on Sundays so arrange another way to get there: car, bus, bike, etc.
Bring food, water, sunblock and hat.
More information below.
Unions, labor federations and other organizations around the world have condemned Israel's deadly attack against the Gaza Freedom Flotilla on May 31. Nine people were killed and dozens seriously injured in the Israeli commando attack in international waters on ships attempting to bring humanitarian cargo to the suffering and blockaded people of Gaza. Six people aboard the ships are still missing and presumed dead.
The Israeli attack on the Gaza Freedom Flotilla was a blatant act of piracy on the high seas. No Israeli ship should be allowed to carry on trading activity anywhere in the world without facing picket lines, protests and embargo. Dock workers in several countries including South Africa, Norway, Sweden and Malaysia have declared that they will refuse to handle Israeli cargo in the coming weeks.
We call on everyone who stands for justice and against occupation and apartheid to join the June 20 picket at the Port of Oakland. This is a moment of great opportunity. In San Francisco in 1984, a picket line and refusal to unload cargo of a ship carrying South African cargo was a key event in mobilizing the anti-apartheid movement worldwide.
Sponsored by: Labor / Community Committee in Solidarity with the People of Palestine, Arab American Union Members Council, ANSWER (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism), Palestine Youth Network, US Palestine Community Network, Al Awda- Right to Return Coalition, Arab Youth Organization, MECA-Middle East Children's Alliance, Students for Justice in Palestine, Arab Resource and Organizing Center, International Solidarity Movement, San Jose Peace and Justice Center, International Socialist Organization, Peace and Freedom Party - SF, Transport Workers Solidarity Committee and many labor activists in the Bay Area activists in the Bay Area.
(list in formation - to endorse email: ekishawi@yahoo. com)
For more information: www.transportworker s.org
For logistical information not covered in this email call: 415 8216545
Legal hotline for the picket: 415-285-1011
For carpooling for Sunday's action, please contact:
Chris Banks Email: christopher. cubillos@ gmail.com Phone: 510-282-7032
