First, the good news: the Spirit of Humanity, one of the two Free Gaza ships that was previously being held up in port in Cyprus, departed this morning and is currently about halfway to Gaza. The ship is carrying three tons of medical aid, children's toys, and emergency rehabilitation kits for twenty families (of course, a tiny fraction of those who need them.)
But of course, it wouldn't be Gaza if it weren't a bittersweet departure. The second boat, the Free Gaza, was not allowed to sail. And since the Spirit of Humanity was only certified to carry 21 passengers and crew, eight people had to stay behind. Also, to my understanding, the 15 tons of cement were not allowed in (although I think one symbolic bag may be on its lonely way now.) And of course, for those who are now at sea, there is no guarantee of a safe arrival.
I can't imagine the process for choosing the eight people who had to stay behind, or what it would feel like to be turned away after coming this far and facing down some serious intimidation from Israel, or what it would feel like to get on that boat knowing that your going meant someone else could not--even if there were perfectly rational, justified reasons why you were a logical choice to be included in the lucky 21. But of course, these are the same impossible situations that Palestinians face at the Rafah border and others every day.
A video of the Spirit's departure, which is a victory but certainly does not feel particularly joyous, can be seen here.
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