For immediate release: July 6th 2009

‘Freegaza21’ deportees to arrive at Heathrow 13.30 hours  Monday 6^th July’

Press conference: 16.00 (4 p.m.) at the Renaissance Hotel, Bath Rd. Heathrow TW6 2AQ (opposite the Marriot)

On Sunday 5^th July the six British crew and passengers of the Spirit of Humanity were moved to detention cells at Ben Gurion Airport, following a court hearing at which the orders for their deportation from Israel were made.  The captain of the Spirit, Denis Healey, and the other five British human rights activists, are  expected to be put on El Al flight LY315, from Tel Aviv, tomorrow, Monday 6^th July 2009, due to arrive at  Terminal One, Heathrow at 13.30 p.m.

Friends and family of the six are travelling to Heathrow airport to welcome them and to hear for the first time direct accounts of the forcible boarding by Israel of the Spirit of Humanity, which carried aid and reconstruction supplies, as it travelled from Cyprus towards the port of Gaza on June 30^th 2009.

Two of the British deportees, were on board the first Free Gaza boat which, in August 2008, became the first international boat to sail to Gaza in forty two years, since the Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip began. The Spirit’s captain also captained the Free Gaza boat the Dignity, which was rammed by Israeli warships during a previous attempt to reach Gaza in December 2008. The deportees also include documentary film maker Ishmahil Blagrove, Director of the film Blood Diamonds. Ishmahil was travelling to Gaza to film the lives of the Palestinian people under siege. Theresa Macdermott, Alex Harrison and Aide Mormesh all planned to remain in Gaza to undertake human rights monitoring and to report on the impact of the continuing blockade.

Press conference: 16.00 (4 p.m.) at the Renaissance Hotel, Bath Rd. Heathrow TW6 2AQ (opposite the Marriot)

www.freegaza.org

Hilary Smith (UK) 07818040982

Greta Berlin (English) tel: +357 99 28 41 02/ friends

Ramzi Kysia (English)Tel: + 357 99 08 17 67 rrkysia

Caoimhe Butterly (Arabic/English/Spanish):tel: +357 99 80 96 37 / sahara78

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Date: Mon, 6 Jul 2009 05:12:15 +0100
Subject: Re: London Monday etc
From: eliza.ernshire
To: hilarysmith23
CC: claymanassoc

Thats great news about the palestine gallery.

If we confirm the gallery then that will be a big step.

I am going to the airport. I have a car that can fit 4 in, I think we hire a taxi for the rest, (FGM will pay) I have also arranged to pay for hotel/ticket for Denis and whoever turns up wrongly in Heathrow.

But best to wait until they arrive before doing this so we can see numbers etc.

Will call you a bit later in case you don’t see this email!
Eliza