Nobel Women's Initiative

Human rights groups critical of the Israeli government are under threat from a series of anti-democratic bills sweeping the Knesset. The latest anti-democratic legislation - submitted to the Knesset last Wednesday by over forty lawyers - aims to explicitly entrench the status of Israel as a 'Jewish state.’

A controversial new law passed on Monday despite concerted efforts by human rights and pro-peace groups to block it. The ‘Anti- Boycott’ law prohibits the boycott of businesses, universities, social and cultural institutions based in Israel and the illegal settlements.  

Israeli authorities detained 118 pro-Palestinian activists as they attempted to enter Israel on Friday, intending to go to the West Bank. A group of 36 was deported back to Europe Sunday, with the rest expected to be returned in the coming days.

The activists - all part of what is now being dubbed a "flytilla" -  were hoping to deliver their pro-Palestine message to Israel. They stand in solidarity with those attempting to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza as part of the Freedom Flotilla II.

Greece has banned all boats participating in Freedom Flotilla II from leaving port because of the security concerns posed by potential Israeli retaliation.

Security forces stopped a boat trying to leave the southern island of Crete on Monday, and another carrying American activists trying to leave a port near Piraeus on Friday.

The French boat, Dignity/Karama, left the port of I'ile Rousse in Corsica, France on Saturday, becoming the first of ten Freedom Flotilla II boats to sail. In the coming days two cargo ships and seven other passenger boats will leave from various locations at undisclosed times, to meet Dignity and sail on to Gaza.

A propeller shaft was found broken on a ship that was scheduled to depart from Greece Monday. This was believed to be a deliberate attempt at sabbotage following threats from Israel to stop the safe passage of the flotilla, which will be delivering humanitarian supplies and carrying civilians from over 40 countries who intend to challenge Israel's blockade against Gaza.

Four women Nobel Peace Laureates have sent an open letter calling on United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to support the safe passage of the Freedom Flotilla II. The flotilla will be bringing much-needed humanitarian supplies to the people of Gaza in late June.

Mairead Maguire, Jody Williams, Shirin Ebadi, and Rigoberta Menchú Tum have asked the Secretary General to "support the people of Gaza with two key actions.  First, by appointing a representative to inspect and seal the cargo of the boats of the Freedom Flotilla II—thus assuring the Israeli government that the boats are carrying humanitarian supplies..." and to "call on all governments to support the safe passage of the Freedom Flotilla II."

Download the open letter here or read the full text below.

The Knesset approved a law on Monday which places sanctions on individuals and companies involved in boycotts against the state of Israel.

Inna Michaeli, from Coalition of Women for Peace, says, "Women are at the front of the struggle for peace and justice. Political persecution of peace and human rights organizations further excludes us from the political sphere and undermines our right for civil and political participation." 

Mairead Maguire delivered a message from Berlin today on the occasion of the awarding of the Karl von Ossietzky Medal to Israeli anti-nuclear activist Mordechai Vanunu. Israeli officials have denied Vanunu the right to leave Israel to accept his award in Berlin.

Vanunu is a former Israeli nuclear technician who was imprisoned for 18 years after revealing details of Israel's nuclear weapons program in 1986. He was chosen by the International League for Human Rights as the 2010 recipient of the prestigious prize.

The six Nobel Peace Laureates of the Nobel Women's Initiative have sent an open letter to President Peres and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel demanding the total and unconditional release of Mordechai Vanunu and lifting of all restrictions placed on his freedom of movement.

Vanunu is a former Israeli nuclear technician who was imprisoned for 18 years after revealing details of Israel's nuclear weapons program in 1986.

Nobel Laureate Mairead Maguire has embarked on a fast as part of the Jewish Fast for Gaza. The Jewish Fast for Gaza is a group of Jews, rabbis and supporters who have undertaken a monthly day-long fast to draw attention to the conditions of the Palestinian citizens in Gaza and to show solidarity for their suffering. 

The Jewish Fast for Gaza is urging Israel to lift the blockade that is currently preventing humanitarian and developmental aid, goods, and services from entering Gaza. They also hope to encourage a dialogue between Israel, the U.S., the international community and Palestinians – and implore the U.S. government to facilitate a peaceful settlement between Israel and Palestine.