Sailing in Nahariya
Photo: Hagai Einav
As the Israel Defense Forces was preparing to take over
the Gaza-bound Rachel Corrie vessel, three sails were held in northern Israel
on Saturday morning in support of the army and Navy soldiers.
One of the event's organizers, Itai Gafni of Shlomi, told Ynet: "We have a clear goal – to show the Turks that we are strong and united as a people and country and will never let any foreign element contest our sovereignty.
Some 30 vessels, including boats and kayaks, left the Putsker diving club in Nahariya at around 8:30 am towards the "Island of Love" off the city's northern beaches.
Message from Lebanon
In speech broadcast to thousands in Beirut, Hezbollah leader says more ships should be sent to Strip in bid to break blockade
"Before the world becomes 'humanitarian,' it should know that there is a Jew who is in real need of a humanitarian gesture, and that's captive soldier Gilad Shalit. Israel will not be the world's punching bag and we support the IDF and the country's leaders," said Gafni.
He noted that the event was organized very fast and that the participants came from all part of the north following emails, telephone calls and publications on different forums.
Nahariya sail. 'Strong and unified' (Photo: Hagai Einav)
The 2010 Akko Walls sail, which was launched at 11 am, was also devoted to Shalit and to the IDF following the recent events. The event was held for the sixth time in memory of Shlomo Zecharia, a member of the Akko diving club, who was killed in 1967 in the sinking of the "Hashlosha" ship in the Mediterranean Sea along with 19 other crewmembers who are still defined as missing.
Akko mayor Shimon Lankry said the event combined support for the IDF alongside a promotion of water sports on the national and international level.
A third sail, organized by the Kiryat Bialik Municipality, began at the Kishon Port at around 11:30 am. Dozens of boats sailed northwards along the shores of Kiryat Haim and Kiryat Yam, carrying flags of Israel.