Background: Funding for the “Women’s Boat to Gaza” Flotilla
On October 5, 2016, a group of activists under the banner of the “Freedom Flotilla Coalition” approached Gaza by boat in an attempt to break the blockade and instigate a confrontation with the Israeli Navy. The Coalition includes the following groups: Ship to Gaza-Sweden, Ship to Gaza-Norway, Canadian Boat to Gaza, Freedom Flotilla-Italy, Palestine Solidarity Alliance-South Africa, Rumbo a Gaza-Spain, International Committee to Break the Siege of Gaza, US Boat to Gaza, Kia Ora Gaza – New Zealand/Aotearoa, and Free Gaza Australia.
NGO Monitor research shows a variety of mechanisms for financing this flotilla:
1) The Women’s Boat to Gaza Generosity funding page – As of October 5, 2016, only $3,063 has been raised to purchase a second boat (following engine troubles). This is only 5% of the stated goal of $66,948 to be raised by September 23. This crowdfunding page was initiated by the Ship to https://womensboatgaza-
2) Women’s Boat to Gaza- US Campaign – Lists Nonviolence International as its “fiscal sponsor” and claims to have raised $27,700.76. Nonviolence International is a registered 501(c) (3) and is “closely affiliated” with the Holy Land Trust, Interfaith Peace-Builders, and others. Nonviolence International does not list donors or amounts, reflecting a lack of transparency and accountability.
3) Canadian Boat to Gaza – According to its website, “Online donations and donations mailed to Canada go through Turtle Island Humanitarian Aid, which is a Canadian-registered non-for-profit organization.” Turtle Island Humanitarian Aid is listed on the Quebec Registry of enterprises (File 1166779273), but it does not appear to have charitable status. In 2011, Turtle Island paired with Alternatives International, which would raise money for the Canadian Boat to Gaza campaign and then ” transfer the required amounts to Turtle Island Humanitarian Aid, a registered Canadian non-for-profit organization which will purchase the vessel and register it under Canadian law.” It is unknown if this arrangement continues.
4) Rumbo a Gaza – Spain Campaign – Donations are handled through the NGO Carrers del Món Drets Humans.
5) South Africa – Donations are managed through the Palestine Solidarity Alliance. PSA ran a funding page through LaunchGood, which raised $5,197 as of September 15, 2016.
