Israel on Shabbos decided to permit two protest boats to dock in Gaza after determining the vessels did not pose a threat. The two vessels endured stormy seas until docking in Gaza.

The two boats set sail from Cyprus on Friday, carrying 44 self-acclaimed peace activists, who wish to send a message to Israel to end the embargo on Gaza. One of the members of the group, Jeff Harper, an Israeli, was quoted as saying, �It is amazing. 1.5 million people are cut off from the world and they then get a message to the entire world because of our two boats.”

Harper told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) that they are working to end the embargo and the entire �occupation�. He added �We have not arrived empty handed. We brought 200 hearing aids for children who have lost their hearing as a result of Israeli bombing raids in Gaza.�

Harper went on to explain they plan to remain in Gaza for a number of days, engaged in humanitarian efforts.

Among the boat�s passengers, from 17 countries, was an 81-year-old family member of Quarter Mideast envoy Tony Blair. Heidi Epstein, an 84-year-old Holocaust survivor, Harper explained was planning to take part but health problems made her participation an impossibility.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)