Report from Dublin Solidarity Vigil at Israel Embassy

international | rights, freedoms and repression | news report Friday April 23, 2004 13:06 by ciaron - Dublin Catholic Worker & Pitstop Ploughshares 0879184552

In 1986, former nuclear technician, Mordachai Vanunu, released photographs to the Sunday Times revealing that Israil had long produced and possessed nuclear weapons. Vanunu was then targeted by Mossad and lured to Rome. In Rome he was kidnapped by Mossad, drugged and put on a freighter to Israel. He has spent the last 18 years in Ashelon Prison (the first 11 years in solitary confinement). In that time he has become an international symbol of nonviolent resistance to nuclear weapons.

A vigil at the Israeli Embassy on Pembroke Rd. Dublin 4 began on the eve of Mordechai
Vanunu's release.

The first couple of hours were in torrential rain. Adam from (Grassroots Network Against the War) and Ciaron & Damien (Dublin Catholic Worker) stayed throughout the night. They were joined through the evening by Martin & Ronan of the Spiritans, Tom (Palestinian Solidarity Commitee), a car load of Special Branch and a Garda who provided hot water for tea.

/> In the morning Treena (DCW), Dominic (a trade unionist activist), Colm, Patrick (Irish Boy Scouts) joined the vigil. The vigil concluded with a circle and an attempt to personally deliver a letter to the Ambassador. The Ambassador refused to accept it. We then conducted a peace walk to the Dail.

The location of the Embassy provided excellent exposure for passing traffic, with lots of supportive honks. A banner with a quote from Vanunu's poem "I am Your Spy" was hung opposite the embassy and leaflets distributed throughout. the vigil. Posters included "Free Vanunu: Disarm Israel's Nuclear Weapons", "Free Vanunu Without Restrictions on His Liberty!", "18 Years - How Long Will they Jail Our Prophets? While We Stand Aside and Look?"

The solidarity vigil was one of many at Israeli Embassies throughout the world. Justin Morhan had travelled from Dublin to join approx 100 other international peace activists outside the Ashelon Prison where Mordachai has spent the last 17 1/2 years (11 in solitary confinement). Justin was spotted on Sky News outside the Prison holding a Failtè poster welcoming Vanunu's release

The courage exhibited in the nature of Mordachai's exit from prison is an inspiration to all struggling for peace and justice. As he left he broke the restrictions on his liberty and challenged Isarel's contiued possession and production of nuclear weapons. 18 white doves were released by supporters and death threats rang out from counter-protesters rang out.

He faces a tough time ahead. Let's travel with him!

Related Link: http://www.freevanunu.com