The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

Israeli government circulates Gaza peace convoy spoof

Press office apologises after sending out video of the “Flotilla Choir”, waving weapons to the tune

By Samira Shackle Published 07 June 2010 12:03

This YouTube spoof video hit the headlines yesterday after the Israeli government circulated it to foreign journalists. Within hours, the press office emailed them to apologise, saying that it was an error. It wasn't a very enthusastic apology, though -- the press office director Danny Seaman said that he thought the clip was "fantastic", though it did not reflect state opinion.

Given the international outrage at the attack on the flotilla, which left nine people dead, it probably wasn't the smartest move for the government (the government!) to send out the video. It shows a group of Israelis, dressed up as Palestinians and activists, waving weapons around as they sing: "We con the world,/We con the people,/We'll make them all believe the IDF/Is Jack the Ripper", occasionally (off-puttingly) in exaggerated Arab accents. As the icing on the cake, it's intercut with clips from the raid on the Mavi Marmara.

A personal low point is when they sing: "Pretending day by day,/That in Gaza there's crisis, hunger and pain,/'Cos their billion bucks in aid/Won't buy their basic needs,/Like some cheese, and missiles for the kids . . ."

I'm inclined to agree with the Israeli blogger Didi Remez, who said: "It shows a complete lack of understanding of how the incident is being perceived abroad."

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Tags: Israel

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6 comments

Tue, 2010-06-08 07:19 — jpat34721 (not verified)

Who the hell cares how "the incident is being perceived abroad"? Israel exists today only because it has steadfastly operated in its own best interest regardless of how the pukes at the UN react. Keep on keeping on, the US is behind you 100% even if the Arab-in-chief isn't.

Wed, 2010-06-09 23:01 — Mike from the U.S.A. TEXAS (not verified)

Luv the video!! there are a LOT of Americans that stand behind you!!!
I'm not jewish, I'm Christian. But let us all Rise and Rise again until Lambs become Lions !!!

Wed, 2010-06-09 01:21 — Seano (not verified)

US is behind you 100%. We also exist because of the subjugation of a native people. And who gives a damn about them anymore? Am I right?

Wed, 2010-06-09 02:02 — Michael Ch D Rabicano (not verified)

The victims of this adventure are truly a tragedy. The causes and consequences of this military com-mando must be investigated impartially with international participation. This Action is for Israel an absolute public relations disaster. In this respect, the attempt of the flotilla to break the blockade of Gaza was a success.
On the other hand, it is a great hypocrisy, to compare the participants of the flotilla with the former "Make Love No War" movement. Also they were and are no Cup scouts. They have wanted to pro-voke and miscalculated.
There are many good reasons to disagree with policy Israel toward Gaza. There is much talk of viola-tions of Israel. The facts and the law is this: Between Israel and Hamas, which has taken control of the Gaza Strip, there is an armed conflict. Currently, there is a naval blockade off the coast of the Gaza Strip. This fact has been properly publicised taking into account the requirements of interna-tional law. Therefore, the consequences may be attributed to the organiser of the flotilla or the person responsible, respectively.