George Galloway, a far-left British parliamentarian from the anti-Zionist Respect Party, is the leader of a campaign called Viva Palestina that seeks to deliver aid to Gaza. In July 2009, Galloway led an American version of the convoy that delivered medical supplies to the Gaza Strip. Members of the convoy, including Neturei Karta representatives, also met with Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, who reportedly praised the activists for "opening the eyes of the world to the siege in the Strip."
The Viva Palestina US convoy included several high-profile members of the anti-Israel movement in the U.S. In addition to four Neturei Karta representatives, New York City Councilmember Charles Barron and former United States Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney participated in the convoy. Both Barron and McKinney have a long record of anti-Israel activity, including regularly attending anti-Israel protests held in the U.S.
The Viva Palestina US convoy was modeled on a European Viva Palestina convoy led by Galloway that visited Gaza in March 2009. The European convoy delivered cash and vehicles directly to representatives of Hamas, a United States-designated terrorist organization.
Between March and June, Galloway visited the U.S. on three occasions to speak out against Israel, promote the Viva Palestina convoy and inspire domestic anti-Israel groups and individuals to organize an American version of the convoy.
During his trips to the U.S., Galloway visited more than 25 U.S. cities and spoke at several college campuses. During his appearances, Galloway railed against Zionism and advocated for a one-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, accused Israel of committing acts of "terrorism" against Palestinians and regularly voiced support for Palestinian "resistance," legitimizing it as a response to Israel's "illegal and violent military occupation."
Several upcoming Viva Palestina convoys are now being organized around the world, including convoys from Venezuela, Beijing, Moscow and a second U.S. convoy in December 2009.
