KOMO News reported yesterday that Orcas Island resident David Schermerhorn, “was among the hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists who got caught in a deadly showdown with the Israeli commandos at high seas on Monday.
“At least nine people were killed when the Israelis dropped down from helicopters onto a ship [he Mavi Marmara] carrying some 700 activists and supplies to Gaza, prompting the deadly clash.
“Bloodied passengers sprawled on the deck and troops dived into the sea to save themselves during several hours of hand-to-hand fighting that injured dozens of activists and six soldiers. Hundreds of activists were towed from the international waters to Israeli detention centers and hospitals.
“Amid some 700 other activists aboard the Mavi Marmara was 80-year-old David Schermerhorn, who was taken to an Israeli jail after the scuffle, according to his daughter.
“We’re just devastated for the other families, and grateful that my father is alive. But our hearts go out to the other families that have suffered losses,” said Kate Schermerhorn.”
Schermerhorn made a previous trip to supply aid to Gaza Strip residents last year.
To read the full May 31, 2010 report, go to
komonews.com/news/local/95294359.html
