Vietnam era Air Force veteran, Larry Orr, of Veterans for Peace Madison speaks of his friend who was murdered in the Israeli attack on the #USSLiberty

From June 5th to June 10th, 1967, the Israeli government seized the remaining Palestinian territories of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza Strip, Syrian Golan Heights and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula, marking the completion of the occupation of historical Palestine – this is known as the Naksa (or the #SixDayWar).

On June 8th, 1967, Israel launched an unprovoked attack on the USS Liberty, which was carrying videos of Israeli war crimes against Palestinians. Though Israel claimed the attack was a case of mistaken identity, there is significant evidence suggesting otherwise. In addition to the very visible markings of an American ship, including a large American flag flying above the ship, Israel identified – at least seven times, according to audio recordings – that the ship belonged to the U.S. Navy.

The U.S., however, did not seek justice for the 34 murdered and 173 injured Americans. Instead, U.S. government officials lied, suppressed information in defense of Israel, and even threatened to imprison survivors, should they speak out.

It has been 55 years since the attack, and justice has never been served. Palestinians who are constantly murdered indiscriminately by the Israeli government and military have also never seen justice. Israel must be held accountable for ALL of its crimes – against Palestinians, against Americans, and against its Arab neighbors; just as everyone needs to be held accountable for their actions.

#NoJusticeNoPeace