After a marathon sail from Gothenburg to Herzliya Marina, the Swedish ocean-going yacht Elida arrived in Israel on Oct. 11.
KNI previously reported on the remarkable initiative to support Israel as the Elida was setting out from its home port in Sweden in late August. The 131-foot yacht with its 148-foot-tall mast made an impressive site as it entered the marina after being welcomed and accompanied to port by a fleet of Israeli yachts.
The Elida is Sweden’s pro-Israel answer to the notorious Gaza flotillas. The voyage was organized and funded by a Swedish Christian group that supports Israel. Senior and junior Swedish politicians, priests, journalists and musicians were on board the ship. The crew are captained by Stefan Abrahamsson.
The Elida’s crew are organizing several events for the Israel-supporters aboard the vessel.
As they entered Israeli territorial waters, the crew and passengers rendezvoused at sea with a flotilla of Israeli yachts that escorted the Elida into Herzliya. There they were met by Israeli and Swedish officials, members of the Israeli support team and the media.
The Swedish parliamentarians have returned to Sweden due to the fluid parliamentary situation there following recent elections.
During their visit to Israel, the Elida voyagers will be hosted at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They will also be guests of the Technion university in Haifa before enjoying an evening of festivities and music at Beit Scandinavia in Bat Galim where they will be greeted by the mayor of Haifa.