HERZLIYA, Israel — The Swedish mega-yacht, Elida, is approaching Israeli territorial waters after a marathon sail from Gothenburg to Herzliya Marina where it is due to arrive on October 11 at 4 pm.
It will be an impressive sight as the 131-foot length and its 148-foot mast height super-yacht enters the marina after being escorted to port by a fleet of Israeli yachts.
The Elida is Sweden’s pro-Israel answer to the iniquitous Gaza Flotillas. The voyage was organized and funded by a Swedish Christian group in support of Israel.
Aboard are senior and junior Swedish politicians, priests, journalists, and musicians. The crew is captained by Stefan Abrahamsson.
Israelis are organizing several key events for the Israel-supporters aboard the Elida.
As they enter Israeli territorial waters, the crew and passengers will rendezvous at sea with a flotilla of Israeli yachts who will escort the Elida into Herzliya.
There they will be met by Israeli and Swedish officials, members of the Israeli support team, and the media.
During their visit to Israel the Elida voyagers will be hosted at the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and will be guests of the Haifa Technion before enjoying an evening of festivities and music at Beit Scandinavia in Bat Galim where they will be greeted by the mayor of Haifa.
*
Shaw is a freelance writer based in Netanya, Israel. He may be contacted via barry.shaw@sdjewishworld.com