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Portrait of Ann Wright

Ann Wright

Retired U.S. Army colonel, former diplomat, and Gaza solidarity activist

Friend of PalestineNot Palestinian, and stood with Palestine
Born
1947
Born in
Bentonville, Arkansas, United States
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Why Ann is here

Ann Wright is a former U.S. Army Colonel and diplomat who has become a prominent peace activist, particularly known for her efforts to challenge the Israeli blockade of Gaza through her participation in multiple flotilla missions.

Their story

Ann Wright is an American peace activist, retired U.S. Army Colonel, and former diplomat who resigned from the U.S. State Department in 2003 in opposition to the Iraq War. Since then, she has become a leading figure in the global peace movement, particularly in relation to Palestinian rights. Wright has been actively involved in efforts to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza, participating in several humanitarian flotillas, including the Gaza Freedom Flotilla in 2010 and the Women's Boat to Gaza in 2016. Her activism has often put her in direct confrontation with Israeli authorities, underscoring her commitment to advocating for Palestinian human rights.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Ann’s path.

  1. 2003

    Resigned from the U.S. State Department in protest against the Iraq War, marking the beginning of her career as a peace activist.

  2. 2008

    Co-authored Dissent: Voices of Conscience, a book detailing the experiences of government insiders who spoke out against the Iraq War.

  3. 2010

    Participated in the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, where she witnessed the deadly Israeli raid on the Mavi Marmara and was detained by Israeli forces.

  4. 2016

    Joined the Women's Boat to Gaza, an all-women's flotilla aimed at challenging the Israeli naval blockade, where she was again detained by Israeli authorities.

  5. 2023

    Arrested for protesting the U.S. government's military aid to Israel during the ongoing attacks on Gaza, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to Palestinian rights.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Gaza Freedom Flotilla Participation

    Wright played a key role in multiple flotilla missions aimed at breaking the Israeli blockade of Gaza, bringing international attention to the humanitarian crisis in the region.

  2. Advocacy for Palestinian Rights

    Through her work with organizations like CODEPINK and Veterans For Peace, Wright has consistently advocated for the end of the Israeli occupation of Palestine and highlighted the plight of Palestinians under siege.

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  3. Public Speaking and Writing

    Wright has used her platform to educate global audiences about the realities of the Israeli occupation and the impact of U.S. foreign policy on Palestine, often drawing connections between her military experience and her peace activism Promotion of Nonviolent Resistance: Wright’s activism emphasizes nonviolent direct action, inspiring others to engage in peaceful resistance against injustice in Palestine and beyond.

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  4. Educational Outreach

    Through lectures, publications, and participation in international peace missions, Wright has contributed to the global discourse on human rights, particularly in the context of Gaza, encouraging a greater understanding of the Palestinian struggle.

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Watch & listen

Ann in interviews, talks and coverage.

  • 01Advocacy for Palestinian Rights↗

  • 02Public Speaking and Writing↗

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