We demand safe return of all the Global Sumud Flotilla activists.

To Whom It May Concern:

Staten Island-based musician, teacher and activist Leila Hegazy is participating in the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led maritime mission carrying critical humanitarian aid to Gaza. The flotilla’s mission comes amid severe catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where international organizations, including the UN, have declared widespread famine and medical collapse under the ongoing blockade. 

The flotilla is no small effort. It is made up of more than 50 vessels from 44 countries, carrying over 1,000 civilians of conscience -  teachers, veterans, faith leaders, labor organizers, and artists - who refuse to stand by while Gaza is starved. This is not a government project. It is a movement of people, because governments have chosen complicity, silence, or service to “special interests” over human rights.

The flotilla originally launched on August 31, 2025, paused for weather and mechanical issues, and is now pressing forward. Previous missions, including the Madleen and the Handala were intercepted. These obstructions directly breach international law, including the Rome Statute, the Geneva Conventions, and the Genocide Convention. Specifically, the Fourth Geneva Convention (Articles 23, 55, and 56) imposes an obligation to permit the free passage of humanitarian aid and prohibits interference with relief operations.

Escalating Attacks

The threat is not theoretical. On September 25, 2025, activists reported that flotilla ships were attacked by suspected Israeli drones off the coast of Tunis. At least 15 drones were seen overhead; 13 explosions rattled the ships; communications were disrupted; and crews feared chemical deployment or further sabotage. Onboard the Alma, volunteers rushed from their bunks in the middle of the night, strapping on life vests under the eerie orange sky as drones circled. According to eyewitnesses, “shadowy objects” dropped overhead and loud blasts shook the vessel.

This was not a warning. It was an escalation and the flotilla is under live threat.

Meanwhile, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to brand flotilla participants as “terrorists,” to forcibly block the delivery of aid. He has also stated intentions to hold activists in prisons and deny “privileges” such as television, radio, and specialized food.

After a brief stop in Greece to address mechanical issues, the Flotilla went back on course. It was estimated to reach Gaza September 29-October 1, 2025. But the activists onboard are clear: they ask us to keep our eyes on Gaza, to follow their journey (www.globalsumudflotilla.org), and to amplify their voices so their mission cannot be ignored or silenced at sea.

As of this writing, the Flotilla was illegally harassed, intercepted on international waters and most, if not all, of the activists were unlawfully kidnapped. This mission has become a global flashpoint. Activists are being detained unlawfully in an Israeli detention center with no word on their condition and no legal representation.

Staten Island Cannot Be Silent

The danger to Leila Hegazy is personal for Staten Island. Just six weeks ago, Chris Smalls, a Staten Islander and prominent labor leader, was beaten and detained during a previous flotilla attempt. He was among the last to be released, while the United States stood alone in failing to intervene or send delegates on his behalf. His mistreatment went without consequence, paving the way for further abuses.

Now another Staten Islander is in peril. And the cost of silence is measured in human lives.

Our Demands

We call on Staten Island elected officials, including:

• Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis

• State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton

• Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo

• Assemblyman Charles Fall - Thank you for your support! See the Letter here

• Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella

• Councilmember Kamillah Hanks

• Councilmember David Carr

to publicly demand:

• International protection for Staten Island and New York participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla,

• Safe passage and safe return for all flotilla vessels and activists,

• Immediate U.S. intervention if as Americans are detained, harmed, or criminalized,

• Rejection of false “terrorist” designations against humanitarian activists.

The Role of Media

Finally, we call on Staten Island and New York media outlets including the Staten Island Advance to cover the Global Sumud Flotilla fairly, urgently, and extensively. The public has a right to know that their neighbors are risking everything to deliver food and medicine where governments have failed.

This is not politics. This is survival. Staten Islanders must not allow our own to be brutalized, starved, or silenced. The time to act is now before Leila and her fellow civilians pay the ultimate price.