Gallipoli, Italy — On Sunday 20 July nineteen international human rights defenders and two journalists set sail on the Freedom Flotilla Coalition’s boat Handala in a bold mission to challenge Israel’s illegal and inhumane blockade of the Palestinian people in Gaza. This diverse crew of activists, scholars, workers, artists, members of parliament, elected officials, and journalists are from 12 countries. They carry the dreams of millions of people across the world and bring with them a powerful message of international solidarity – that we will break Israel’s illegal siege of Gaza.

The Handala, now at sea, carries life-saving humanitarian aid and a direct political message: the blockade must end.

Human Rights Defenders on Board:

• Christian Smalls (United States) – Founder of the Amazon Labor Union
• Huwaida Arraf (Palestine/United States) – Human rights attorney, Freedom Flotilla Coalition steering committee member
• Emma Fourreau (France/Sweden) – Member of the European Parliament and human rights activist
• Gabrielle Cathala (France) – Parliamentarian and former humanitarian worker
• Dr. Frank Romano (France/United States) – International lawyer and actor
• Robert Martin (Australia) – Human rights activist
• Jacob Berger (United States) – Jewish-American activist and content creator
• Bob Suberi (United States) – Jewish U.S. war veteran
• Antonio Mazzeo (Italy) – Teacher, peace researcher, and journalist
• Santiago González Vallejo (Spain) – Economist and human rights activist
• Sergio Toribio (Spain) – Engineer and environmental activist
• Justine Kempf (France) – Nurse with Médecins du Monde
• Ange Sahuquet (France) – Engineer and human rights activist
• Antonio La Picirella (Italy) – Climate and social justice organizer
• Braedon Peluso (United States) – Seasoned sailor and direct action activist
• Chloé Fiona Ludden (United Kingdom/France) – Former United Nations staff member and scientist
• Hatem Aouini (Tunisia) – Trade unionist and internationalist activist
• Tania “Tan” Safi (Australia) – Journalist and organizer born to Lebanese refugees
• Vigdis Bjorvand (Norway) 70-year-old activist with an unwavering commitment to justice spanning nearly five decadesJournalists on Board:
• Mohamed El Bakkali (Morocco) – Senior journalist with Al Jazeera, based in Paris
• Waad Al Musa (Iraq/United States) – Cameraman and field reporter with Al Jazeera

These participants join the Handala with a clear message: solidarity is not symbolic. It is physical, moral, and political action against apartheid, genocide, and occupation.

Full biographies here: https://freedomflotilla.org/2025-handala-participants/

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