# People 👥

Key activists and organisers on the Global Sumud Flotilla.

# Hughie Stirling — Scottish Activist

# Hughie Stirling — Global Sumud Flotilla Activist

**Last updated:** 25 May 2026 (evening)

---

## Bio

| Detail | Info |
|--------|------|
| **Full name** | Hughie Stirling |
| **Age** | 68 |
| **Home town** | Ullapool, Scotland |
| **Occupation** | Humanitarian activist |
| **Previous activism** | Palestine solidarity, Free Gaza Movement |

---

## Detention Account

Hughie Stirling was on the Global Sumud Flotilla when it was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in international waters. He gave detailed accounts of his treatment:

- **"They were ripping my jacket off and punching me and kicking me"** — quoted by @ScotNational (The National)
- Described the **"excruciating pain"** of his treatment
- Reports being **"kidnapped"** by Israeli occupation forces
- Described being **handcuffed, blindfolded, forced to kneel** on the deck
- Taken to a holding facility, questioned, accused of supporting Hamas
- Deported and flew home via Bilbao, Spain

He is described by Scottish media as an "elderly Scottish humanitarian."

A **second elderly Scottish activist** was also detained alongside Stirling on the flotilla, though their identity has not been as widely reported.

---

## Media Coverage

- **The National (Scotland)** — multiple articles covering his arrival home and testimony
- **Sky News** — quoted in coverage of the flotilla interception
- **Middle East Eye** — firsthand account of the raid and detention
- **Al Jazeera** — cited as a primary source on activist treatment
- **BBC Scotland** — Scottish connection coverage

---

## Twitter/X Discussion

> *Source: Nitter search, 25 May 2026*

- **@ScotNational** — "This is the moment Hughie Stirling, a 68-year-old activist from Ullapool, arrives home after being kidnapped by Israel while taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla."
- **@swilkinsonbc** — "Elderly Scottish humanitarian Hughie Stirling, violently kidnapped by israelis on @gbsumudflotilla describes the inhuman abuse he endured."
- **@gazanotice** — "HEARTBREAKING: Elderly Scottish activist Hughie Stirling... recounts the severe mistreatment and abuse he endured after being kidnapped by Israeli forces."
- **@Gubbed___Again** — Derogatory comment calling him "a stupid old fud."

---

## Reddit Discussion

> *Source: Reddit search, 25 May 2026 (evening)*

- **r/Scotland** (680pts/327cmts) — "Glasgow man onboard the Sumud Flotilla" — ongoing discussion about Scottish involvement
- **r/Scotland** (115pts/201cmts) — "Two Scots detained by Israeli forces after Gaza flotilla intercepted"
- **r/Scotland** (111pts/79cmts) — "Scots activists on Gaza aid flotilla released from Israeli prison"
- **r/Scotland** (77pts/132cmts) — "Elderly activist on Global Sumud Flotilla reports abuse in Israeli custody"
- **r/worldnews** (3066pts/538cmts) — "Clashes in Spain: Gaza flotilla activists beaten by police at Bilbao airport" — Stirling was among those returning through Bilbao

---

Hughie Stirling's age (68) and Scottish identity bring a direct UK dimension to the Sumud Flotilla story. His treatment — an elderly humanitarian beaten by Israeli forces — is likely to generate significant media and parliamentary pressure, particularly from Scottish MPs and the SNP.

---

## Sources

- The National (Scotland): thenational.scot
- Nitter search via localhost:8080
- Drop Site News
- Franceinfo

# Meriem Hadjal — French Activist

# Meriem Hadjal — Global Sumud Flotilla Activist

**Last updated:** 25 May 2026

---

## Bio

| Detail | Info |
|--------|------|
| **Full name** | Meriem Hadjal |
| **Age** | Not confirmed |
| **Nationality** | French |
| **Occupation** | Activist / humanitarian |
| **Organisation** | Global Sumud Flotilla participant |

---

## Detention Account — Sexual Assault Allegations

Meriem Hadjal gave harrowing testimony about her detention by Israeli forces after the flotilla was intercepted:

- **Stripped of warm clothing** by Israeli soldiers
- **Taken individually into a dark shipping container** during detention
- **Repeatedly groped** while in the container
- Testified she was **"tortured and sexually assaulted by 3 Israeli soldiers"** on the prison boat
- Described the soldiers' behaviour as having **"a sadism"** (Drop Site News interview)

Her testimony is some of the most detailed and disturbing to emerge from the Sumud Flotilla interception.

---

## Media Coverage

- **Drop Site News** — published video interview (24 May): "There's a sadism" — detailed testimony of sexual assault
- **franceinfo** — French national media coverage (23 May), reporting the testimony
- **@QudsNen** — French-language coverage: "Témoignage bouleversant" (heartbreaking testimony)
- **@CaronAymericoff** — "Glacant" (chilling), calling Israeli soldiers "a horde of rapists"

---

## Twitter/X Discussion

> *Source: Nitter search, 25 May 2026*

- **@xIsraelExposedx** — "Meriem Hadjal explains how she was tortured and sexually assaulted by 3 Israeli soldiers on the Prison-boat after being abducted in international waters."
- **@DropSiteNews** — Published her video interview titled "There's a sadism"
- **@franceinfo** — French national broadcaster picked up her story
- **@QudsNen** — French activist network amplifying her testimony
- **@CaronAymericoff** — Strong condemnation calling Israeli soldiers a "horde de violeurs" (pack of rapists)

---

## Reddit Discussion

No dedicated Reddit threads found for Meriem Hadjal specifically (25 May 2026). Her testimony is referenced within broader Sumud Flotilla threads on r/europes, r/worldnews, and r/LateStageCapitalism.

---

## What It Means

Meriem Hadjal's sexual assault allegations represent a significant escalation in the Sumud Flotilla story. If verified, these would constitute grave violations of international law. The French government — which has played an active role in Middle East diplomacy — may face domestic pressure to respond.

---

## Sources

- Drop Site News: dropsitenews.com
- franceinfo: franceinfo.fr
- Nitter search via localhost:8080

# Ebrahim Peters — South African Activist

# Ebrahim Peters — Global Sumud Flotilla Activist

**Last updated:** 25 May 2026

---

## Bio

| Detail | Info |
|--------|------|
| **Full name** | Ebrahim Peters |
| **Age** | Not confirmed |
| **Nationality** | South African |
| **Occupation** | Activist |
| **Organisation** | Global Sumud Flotilla participant |

---

## Detention Account — Torture Claims

Ebrahim Peters says Israeli forces **tortured him specifically because of his South African nationality**, linking his abuse directly to South Africa's ICJ genocide case against Israel.

Key details:
- Claims Israeli interrogators referenced South Africa's legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice
- Says the torture was **nationality-based** — treated more harshly because of where he comes from
- Implies a punitive element: South Africa's ICJ case (which found it "plausible" Israel was committing genocide in Gaza) led to him being a target
- The claim creates a direct link between international legal action and personal reprisal

---

## Media Coverage

- **IOL (Independent Online, South Africa)** — "Global Sumud Flotilla: Heroes welcome for SA activists after harrowing Israeli detention"
- Featured in the **r/southafrica** Reddit thread with **143 points and 13 comments** — the highest-engagement Sumud Flotilla Reddit thread found

---

## Twitter/X Discussion

> *Source: Nitter search, 25 May 2026*

- **@QudsNen** — "Ebrahim Peters, a South African activist of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, says Israeli forces tortured him because of his nationality, linking the abuse to South Africa's ICJ case against Israel."
- **@DmodosCutter** — Same account amplified
- **@MANOUCHKYA** — French-language amplification: linking torture to South Africa's ICJ complaint
- **@BeateLandefeld** — Quote amplification

---

## Reddit Discussion

- **r/southafrica** (143pts, 13cmts) — "Ebrahim Peters, a South African activist of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, says Israeli forces tortured him because of his nationality, linking the abuse to South Africa's ICJ case against Israel." — most popular Sumud Flotilla thread found on Reddit.

---

## What It Means

Ebrahim Peters' case is politically significant because:
1. It **directly connects the flotilla interception to the ICJ genocide case** — Israel allegedly torturing a South African activist because of that country's legal action
2. South Africa has been the most prominent state actor pursuing the genocide case — a torture claim against one of its citizens escalates the bilateral dimension
3. The South African government faces domestic pressure to respond, potentially strengthening diplomatic action against Israel

---

## Sources

- IOL (South Africa): iol.co.za
- Reddit: r/southafrica
- Nitter search via localhost:8080

# Zohar Chamberlain Regev — Israeli-Born Activist

# Zohar Chamberlain Regev — Global Sumud Flotilla Activist

**Last updated:** 25 May 2026
**Status:** REPORTEDLY STILL DETAINED BY ISRAEL — only flotilla activist not released

---

## Bio

| Detail | Info |
|--------|------|
| **Full name** | Zohar Chamberlain Regev |
| **Age** | 54 |
| **Born** | Israel, 1971 or 1972 |
| **Background** | Jewish, born in Israel. Converted to Islam later in life. |
| **Home** | Lived near Nazareth (Kfar H— settlement / village area) |
| **Current status** | Still in Israeli detention as of 25 May 2026 — reportedly the only Sumud Flotilla activist Israel has refused to release |

---

## Who She Is

Zohar Chamberlain Regev is an **Israeli-born Jewish woman who converted to Islam** — the only activist from the Global Sumud Flotilla that Israel has refused to release as of 25 May 2026.

Her reported quote, from Nitter sources:

> *"As a human being, but also as an Israeli of Jewish origin, I am horrified by what Israel is doing in Palestine in general and in Gaza in particular. We were always told: 'How could the world remain silent during the Holocaust?'"*

This quote suggests she joined the flotilla driven by her Jewish identity and the moral lessons of the Holocaust — a powerful framing.

---

## Why She's Still Detained

Israel's refusal to release her while deporting all other foreign activists suggests:

1. **Her Israeli citizenship** (by birth) gives Israel legal jurisdiction to hold her
2. **Her conversion to Islam** may be seen as an aggravating factor by Israeli authorities
3. **"Treason" framing** — an Israeli-born Jew participating in an anti-blockade flotilla is treated more harshly than foreign nationals
4. She may face **criminal charges** under Israeli law, unlike foreign activists who were simply deported

---

## Media Coverage

- **r/LateStageCapitalism** (10pts) — "The interesting and inspiring story of Zohar Chamberlain Regev, an Israeli-born Jew who later converted to Islam and was part of the illegally intercepted flotilla."
- **Turkish media** (MASAOMORITR, umradil, HilfullFudul) — significant Turkish-language coverage amplifying her story
- **Spanish-language media** — @MTombesi3 posted "La única activista de la Flotilla Sumud que sigue presa es una mujer judía convertida al Islam"

---

## Twitter/X Discussion

> *Source: Nitter search, 25 May 2026*

- **@umradil** (Turkish) — "The only activist Israel refuses to release is Zohar Regev Chamberlain.... Zohar, born 54 years ago in Israel to a Jewish family. Near Nazareth, Kfar H—"
- **@MASAOMORITR** (Turkish) — Quoted her: "As a human being, but also as an Israeli of Jewish origin, I am horrified..." (published in German/Turkish)
- **@HilfullFudul** (Turkish) — "The only 'Resistance Flotilla' activist Israel refuses to release: Zohar Regev Chamberlain"
- **@MTombesi3** (Spanish) — "The only Sumud Flotilla activist still imprisoned is a Jewish woman who converted to Islam"

---

## What It Means

Zohar's case is the most symbolically charged of all the flotilla activists:

1. **Jewish activist detained by Israel** — undermines Israel's claim to represent all Jews
2. **Convert to Islam** — touches on Israel's anxieties about Jewish emigration and conversion
3. **Held longer than any other activist** — suggests punitive treatment beyond standard deportation
4. **Holocaust framing** ("How could the world remain silent?") — powerful moral comparison
5. **diplomatic leverage** — her continued detention could become a rallying cause for Jewish diaspora groups critical of Israel

---

## Sources

- Nitter search via localhost:8080
- Reddit: r/LateStageCapitalism, r/Marxism
- Turkish media (@umradil, @MASAOMORITR)
- Spanish media (@MTombesi3)

# Daniela Maria Bonamico — Canadian Activist

# Daniela Maria Bonamico — Global Sumud Flotilla Activist

**Last updated:** 25 May 2026
**Status:** Released and returned to Canada

---

## Bio

| Detail | Info |
|--------|------|
| **Full name** | Daniela Maria Bonamico |
| **Age** | Not confirmed |
| **Nationality** | Canadian |
| **Occupation** | Activist |
| **Organisation** | Canadian Boat to Gaza / Global Sumud Flotilla participant |

---

## Detention & Return

Daniela Maria Bonamico was on the Global Sumud Flotilla when intercepted by the Israeli Navy. She was detained by Israeli forces and subjected to what has been described as **"illegal detention and torture"** by activist accounts.

Upon her return to Canada, she arrived at **Toronto Pearson Airport** to a **large crowd of supporters** who turned out to welcome her home.

---

## Twitter/X Discussion

> *Source: Nitter search, 25 May 2026*

- **@nurdogandiyorki** — "Another participant in the Canadian Global Sumud Flotilla, Daniela Maria Bonamico, has arrived in Toronto after Israel illegally detained and tortured activists. Look at the crowd at Pearson Airport in Toronto."
- **@Partisan_12** (from earlier research) — Similar coverage of her arrival and the crowd welcome

Note: Only one tweet found in Nitter search with her full name. She may be more active under a shortened name or alternate handle.

---

## Canadian Government Response

As of 25 May 2026, no official Canadian government statement specifically addressing Daniela Maria Bonamico's detention has been found in the search results. The crowd at Pearson Airport suggests significant grassroots support, which may lead to parliamentary questions or government action.

---

## What It Means

Daniela Maria Bonamico's case adds a Canadian dimension to the Sumud Flotilla story:

1. Canada has historically been more cautious on Israel-Palestine than some European nations — public pressure from Pearson Airport crowds may shift that
2. The "torture" claims (per activist accounts) could trigger formal Canadian government protests
3. Canada's Jewish diaspora is significant — the story may gain traction depending on how it's framed

---

## Sources

- Nitter search via localhost:8080
- @Partisan_12, @nurdogandiyorki on X/Twitter

# Organisers — Rumbo a Gaza & Freedom Flotilla Coalition

# Manuel Tapial & Laura Arau — Rumbo a Gaza Organisers

**Last updated:** 25 May 2026

---

## Manuel Tapial

| Detail | Info |
|--------|------|
| **Role** | Co-founder, Rumbo a Gaza |
| **Nationality** | Spanish |
| **Background** | Journalist and activist |

Manuel Tapial is a Spanish journalist and activist, co-founder of the **Rumbo a Gaza** organisation, which is a lead coordinating body of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. He has been involved in multiple Gaza flotillas.

Sources: Freedom Flotilla Coalition profiles, Spanish media coverage of Rumbo a Gaza.

---

## Laura Arau

| Detail | Info |
|--------|------|
| **Role** | Coordinator, Rumbo a Gaza |
| **Nationality** | Spanish |
| **Background** | Activist |

Laura Arau is a coordinator for the Rumbo a Gaza campaign, organising Spanish participation in the Sumud Flotilla. She has been a prominent voice in Spanish solidarity activism.

Sources: Freedom Flotilla Coalition member listings, Spanish solidarity media.

---

## Other Key Organisers

| Name | Organisation | Role |
|------|-------------|------|
| **Huwaida Arraf** | US Boat to Gaza / ISM co-founder | Palestinian-American human rights lawyer |
| **Ann Wright** | US Boat to Gaza | Retired US Army colonel, diplomat (resigned 2003 over Iraq) |
| **Dr. Paul Larudee** | Free Gaza Movement co-founder | American physician and activist |
| **Dror Feiler** | Ship to Gaza Sweden | Swedish-Israeli musician and activist |
| **Mikael Löfgren** | Ship to Gaza Sweden | Multiple flotilla veteran |
| **Prof. Erik Fosse** | Ship to Gaza Norway | Norwegian doctor, was on Mavi Marmara (2010) |
| **Dr. Ramón Pedregal** | Rumbo a Gaza | Spanish doctor, (maimed by Israeli forces on 2010 flotilla) |
| **Mairead Maguire** | Independent | Nobel Peace Prize laureate (N. Ireland), veteran flotilla participant |
| **Greta Berlin** | Free Gaza Movement co-founder | American journalist |

---

## Sources

- Freedom Flotilla Coalition member organisations
- Rumbo a Gaza campaign materials
- Historical coverage of 2010-2018 flotillas

# Alex Colston — Zeteo Contributor & Activist

# Alex Colston — Global Sumud Flotilla Activist / Zeteo Contributor

**Last updated:** 25 May 2026 (evening)

---

## Bio

| Detail | Info |
|--------|------|
| **Full name** | Alex Colston |
| **Role** | Contributor to Zeteo (independent investigative journalism platform) |
| **Previous activism** | Journalistic coverage of Palestine solidarity |

---

## Detention Account

Alex Colston was on the Global Sumud Flotilla as a journalist/contributor for Zeteo when it was intercepted by the Israeli Navy. Their testimony has been widely shared:

- **"I just blacked out. I couldn't handle it. It was so painful."** — describing the treatment during detention
- Reports being among those detained by Israeli forces during the interception
- Their testimony adds a journalism-focused dimension to the abuse allegations

---

## Media Coverage

- **Zeteo** — independent journalism platform — Colston was on board covering the flotilla
- **r/Palestine** (477pts/4cmts) — "I just blacked out. I couldn't handle it. It was so painful" — widely shared testimony

---

## What It Means

Alex Colston's presence on the flotilla as a Zeteo contributor means the abuse testimonies have been documented from inside the detention by someone whose primary role is journalism. This adds weight to the abuse allegations and provides first-hand reporting capacity that other detained activists (who were primarily humanitarian workers) might not have.

---

## Sources

- Zeteo: zeteo.com
- Reddit: r/Palestine

# Chris Hill — Welsh Activist

# Chris Hill — Welsh Activist, Global Sumud Flotilla

**Last updated:** 25 May 2026

---

## Bio

| Detail | Info |
|--------|------|
| **Full name** | Chris Hill |
| **Home town** | Clwt y Bont, near Caernarfon / Llanberis, Gwynedd, Wales |
| **Role** | Humanitarian activist on board the Global Sumud Flotilla |
| **Organisation** | Global Flotilla Cymru |
| **Flag** | Flew the Welsh flag in Palestinian colours on the flotilla |

---

## Detention

Chris Hill was aboard one of the vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla when it was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in international waters near Crete. He was among more than 150 people (including 175 according to some reports) detained by Israeli forces.

- Flew the **Welsh dragon flag in Palestinian colours** from the boat during the flotilla
- Detained alongside Martin Guilfoyle, the other Welsh activist on board
- UK Government notified; families informed
- Name confirmed by Nation.Cymru reporting

---

## Media Coverage

- **Nation.Cymru** — multiple articles covering his detention
- **Associated Press** — cited in AP's flotilla coverage as one of the Welsh nationals detained
- **Anadolu Agency (Anadolu English)** — video interview, 21 May 2026. Chris describes 'rough' treatment in Israeli detention: "They were pretty rough with us, but we can't forget how they treat Palestinians on a daily basis." Calls on UK government to "wake up," accusing it of complicity through "inaction". (127 hearts, 84 retweets on X)

## Post-Detention Statements

- Called on UK government to intervene and condemned UK complicity through inaction
- Drew explicit comparison between treatment of flotilla activists and daily Palestinian experience under occupation
- Flew Welsh dragon flag in Palestinian colours on the flotilla as a symbol of Welsh-Palestinian solidarity

---

## Sources

- Nation.Cymru: nation.cymru — "Two Welsh activists among those detained after Gaza aid flotilla intercepted at sea" (30 Apr 2026)
- Nation.Cymru: nation.cymru — "Welsh activists join 'historic' Humanitarian Flotilla sailing from Barcelona to Gaza" (4 Sep 2025)

# Martin Guilfoyle — Welsh Activist

# Martin Guilfoyle — Welsh Activist, Global Sumud Flotilla

**Last updated:** 25 May 2026

---

## Bio

| Detail | Info |
|--------|------|
| **Full name** | Martin Guilfoyle |
| **Home town** | Burry Port, Carmarthenshire, Wales |
| **Role** | Humanitarian activist on board the Global Sumud Flotilla |
| **Organisation** | Global Flotilla Cymru |

---

## Detention

Martin Guilfoyle was aboard one of the vessels in the Global Sumud Flotilla when it was intercepted by the Israeli Navy in international waters near Crete. He was among more than 150 people detained by Israeli forces.

- Detained alongside Chris Hill, the other Welsh activist on board
- UK Government notified; families informed
- Part of the group of Welsh activists who joined the flotilla from Barcelona

---

## Media Coverage

- **Nation.Cymru** — identified by name and hometown as one of two Welsh detainees
- **Associated Press** — cited as a Welsh national detained

---

## Sources

- Nation.Cymru: nation.cymru — "Two Welsh activists among those detained after Gaza aid flotilla intercepted at sea" (30 Apr 2026)

# Leigh Evans — Welsh Activist & Ground Crew

# Leigh Evans — Welsh Activist, Global Sumud Flotilla Ground Crew

**Last updated:** 25 May 2026

---

## Bio

| Detail | Info |
|--------|------|
| **Full name** | Leigh Evans |
| **Home town** | Swansea, Wales |
| **Occupation** | Retired NHS nurse |
| **Role** | Ground crew / spokesperson for Global Flotilla Cymru. Previously detained on an earlier flotilla. |
| **Organisation** | Global Flotilla Cymru |

---

## Activism

Leigh Evans has been a prominent Welsh activist for the Palestinian cause, particularly visible through social media videos advocating for the people of Gaza.

- **Retired NHS nurse** from Swansea
- Was scheduled to join a subsequent wave of the flotilla after the initial vessels departed
- Flew the **Welsh dragon flag in Palestinian colours** — first saw the flag design from a Palestinian paramedic colleague while working in the West Bank
- Previously captured by Israeli forces on an earlier flotilla, giving her firsthand experience of the detention conditions

### Key Quotes

> "We are leaving the UK with the Dunkirk spirit to meet up with the French resistance. Unlike in Dunkirk, however, our governments are helping the fascist genocide. So it is up to us humanity to go with love in our hearts not bullets and bombs and try to lift the siege on Gaza."

> "I was captured by Israeli forces on the last flotilla, so I know how serious, and how frightening, the situation these two now face will be. The psychological trauma and uncertainty are immense, and the physical abuse they are subjected to is wholly unacceptable."

> "The seizure of unarmed civilians in international waters is a grave violation of human rights and sets a dangerous precedent. We call on the Foreign Secretary to act immediately to secure their release."

---

## Media Coverage

- **Nation.Cymru** — cited as Global Flotilla Cymru spokesperson
- **Social media** — gained attention through videos advocating for Gaza

---

## Sources

- Nation.Cymru: nation.cymru — "Two Welsh activists among those detained after Gaza aid flotilla intercepted at sea" (30 Apr 2026)
- Nation.Cymru: nation.cymru — "Welsh activists join 'historic' Humanitarian Flotilla sailing from Barcelona to Gaza" (4 Sep 2025)