SoCal activist with Gaza flotilla is sent to Israeli prison

Last week, David Adler published the message that he said he would have his last communication on his way to Gaza with a boat with medical equipment, food and other aids.

Southern California, the previous night, a few Israeli navy vessels “threatened the convoy of about 40 boats” threatened “wrote.

“They attacked our ships, frightened our crew and prevented our communication,” he said.

Shortly after, Encino’s regular messages sent to his parents, sister and brother, who lived in the neighborhood of San Fernando Valley, were cut.

Left -minded political organization Progressive International’s 33 -year -old founding partner was among the 450 peace activists, health workers and other volunteers in the convoy, known as the Gaza Sumud fleet, who were detained in the end of last weekend after the Israeli Navy stopped the boats in international waters.

His family said that they have not been able to reach him since October 1, but he learned that he had been taken to Aşdod, an important cargo port of Israel, and then was transferred to the Ketziot prison in the Negev Desert.

Adler’s mother Ruth Kremen, “I could not talk to him, I do not know what situation it is and it really scares me,” he said.

A group of California Democrat, in a letter on Monday, called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the release of numerous California and other detainee US citizens.

24 Congress representatives and other officials signed by Foreign Minister Marco Rubio’ya sent to the letter, “US has an obligation to protect citizens abroad and should take action immediately,” the statement said. “We call you to work” [their] They need to be released immediately and safely, including the adjustment of the logistics of a plane to ensure that they can recover quickly. ”

Hundreds of fleet activities, including leading Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, were deported from Israel and flew to Athens. However, as of the letter, only a few Americans were released as of Monday evening, and 21 people remained under the supervision of Israel.

Among the detainees were Adler, as well as three California: Tommy Marcus, the internet celebrity living in the Los Angeles region; Geraldine Ramirez from Cathedral City in Coachella Valley; and Logan Hollarsmith from San Francisco.

California representative Ro Khanna (D-Fremont), one of those who signed the letter, told The Times that the Americans would be released until next day. However, without the net arrangements of the US Department of State, despite the fact that they organized flights to bring their citizens to their homes, they could be transferred to the neighbor Jordan by road.

Khanna said, “What I hear from families is disappointing.” “This is a priority for California delegation to ensure that our voters return safely. And we put pressure on Israel to do so.”

The US State Department did not respond to The Times’ request for comment, but in his statements, he said, “He took his determination to help US citizens seriously and [is] We watch the situation. “

“Fleet is a deliberate and unnecessary provocation. We are now focused on the plan to end the war, which is pleased with President Trump’s pleasure to end the war, as a historical opportunity for a universal permanent peace.”

The main ships of the Gaza Sumud Fleet departed from the city of Barcelona, ​​Spain, with dozens of volunteers from dozens of countries to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israel’s siege of these lands for two years has killed more than 60,000 people. Authorities say that Israel’s bombing campaign and months of blockade in Gaza triggered famine in Gaza, and the UN Investigation Commission and the international legal bodies and the US ally’s genocide lead to accusations. Israel rejects the claim on the grounds that it is “distorted and unfounded” and argues that the 7 October 2023 attack, led by Hamas, who fired Israel’s war in Gaza, is a genocide action in itself. Approximately 1,200 people lost their lives in this attack, 251 people were taken hostage.

Although Adler’s family supports his case, his mother and sister said that they were trying to determine him from joining the fleet, concern about his safety. In 2010, Israel knew that 10 activists, including a Turkish American, were killed and dozens were wounded in the raid of a fleet in 2010.

Adler’s father Paul, “We both trusted to do what he thinks he was right to do, and we are proud of what he did, but the level of anxiety is definitely very high,” he said.

In an article he wrote for Nation, the Jewish Adler wrote that his grandfather had joined the Paris resistance against the Nazis and had the reason for joining the fleet from his own legacy.

“Like other delegates, I joined this fleet to defend humanity before it is too late. But I remembered that I am here because I required my Jewish heritage in Yom Kippur.” Adler wrote.

Adler’s sister Laura, who lives in Connecticut, said the family did not know the fate of Adler for 24 hours.

“It may seem ridiculous to say that you are relieved when you learn that your brother is in prison, but at least when I found out that he was physically safe,” he said. “I do not understand why our country, which is the biggest supporter of Israel, is not so ambitious in protecting its citizens abroad.”

Family members, Adler’s father through the citizenship in France and Australia due to the reports compiled by representatives in these countries, they said. Family, on the contrary, the US government’s details are missing, he said.

Among the second convoys of about 10 boats departing last week, there is another Southern California.

LA -based independent journalist and human rights researcher Emily Wilder is on board to document the fleet efforts of Jewish Currents. He said, “As a passenger of a ship following the same route towards Gaza in case of capture by Israeli forces”, “he’s really worried about people taken and currently detained by Israel.”

Wilder, “But of course, such a duty is risky by nature,” he said.