Newsletter from Gaza - May 2026  

Resilience on boats: The Global Sumud Flotilla

Sumud is an Arabic word that means “steadfastness.” This is the story of the flotillas.

The idea of using flotillas to break the siege on Gaza has been around for almost 20 years. Since the movement began in 2006, several missions have been undertaken. Between 2008 and 2016, 31 boats were launched, and 5 reached Gaza. In 2010, the world saw a shocking event: the boat Mavi Marmara, carrying over 600 passengers, was raided by Israel in international waters. Ten people were killed, and many were injured. Since the ship sailed under a Turkish flag, relations between the two countries have cooled, and the legal battle continues.

In early October 2025, the movement gained new momentum, and the first Global Sumud Flotilla set sail from Barcelona. All 42 boats were intercepted in international waters. Hundreds of the 462 people on board were arrested, put in Israeli prisons, and many reported abuse by soldiers.

It is shocking how silent most world leaders have been, especially since the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territories published its findings in September 2025, confirming that Israel committed genocide in Gaza.

In April 2026, just a few weeks ago, the Global Sumud Flotilla set sail again, carrying medicine, food, baby formula, and over 1,000 courageous doctors, nurses, lawyers, humanitarians, and “normal” people who risk everything to stand up for humanity.

Many boats were already intercepted by Israel in international waters. 180 people were kidnapped, while currently 2 (Saif Abukeshek and Thiago Avila) remain in Israeli prison, with reports of torture. Torture- for standing up for human rights; this is a high price to pay, and I admire the courageous people who put their lives on the line.

It's obvious that a country that has spent a lot of effort to lock off the Gaza Strip doesn't want to see civilians breaking this blockade. But what I can understand is how governments and people around the world, who value human rights, can stay silent in the face of violence, injustice, and torture?

Thank you so much for your donations!

While this money helps Sami and his family, it also motivates me to continue these newsletters, as I see we have an impact.

In April, we collected 600 USD for Sami, and together with additional donations, he was able to register for the required 21 credit hours to continue his studies at his university.

Since the University discontinued scholarships for all students, Sami knows that raising funds for studies is the only way to ensure a better future.

Thank you for your support!

The hardships in Gaza have taken a toll—          Sami became ill

Sami is only 2o years old, but there is a lot on his shoulders- sometimes too much. As the eldest of 7 siblings, Sami supports his mother in leading the household since his father is missing. While the challenges keep growing, living in a tent for over 2.5 years doesn’t allow the body to rest as effectively as it needs to. This took its toll on Sami, and earlier in April, he found himself unable to perform basic activities. His whole body was hurting, he had back spasms, and his shoulders and legs were weakened. He went to a doctor who attested that Sami has physical and mental exhaustion accompanied by all body muscle tensions. The doctor prescribed chiropractic, massages, and strict rest. After several treatments, Sami is feeling much better, and – to my joy- he is also more active on WhatsApp again.

Every effort to continue studying

In Gaza, there are countless challenges to continuing studies. With few jobs and life in displacement, the costs for student fees, electricity, and internet are enormous.
Now - new opportunity opened up- it it also brought a new challenge: transportation.

Since last month, in-person classes have started again, and Sami travels to university two or three times a week. This is great news for students who barely know their classmates. But getting there is tough. Public transport stopped during the war, and the roads are so damaged that they’re now just dirt paths. 

Sami often waits about 30 minutes by the road before finding a private car with space for him. Sometimes he has to sit in the trunk and needs to hold on so he doesn’t fall out, and if he’s lucky enough to get a seat, he’s squeezed in tightly. Even though the university is only 6 km away, the trip usually takes 30 minutes.

No wonder that Sami is exhausted and has body pain, when a short journey is already so difficult.

April is Soso’s birthday month- 

the little lady turned 7

Childhood in Gaza is nothing like the carefree days we usually imagine. Serine, known as Soso, has already been through so much. At just four and a half, she had to move into a tent, has been displaced nine times since then, and lives with a chronic illness that requires regular injections. Despite everything, Soso’s smile shines like the sun. She does well in school and works hard to learn English. Soso loves beauty and does her makeup beautifully for special occasions.

Happy birthday, dearest Soso! 

I wish we could give you what you need most: safety and a home.

Please consider making a donation.

Sami and his family rely on us to meet their daily needs. Please stand with him and support them as much as you can.

Its on us, the people. 

Let's stand up for humanity! Our support and voices save lives.

We are the millions!

And we can make the change. 

This newsletter is published in English and German. Please subscribe to the newsletter, mention the language(s) you would like to receive, or contact Luna at Luna@healingforhumanity.world

luna@healingforhumanity.world

for more information visit our website: healingforhumanity.world