This week, Staten Islander Leila Hegazy, a musician and teacher, is aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led, 1000 person strong, 50 vessels from 40 countries, humanitarian mission carrying food and medicine to Gaza. Her decision wasn’t taken lightly. She did it because people are starving, hospitals are collapsing. And governments, including our own, have failed to act.

A Mission Under Attack at Sea

On September 25, 2025, this mission came under direct assault as flotilla ships off the coast of Tunis were swarmed by 15 suspected Israeli drones. At least 13 explosions shook the vessels, communications were cut, and volunteers braced for chemical deployment. On the ship Alma , participants rushed from their bunks into the eerie orange night sky, strapping on life vests as “shado

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